Decoded: Australian Signals Directorate Game

The Game's premise is:

Two to five people collaborate on touchscreens, working against the clock to resolve missions based on real events—such as saving Australia's missile defence system plans and preventing a ransomware attack on a hospital.

— Jamie Hogue, Project Director

The game includes video cut scenes that immerse players in the wider cybersecurity narrative.

Each player is issued a task. Each task requires two specific tools to complete it. The tools are distributed and shared between players. Players need to verbally request the tools from their team mates, who will need to send them over so they can be used. Once a task is complete, a new one is issued. If enough tasks are completed before the time runs out, the mission is a success.

After each mission completes, scenario video is played on the larger screen for the team.

Neat stuff

• Like real life, the game has interruptions – mini games – that players must quickly complete to get back to work. In one interruption the player is running low on energy and needs to take a coffee break.

My Contribution

I contributed the game design, game logic, and interface. This was a team effort, and I enjoyed collaborating with engineers, videographers and the Australian Signals Directorate staff themselves while putting this together.

Result

Decoded exhibit at the National Museum of Australia YouTube MUSE Creative Awards 2023 Gold Winner Art Processors