The 10 Video Games That Can Teach You About Coding, Hacking and DevOps

Coding, hacking and DevOps are some of the most sought-after skills in the digital age. But learning them can be daunting, especially if you don't have a background in computer science or engineering. Fortunately, there are some action video games that can help you get a taste of these fields and even teach you some useful concepts and techniques along the way.

In this article, I will show you the 10 video games that can teach you about coding, hacking and DevOps, and how they can make learning fun and engaging. Whether you want to create your own games, hack into secure systems, or automate complex tasks, these games will challenge you and inspire you to learn more. So, grab your controller, because the intersection of gaming and IT education is about to take you on a thrilling journey!

10 Video Games that Teach You About Coding

• Minecraft
• Watch Dogs
• Operation: Tango
• Factorio
• Screeps
• Kerbal Space Program
• NITE team 4
• Greyhack
• Midnight protocol
• DevOps Dream

1. Minecraft

Minecraft is a popular sandbox game that allows players to create and explore a virtual world made of blocks. But did you know that Minecraft can also help you learn DevOps, cloud computing or coding? Here are some ways how:

Coding: Minecraft is a great game for learning about the basics of coding. You can use the in-game command blocks to create your own programs and automate tasks. You can also use mods to add new features and functionality to the game.

Clouds: Minecraft can also be used to learn about cloud computing. You can use the Minecraft Realms service to create and manage your own cloud server. You can also use Minecraft servers to host your own mods and custom maps.

DevOps: Minecraft can also be used to learn about DevOps. You can use Minecraft servers to practice deploying and managing software applications. You can also use Minecraft to create and test DevOps pipelines.

Here are some specific examples of how you can use Minecraft to learn about coding, clouds, and DevOps:

• Coding: You can use the in-game command blocks to create your own programs and automate tasks. For example, you could create a command block that automatically builds a house for you. You could also create a command block that automatically minines resources for you.

  
  

• Clouds: You can use the Minecraft Realms service to create and manage your own cloud server. This is a great way to learn about the basics of cloud computing, such as how to provision and manage resources.

  
  

• DevOps: You can use Minecraft servers to practice deploying and managing software applications. For example, you could create a Minecraft server that hosts a mod that you have developed. You could also use Minecraft to create and test DevOps pipelines.

In addition to the examples above, there are many other ways to use Minecraft to learn about coding, clouds, and DevOps. The possibilities are endless!

• Here are some tips for getting the most out of Minecraft for learning:
• Find a community of people who are interested in learning about the same things as you. There are many online forums and communities where you can connect with other Minecraft players and learn from each other.
• Don't be afraid to experiment. Minecraft is a great environment for experimenting and learning from your mistakes.
• Have fun! Minecraft is a game, so make sure you are enjoying yourself while you are learning.

2. Watch Dogs

Watch Dogs is a video game that focuses on hacking and the consequences of technology on society. The game can be a great way to learn about some of the basics of hacking, DevOps, and coding.

In Watch Dogs, the player takes on the role of Aiden Pearce, a hacker with the ability to hack into any device connected to the city's surveillance network. This allows Aiden to control traffic lights, security cameras, and other devices.

The game teaches players about a variety of hacking techniques, such as:

• Social engineering: Aiden can use social engineering techniques to trick people into giving him access to their devices or information.

  
  

• Phishing: Aiden can send phishing emails to trick people into clicking on malicious links or opening attachments.

  
  

• SQL injection: Aiden can use SQL injection vulnerabilities to access databases and steal data.

  
  

• Cross-site scripting (XSS): Aiden can use XSS vulnerabilities to inject malicious code into websites.

Watch Dogs also teaches players about the basics of DevOps and coding. Aiden can use the in-game hacking tools to create and deploy scripts that automate tasks. He can also use the tools to debug code and identify vulnerabilities.

Here are some specific examples of how Watch Dogs can help you learn about hacking, DevOps, and coding:

• Hacking: The game teaches players about a variety of hacking techniques, such as social engineering, phishing, SQL injection, and XSS.

• DevOps: Aiden can use the in-game hacking tools to create and deploy scripts that automate tasks. He can also use the tools to debug code and identify vulnerabilities.

• Coding: The game uses a programming language called ctOS Script, which is similar to Python. Players can learn about the basics of coding by writing scripts to automate tasks and hack into devices.

It is important to note that Watch Dogs is a game, and it does not teach players everything they need to know about hacking, DevOps, or coding. However, the game can be a great way to learn about the basics of these topics and get started on further learning.

