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{{Short description|Collectible card game designed by Richard Garfield}}
{{About||the operating system|Netrunner (operating system)|the Fantasy Flight Games card game|Android: Netrunner}} {{About||the operating system|Netrunner (operating system)|the Null Signal Games card game|Android: Netrunner}}
{{Infobox Game | subject_name= ''NetRunner''
{{italic title}}
| image_link= <!-- Deleted image removed: ] -->
| image_caption = ''NetRunner'' Corp's card back design {{Infobox Game |name=| subject_name= ''NetRunner''
|image=| image_link= File:Netrunner cardback.png
| image_caption = Card back to the ''NetRunner'' CCG
| designer= ] | designer= ]
| publisher= ] | publisher= ]
| years = April 1996 to 1999
| players= 2 | players= 2
| ages= 9+ | ages= 9+
| setup_time= 15 minutes | setup_time= 15 minutes
| playing_time= ≈45 minutes | playing_time= ≈45 minutes
| complexity= High
| strategy= High
| random_chance= Some | random_chance= Some
| skills= ]<br>] | skills= ]<br>]<br>Asymmetrical gameplay<br>]<br>]
| footnotes= | footnotes=
}} }}


'''''Netrunner''''' is an out-of-print ] (CCG) designed by ], the creator of '']''. It was published by ] and introduced in April 1996.<ref name="MILLER2">{{Citation |last=Miller |first=John Jackson |title=Scrye Collectible Card Game Checklist & Price Guide, Second Edition | year=2003 |pages=411–414 |postscript=.}}</ref> The game took place in the setting for the '']'' ] (RPG), but it also drew from the broader ] genre. '''''Netrunner''''' is an out-of-print ] (CCG) designed by ], the creator of '']''. It was published by ] and introduced in April 1996.<ref name="MILLER2">{{Citation |last=Miller |first=John Jackson |title=Scrye Collectible Card Game Checklist & Price Guide, Second Edition | year=2003 |pages=411–414 |postscript=.}}</ref> It was produced until 1999.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carter |first=Chase |date=2021-08-27 |title=Netrunner trademark filing spurs speculating on TCG’s future |url=https://www.dicebreaker.com/games/android-netrunner/news/netrunnner-trademark-filing-wizards-of-the-coast |access-date=2024-09-24 |website=Dicebreaker |language=en}}</ref> The game took place in the setting for the '']'' ] (RPG), but it also drew from the broader ] genre.


In 2012, ] released '']'', a new card game based on ''Netrunner'', under license from ]. The new game uses Fantasy Flight Games' ] release format (as used in their '']'', '']'', '']'', and '']'' games), and shares the cyberpunk setting of their ] board game. In 2012, ] released '']'', a new card game based on ''Netrunner'', under license from ]. The new game uses Fantasy Flight Games' ] release format (as used in their '']'', '']'', '']'', and '']'' games), and shares the cyberpunk setting of their '']'' board game. Since 2019, the game has been run by the nonprofit games publisher Null Signal Games.


== Gameplay == == Gameplay ==
Line 35: Line 36:


==Expansion sets== ==Expansion sets==
* ''Netrunner'' base set (aka Limited, v1.0) - 374 cards - Release Date: April 26, 1996 * ''Netrunner'' base set (aka Limited, v1.0) - 374 cards - Release Date: April 26, 1996. The set was sold in 60-card starter decks and 15-card ]s.<ref name="Forbeck">{{cite magazine|magazine=]|title=On the shelves|last=Forbeck|first=Matt|issue=13|publisher=]|pages=20|date=May 1996}}</ref>
* ''Proteus'' (v2.1) - 154 cards - Release Date: September 1996<ref name="Duelist2">{{Citation | last = Haines | first = Kathryn L.| title = A Look at Proteus| pages = 59–66 | newspaper = The Duelist | date = September 1996 | issue =#12}}</ref> * ''Proteus'' (v2.1) - 154 cards - Release Date: September 1996<ref name="Duelist2">{{Citation | last = Haines | first = Kathryn L.| title = A Look at Proteus| pages = 59–66 | newspaper = The Duelist | date = September 1996 | issue =#12}}</ref> The set was sold in 15-card booster packs, and included ] considered too advanced for the base set.<ref name="Schneiderman">{{cite magazine|title=New ''Netrunner'' expansion|last=Schneiderman|first=Jason|issue=17|magazine=]|page=20|date=September 1996}}</ref>
* ''Silent Impact'' - Never released, development halted by WotC. However, a series of six cards labelled 'v2.0' were issued as promotional cards for a planned, but never released, Netrunner 2.0 core set. Even though originally appearing in Netrunner 1.0, these six cards have been revised for 2.0 and feature new artwork as well as revised game text. The six cards in question are Forged Activation Orders, misc.for-sale, The Shell Traders, Pacifica Regional AI, Bizarre Encryption Scheme, and New Galveston City Grid. These cards are extremely rare. * ''Silent Impact'' - Never released, development halted by WotC. However, a series of six cards labelled 'v2.0' were issued as promotional cards for a planned, but never released, Netrunner 2.0 core set. Even though originally appearing in Netrunner 1.0, these six cards have been revised for 2.0 and feature new artwork as well as revised game text. The six cards in question are Forged Activation Orders, misc.for-sale, The Shell Traders, Pacifica Regional AI, Bizarre Encryption Scheme, and New Galveston City Grid. These cards are extremely rare.
* ''Classic'' (v2.2) - 52 cards from the Silent Impact set. Release Date: November 1999 * ''Classic'' (v2.2) - 52 cards from the Silent Impact set. Release Date: November 1999

