Ask HN: Would a game to teach Bash & *nix be worth-while?

#1

Post by timruffles » Wed, Oct 06, 2010, 8:19 AM UTC

I got struck by the idea to build a game to teach Bash & *nix.

It'd be modelled on classic kung-fu movies where you'd learn with a master (Master Foo, clearly), to battle the evil Master Blub. Badges, leader-boards and all other buzzwords would be present. Have a look - http://banzaibash.com

Does it sound like something you or anyone else would find useful? If I could get around 250 preorders that'd be enough to take the time off to build it.

Re: Ask HN: Would a game to teach Bash & *nix be worth-while?

#2

Post by wyclif » Wed, Oct 06, 2010, 9:13 AM UTC

Yes.

Re: Ask HN: Would a game to teach Bash & *nix be worth-while?

#3

Post by vgurgov » Wed, Oct 06, 2010, 9:22 AM UTC

interesting idea itself, depends on execution.

i'd suggest to highlight that its productivity game for Mac OS console as well.

i believe Mac users will more likely pay for that.

Re: Ask HN: Would a game to teach Bash & *nix be worth-while?

#4

Post by timruffles » Wed, Oct 06, 2010, 9:24 AM UTC

vgurgov wrote: post #3

interesting idea itself, depends on execution. i'd suggest to highlight that its productivity game for Mac OS console as well. i believe Mac users will more likely pay for that.

Thanks, that's good advice, Mac users (I use Mac) are definitely happier to pay for productivity stuff - OmniFocus etc. I'll add that :)

Re: Ask HN: Would a game to teach Bash & *nix be worth-while?

#5

Post by rudin » Wed, Oct 06, 2010, 9:32 AM UTC

Loving the concept but maybe you should be charitable and make it free as it is really just a tutorial + triggers.

Re: Ask HN: Would a game to teach Bash & *nix be worth-while?

#6

Post by timruffles » Wed, Oct 06, 2010, 9:39 AM UTC

rudin wrote: post #5

Loving the concept but maybe you should be charitable and make it free as it is really just a tutorial + triggers.

I'd love to but I'm not really at a point in my life where I can do a whole project full time for fun :) Since it'd be cloud based (as you'd be doing things which would be dangerous to do on your home system, under time pressure) it'd have running costs, and I expect the security aspect to be tricky.

Re: Ask HN: Would a game to teach Bash & *nix be worth-while?

#7

Post by timruffles » Wed, Oct 06, 2010, 9:41 AM UTC

wyclif wrote: post #2

Yes.

Thanks very much for your support wyclif, any suggestions?

Re: Ask HN: Would a game to teach Bash & *nix be worth-while?

#8

Post by ody » Wed, Oct 06, 2010, 9:48 AM UTC

Good idea however your site has no news, contact info etc .. nothing apart from an overview of the product and links to paypal .. add some info about yourself at least and I'll cough up £11.99.

Good luck!

Re: Ask HN: Would a game to teach Bash & *nix be worth-while?

#9

Post by ody » Wed, Oct 06, 2010, 9:50 AM UTC

Have you checked out Hacker Evolution? Might be a good source of ideas. It also strikes me that £20 may be a tad much to ask for an interactive fiction text game.

Re: Ask HN: Would a game to teach Bash & *nix be worth-while?

#10

Post by timruffles » Wed, Oct 06, 2010, 9:52 AM UTC

ody wrote: post #8

Good idea however your site has no news, contact info etc .. nothing apart from an overview of the product and links to paypal .. add some info about yourself at least and I'll cough up £11.99. Good luck!

Thanks! Good point, I'll pop some more stuff up!