Here are some tips for getting the most out of Watch Dogs for learning:

• Pay attention to the tutorials. The game provides tutorials that teach players about the different hacking techniques and tools.
• Experiment with the in-game hacking tools. The best way to learn is by doing. Try experimenting with the different tools and see what you can do.

3. Operation: Tango

Operation: Tango is a cooperative puzzle game where two players work together to complete missions using their unique skills and abilities. One player plays as Agent Tango, a field agent who can interact with the physical world, and the other player plays as Agent Hacker, a cyber agent who can hack into computer systems.

The game teaches players about a variety of coding and hacking concepts, such as:

• Programming: Players need to write code to control machines, solve puzzles, and complete missions.

  
  

• Networking Players need to understand how networks work in order to hack into computer systems and communicate with each other.

  
  

• System administration: Players need to understand how computer systems work in order to hack into them and exploit vulnerabilities.

Here are some specific examples of how Operation: Tango can teach you about coding and hacking:

• Programming: Players need to write code to control machines, solve puzzles, and complete missions. For example, players might need to write code to control a robot to navigate a maze or to hack into a computer system to steal data.

  
  

• Networking: Players need to understand how networks work in order to hack into computer systems and communicate with each other. For example, players might need to scan a network for vulnerabilities or to sniff traffic to steal passwords.

  
  

• System administration: Players need to understand how computer systems work in order to hack into them and exploit vulnerabilities. For example, players might need to find and exploit a vulnerability in a web server to gain access to a website's database.

It is important to note that Operation: Tango is a game, and it does not teach players everything they need to know about coding or hacking. However, the game can be a great way to learn about the basics of these topics and get started on further learning.

Here are some tips for getting the most out of Operation: Tango for learning:

• Pay attention to the tutorials. The game provides tutorials that teach players about the different coding and hacking concepts.

  
  

• Experiment with the in-game tools. The best way to learn is by doing. Try experimenting with the different tools and see what you can do.

4. Factorio

Factorio is a game where players build and maintain a factory, producing increasingly complex machines and products. The game can help players learn about some of the basics of coding and DevOps.

Coding

Factorio can teach players about some of the basics of coding, such as:

• Variables: Players can use variables to store data and perform calculations.
• Loops: Players can use loops to automate tasks.
• Conditional statements: Players can use conditional statements to make decisions and control the flow of their programs.

Players can use the in-game programming language, Circuit Network, to create and deploy scripts that automate tasks in their factory. For example, players could create a script that automatically builds a new machine when a certain resource is needed.

DevOps

Factorio can also teach players about some of the basics of DevOps, such as:

• Continuous integration: Players can use the in-game blueprint system to create and share blueprints for their factory designs. This allows players to collaborate on their factories and quickly share new designs with each other.
• Continuous delivery: Players can use the in-game belt system to transport resources and products throughout their factory. This allows players to quickly and easily deploy new changes to their production line.

Factorio can be a great way to learn about the basics of coding and DevOps. However, it is important to note that the game does not teach players about hacking.

Here are some tips for getting the most out of Factorio for learning:

• Pay attention to the tutorials. The game provides tutorials that teach players about the different coding and DevOps concepts.
• Experiment with the in-game programming language and blueprint system. The best way to learn is by doing. Try experimenting with the different tools and see what you can do.

5. Screeps

Screeps is a real-time strategy game where players build and maintain a colony of creeps, which are programmable robots. The game can help players learn about some of the basics of coding and DevOps, but it does not teach players about hacking.

Coding

Screeps can teach players about some of the basics of coding, such as:

• Variables: Players can use variables to store data and perform calculations.
• Loops: Players can use loops to automate tasks.
• Conditional statements: Players can use conditional statements to make decisions and control the flow of their programs.
• Functions: Players can use functions to organize their code and make it more reusable.
• Object-oriented programming: Players can use object-oriented programming to create and manage complex systems.

Players can use the in-game programming language, JavaScript, to create and deploy scripts that control their creeps. For example, players could create a script that automatically builds a new structure when a certain resource is needed.

DevOps

Screeps can also teach players about some of the basics of DevOps, such as:

• Continuous integration: Players can use the in-game source control system to track changes to their scripts and deploy new changes to their creeps quickly and easily.
• Continuous delivery: Players can use the in-game build system to automatically build and deploy new versions of their scripts to their creeps.
• Testing: Players can use the in-game testing tools to test their scripts before deploying them to their creeps.

Screeps can be a great way to learn about the basics of coding and DevOps. However, it is important to note that the game does not teach players about hacking.

