EA 1.4.0 Update
Hello!
Another few months of intensive work on the game are behind us. We've introduced many changes, new features, and fixes. Among other things, we've expanded the server systems, but by far the biggest new feature is programming!
We know that not everyone enjoys writing code — whether it's for creating a game or a web application. That's why programming-related tasks are completely optional. When you load an existing save, you'll be asked whether you want to enable them.
The tasks are at an intermediate level and cover databases, the Python programming language, and the Flask framework.
We've also introduced our first programming course, which we'll continue to expand in future updates. Its scope of knowledge can be compared to paid bootcamps. We hope that some of you will gain useful skills from it and put them to use in your future careers!
The game features a simulated programming language based on Python, designed for creating programs in the OScypek environment and completing Python-related tasks.
⭐Our New Game⭐
As you know, we recently announced our new project. It's a story-driven game being developed primarily by a new member of our team. Of course, IT Specialist Simulator is still actively being developed and remains our top priority. However, if you'd like to support the new project, we encourage you to check it out and add the game to your wishlist. Thanks!
https://store.steampowered.com/app/4786880/PROTOCOL_BOUND/
Added:
Added the ability to create a new group on the Server
Added a properties view for groups on the Server, including group editing and the ability to add users to a group
Added a view for searching and adding users to a group
Added a groups view in user properties and the ability to set a user's primary group
Added the ability to reset a user's password on the server (excluding the IT Manager)
Added a new Developer Mode - this mode saves game progress (you need to go to the exit to save world progress)
Added the ability to create web and desktop applications using simulated languages and frameworks: Python, Flask, JS, HTML, and CSS.
Added special Python-simulated libraries for communicating with in-game devices and more. Full documentation for the itsim.* libraries can be found on the new website.
Added the GIT version control system
Added the GitForge platform for creating repositories
Added the Pixel Code Studio application - the application allows you to write your own programs in the game using the simulated Python language, along with custom modules and popular libraries. For example, you can create an application for verifying devices on the network and checking their status
The application has its own project explorer, file tabs, and built-in project templates
"Debug Console", "Output", and "Problems" panels for finding errors
The application includes an editor with syntax highlighting for the simulated Python, JS, CSS, and HTML languages
The application has an interactive terminal that allows you to install frameworks such as Flask
The application displays and simulates realistic errors
The application allows you to adjust the size of the terminal and project explorer
The application allows you to save files using keyboard shortcuts
The application has a built-in breakpoint system
The application includes IntelliSense with code suggestions, function descriptions, automatic imports, and Go to Definition functionality
Applications written in Python can diagnose the network and communicate via UDP, TCP, WebSocket, and HTTP, but connections created by programs depend on computer configuration, cabling, network addressing, and open ports
The application can be packaged into a standalone .exe file and transferred to other computers
Added a website with programming courses - you'll find solid programming fundamentals covering Python, GIT, HTML, and the basics of the Flask framework.
Added SQLite and PostgreSQL databases
Added environment variables and program lookup through "Path" to the computer system, similar to Windows.
Added a server documentation website - you'll find all the important information needed to complete tasks there, such as adding a user, deleting a group, and more.
Added new threads to forumHelp:
Added a thread about issues with adding a domain user on the server
Added a thread about intermittent network connectivity issues
Added a new Software Developer stat, which also affects the player's main title
Added a desktop context menu - from now on, all available desktop interactions can be performed through it
Added the File Explorer Properties window
Added a new option to the Control Panel for displaying File Explorer properties
Added the Security Pixel Scanner application for diagnosing servers and detecting threats and security vulnerabilities
Added the ability to package folders and files into ZIP archives
Added the ability to show hidden files and folders in the system, as well as display file extensions
Changes:
Expanded File Explorer with the ability to open Python scripts using Pixel Code Studio
Expanded Terminal and PowerShall with the ability to run Python scripts and a shared command system.