Here are some tips for getting the most out of Screeps for learning:

• Pay attention to the tutorials. The game provides tutorials that teach players about the different coding and DevOps concepts.
• Experiment with the in-game programming language and source control system. The best way to learn is by doing. Try experimenting with the different tools and see what you can do.

6. Kerbal Space Program

Kerbal Space Program (KSP) is a space flight simulator game where players build, launch, and control rockets and spacecraft. The game can help players learn about some of the basics of coding, DevOps, and Physics, but it does not teach players about hacking.

Coding

KSP can teach players about some of the basics of coding, such as:

• Variables: Players can use variables to store data and perform calculations.
• Loops: Players can use loops to automate tasks.
• Conditional statements: Players can use conditional statements to make decisions and control the flow of their programs.
• Functions: Players can use functions to organize their code and make it more reusable.

Players can use the in-game programming language, KSP Script, to create and deploy scripts that control their rockets and spacecraft. For example, players could create a script that automatically stages their rocket's engines or that deploys their solar panels.

DevOps

KSP can also teach players about some of the basics of DevOps, such as:

• Version control: Players can use the in-game version control system to track changes to their spacecraft designs and scripts. This allows players to collaborate on their spacecraft and quickly share new designs with each other.
• Continuous integration: Players can use the in-game build system to automatically build and deploy new versions of their spacecraft designs and scripts to their rockets and spacecraft.
• Testing: Players can use the in-game testing tools to test their spacecraft designs and scripts before deploying them to their rockets and spacecraft.

KSP can be a great way to learn about the basics of coding, DevOps, and Physics. However, it is important to note that the game does not teach players about hacking.

Here are some tips for getting the most out of KSP for learning:

• Pay attention to the tutorials. The game provides tutorials that teach players about the different coding, DevOps, and Physics concepts.
• Experiment with the in-game programming language and version control system. The best way to learn is by doing. Try experimenting with the different tools and see what you can do.

7. NITE team 4

NITE Team 4 is a hacking simulation game where players take on the role of a recruit in a sophisticated hacking team, called Network Intelligence & Technical Evaluation (NITE) Team 4, that reports to a large intelligence agency. Players use the STINGER hacking terminal to infiltrate hardened computer networks and carry out missions that feature real espionage tradecraft terminology taken from leaked NSA documents.

NITE Team 4 can help players learn about some of the basics of coding and hacking.

Coding

NITE Team 4 can teach players about some of the basics of coding, such as:

• Variables: Players can use variables to store data and perform calculations.
• Loops: Players can use loops to automate tasks.
• Conditional statements: Players can use conditional statements to make decisions and control the flow of their programs.
• Functions: Players can use functions to organize their code and make it more reusable.

Players use the STINGER hacking terminal to write scripts that automate hacking tasks. For example, players might write a script to scan a network for vulnerabilities or to exploit a vulnerability in a web server.

Hacking

NITE Team 4 can teach players about some of the basics of hacking, such as:

• Recon: Players can use the STINGER hacking terminal to gather information about their target network, such as IP addresses, domain names, and open ports.
• Vulnerability scanning: Players can use the STINGER hacking terminal to scan their target network for vulnerabilities.
• Exploitation: Players can use the STINGER hacking terminal to exploit vulnerabilities in their target network to gain access to systems and data.
• Post-exploitation: Players can use the STINGER hacking terminal to maintain access to their target network and perform tasks such as stealing data or installing malware.

NITE Team 4 can be a great way to learn about the basics of coding and hacking.

Here are some tips for getting the most out of NITE Team 4 for learning:

• Pay attention to the tutorials. The game provides tutorials that teach players about the different coding and hacking concepts.
• Experiment with the STINGER hacking terminal. The best way to learn is by doing. Try experimenting with the different tools and see what you can do.

8. Grey Hack

Grey Hack is a hacking simulation game where players take on the role of a hacker and complete missions by exploiting vulnerabilities in computer systems. The game can help players learn about some of the basics of coding and hacking, but it does not teach players about DevOps.

Coding

Grey Hack can teach players about some of the basics of coding, such as:

• Variables: Players can use variables to store data and perform calculations.
• Loops: Players can use loops to automate tasks.
• Conditional statements: Players can use conditional statements to make decisions and control the flow of their programs.
• Functions: Players can use functions to organize their code and make it more reusable.

Players can use the in-game scripting system to write scripts that automate hacking tasks. For example, players might write a script to scan a network for vulnerabilities or to exploit a vulnerability in a web server.

Hacking

Grey Hack can teach players about some of the basics of hacking, such as:

• Recon: Players can use the in-game tools to gather information about their target network, such as IP addresses, domain names, and open ports.
• Vulnerability scanning: Players can use the in-game tools to scan their target network for vulnerabilities.
• Exploitation: Players can use the in-game tools to exploit vulnerabilities in their target network to gain access to systems and data.
• Post-exploitation: Players can use the in-game tools to maintain access to their target network and perform tasks such as stealing data or installing malware.

Grey Hack can be a great way to learn about the basics of coding and hacking. However, it is important to note that the game does not teach players about DevOps.

Here are some tips for getting the most out of Grey Hack for learning:

• Pay attention to the tutorials. The game provides tutorials that teach players about the different coding and hacking concepts.
• Experiment with the in-game scripting system and tools. The best way to learn is by doing. Try experimenting with the different tools and see what you can do.

9. Midnight Protocol

Midnight Protocol is a 2022 hacking simulation game created by Cosmo D and published by tinyBuild. In the game, the player assumes the role of a hacker who must infiltrate a multinational technology company to retrieve stolen data. The game covers a wide range of topics related to hacking and cybersecurity, including network reconnaissance, vulnerability scanning, exploitation, privilege escalation, and post-exploitation.

Coding

Midnight Protocol can teach players about some of the basics of coding, such as:

• Variables: Players can use variables to store data and perform calculations.
• Loops: Players can use loops to automate tasks.
• Conditional statements: Players can use conditional statements to make decisions and control the flow of their programs.
• Functions: Players can use functions to organize their code and make it more reusable.

Players can use the in-game scripting system to write scripts that automate hacking tasks. For example, players might write a script to scan a network for vulnerabilities or to exploit a vulnerability in a web server.

Hacking

Midnight Protocol can teach players about some of the basics of hacking, such as:

• Recon: Players can use the in-game tools to gather information about their target network, such as IP addresses, domain names, and open ports.
• Vulnerability scanning: Players can use the in-game tools to scan their target network for vulnerabilities.
• Exploitation: Players can use the in-game tools to exploit vulnerabilities in their target network to gain access to systems and data.
• Post-exploitation: Players can use the in-game tools to maintain access to their target network and perform tasks such as stealing data or installing malware.

Midnight Protocol can be a great way to learn about the basics of coding and hacking. However, it is important to note that the game does not teach players about DevOps.

Here are some tips for getting the most out of Midnight Protocol for learning:

• Pay attention to the tutorials. The game provides tutorials that teach players about the different coding and hacking concepts.
• Experiment with the in-game scripting system and tools. The best way to learn is by doing. Try experimenting with the different tools and see what you can do.

10. DevOps Dream

DevOps Dream is a business simulation game where players take on the role of a DevOps engineer and manage a software development team. The game teaches players about the different stages of the DevOps lifecycle, such as planning, development, testing, deployment, and monitoring. It also teaches players about DevOps tools and practices, such as continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD), infrastructure as code, and containerization.

DevOps

DevOps Dream can teach players about some of the basics of DevOps, such as:

• Continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD): layers can use the in-game tools to automate the software development and delivery process.
• Infrastructure as code: Players can use the in-game tools to manage their infrastructure using code.
• Monitoring and observability: Players can use the in-game tools to monitor their software and infrastructure for performance and errors.
• Collaboration and communication: Players need to collaborate with other players in order to successfully manage their software development team.

DevOps Dream can be a great way to learn about the basics of DevOps. However, it is important to note that the game does not teach players about coding or hacking.

Here are some tips for getting the most out of DevOps Dream for learning:

• Pay attention to the tutorials. The game provides tutorials that teach players about the different DevOps concepts.
• Experiment with the in-game tools. The best way to learn is by doing. Try experimenting with the different tools and see what you can do.

Final Thoughts

Video games can be a fun and engaging way to learn about coding, hacking, and DevOps. While they are not a replacement for formal education or real-world experience, they can provide a good foundation for understanding these topics.

If you are interested in learning more about coding, hacking, or DevOps, I encourage you to try out some of the games mentioned in this article. You may be surprised at how much you can learn!

Here are some additional tips for learning about coding, hacking, and DevOps:

• Find a community of people who are interested in the same things as you. There are many online forums and communities where you can connect with other people who are learning about coding, hacking, and DevOps.
• Don't be afraid to experiment. The best way to learn is by doing. Try experimenting with different tools and techniques, and don't be discouraged if you make mistakes.
• Have fun! Learning should be enjoyable. If you are not having fun, you are less likely to stick with it.

If you found this article helpful, make sure you share with your friends or online community.

Happy gaming!