Additional information is now displayed on the desktop below the network addressing information (does not apply to Hard difficulty)
Tasks involving the creation of new folders now also accept different capitalization variants of folder names. For example, for "general", the form "General" is now also accepted. The same applies to "my_photos" - "My_photos" and "My_Photos" are now also accepted
The description of the "Create a new user" task has been changed to guide the player toward the need to change the password policy
RCP-related tasks are no longer assigned by Maliner from the HR department because some players do not read the task descriptions and try to repair a computer in the HR department instead of the RCP reader
The hint button has been changed - it is now larger, more visible, and located in a different place
Increased the requirements for the Mid IT Specialist title by 10%
Increased the requirements for the Senior IT Specialist title by 15%
Terminal now supports .bat files, which can be launched in the current terminal, in a new window, or in the background.
Terminal and PowerShall can now run Python scripts.
Some drivers can now be disabled. Additionally, a driver may now report that it is working properly even when it is malfunctioning, for example when it has frozen.
A new optional setting has been added when creating a new world. The player must decide whether they want to receive programming-related tasks
New applications have been added to the app store
Screenshots used as Save Game cover images will no longer be taken when ending the day
Fixes:
Stability and crashes
Fixed a bug that caused the game to crash after entering a device name such as rcp, switch, or router in the browser's search bar
Optimized the performance of devices and network adapters.
Reduced the number of unnecessary memory allocations and the risk of short stutters.
Improved the responsiveness of windowed applications to player actions.
Gameplay and progression
Added the correct network addressing information to the PDF file for the warehouse printer
The date in the BIOS was statically set to "MON 01/01/2026"
Fixed a bug where entering the office printer's IP address in the browser opened the RCP device page
Fixed a bug that allowed all websites to be displayed despite incorrect DNS settings
Optimized the day and night cycle and device clocks.
Fixed a DNS bug that allowed the browser to work correctly despite incorrect DNS configuration
Fixed a bug that prevented exiting the network cable connection view on a computer
Fixed a bug related to deleting cloud data using the tablet
Fixed a bug that could cause the player to become stuck at a computer during the Intro level
Fixed a bug that displayed the account balance in PayApp despite having no internet connection
Tasks and objectives
Fixed a bug related to the "set phone number" and "set address" tasks, where the data was assigned to the wrong user
Emails related to server tasks were not removed after the tasks were completed
UI and Menu
Changed the publisher logo and added links to the appropriate social media channels
Changed the way links are displayed in the Creators tab in the menu
Fixed a mouse-related bug in the Intro level
Fixed an issue with one slot in the locker
Raised the Z-axis position of some context menus
Visualization and graphics
The ceiling in the warehouse should no longer disappear
Save system
Applications installed on computers were being saved incorrectly
Controls
Printers had the power button statically assigned to the "P" key. From now on, it will dynamically adapt to your control settings
Performance
Optimized the performance of devices, network adapters, and route and addressing checks in the computer system.
Reduced the number of memory allocations and the risk of short in-game stutters in the computer system.
Translations
Added a translation for the AD user properties window title
The name in the first email from the HR department was spelled incorrectly
Russian sometimes had issues displaying certain characters and numbers
In every language, the word Availability has been changed to Accessibility . This applies to almost every device
⭐ Reviews help us a lot
If you enjoy IT Specialist Simulator and would like to support us, leaving a review on Steam helps us a lot.
No pressure - we completely understand if you'd rather wait a little longer. However, every honest review helps increase the game's visibility and allows us to continue working on it.
Thank you! 🏆
⭐Special Thanks⭐
We would like to thank the Python Software Foundation for allowing us to use the original Python logo in the game. This is the first time our game features an original official logo. In the game, you'll be able to create your own applications using a simulated Python language in the OScypek environment and complete Python-related tasks (since not everyone enjoys programming, the game will ask whether you want to receive such tasks). Over time, we'll update the language with new features and libraries to simulate the Python language more comprehensively.