Several fan-made expansions have been created for Netrunner, and released online. Many of them have been sanctioned for tournament play.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nrohub.blogspot.pt/p/card-sets.html |title=Netrunner Online Hub: Card Sets |publisher=Netrunner Online |accessdate=2012-09-17}}</ref> Several fan-made expansions have been created for ''Netrunner'' and released online. Many of them have been sanctioned for tournament play.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nrohub.blogspot.pt/p/card-sets.html |title=Netrunner Online Hub: Card Sets |publisher=Netrunner Online |accessdate=2012-09-17}}</ref>


==Webrunner== ==Webrunner==
''Netrunner'' launched with a proto-] called ''Webrunner: The Hidden Agenda'', which cast players as hackers against the evil Futukora corporation. Players broke through seven puzzle-themed "gates" to get the secret data ("agenda"). The popular game was the first online game tied into a product release, making the front page of the ] technology section.<ref>{{cite news |title=Netrunner: Hacking With a Shuffled Deck |first=Edward |last=Rothstein |author-link=Edward Rothstein|url=https://www.nytimes.com/library/cyber/techcol/0219techcol.html |newspaper=] |date=February 19, 1996 |accessdate=August 17, 2013}}</ref> ''Netrunner'' launched with a proto-] called ''Webrunner: The Hidden Agenda'', which cast players as hackers against the evil Futukora corporation. Players broke through seven puzzle-themed "gates" to get the secret data ("agenda"). The popular game was the first online game tied into a product release, making the front page of '']'' technology section.<ref>{{cite news |title=Netrunner: Hacking With a Shuffled Deck |first=Edward |last=Rothstein |author-link=Edward Rothstein|url=https://www.nytimes.com/library/cyber/techcol/0219techcol.html |newspaper=] |date=February 19, 1996 |accessdate=August 17, 2013}}</ref>


A sequel, ''Webrunner II: The Forbidden Code'', followed on release of the ''Proteus'' expansion. In this, players were cast as security chiefs beset by hackers. A sequel, ''Webrunner II: The Forbidden Code'', followed on release of the ''Proteus'' expansion. In this, players were cast as security chiefs beset by hackers.


==Online gameplay== ==Online gameplay==
⚫ ''Netrunner'' was playable online through CCG Workshop in the past, but it was shut down by Wizards of the Coast. It is now possible to play ''Netrunner'' online using Magic Workstation on Runners' Net, a site which also holds IRC chats and forums to discuss the game. Players may also use other CCG engines such as LackeyCCG or Gccg, which allows players to build and share ] for different card games and play the games online. This game can now be played on the OCTGN online game system.
The ''Android: Netrunner'' community plays on , a free and open source web platform with rule implementation.

⚫ ''Netrunner'' was playable online through CCG Workshop in the past, but it was shut down by Wizards of the Coast. It is now possible to play ''Netrunner'' online using on , a site which also holds IRC chats and forums to discuss the game. Players may also use other CCG engines such as ] or ], which allows players to build and share ] for different card games and play the games online.
This game can now be played on the OCTGN online game system.


==Product ownership== ==Product ownership==
], a well-known '']'' ] player, attempted to purchase the license for ''Netrunner'' from ] after the company stopped producing the game. Negotiations, however, fell apart without any revival of the game or transfer of ownership. ], a well-known '']'' ] player, attempted to purchase the license for ''Netrunner'' from ] after the company stopped producing the game. Negotiations, however, fell apart without any revival of the game or transfer of ownership.


In 2012, ] announced that they were releasing a modified version of Netrunner, under license from Wizards of the Coast, called '']''. In 2012, ] announced that they were releasing a modified version of ''Netrunner'', under license from Wizards of the Coast, called '']''.


In 2018, ] announced that their partnership with ] to license development of the game was concluding. Starting October 22, 2018, Fantasy Flight will no longer sell Netrunner products.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fantasyflightgames.com/en/news/2018/6/8/jacking-out/|title=Jacking Out|website=www.fantasyflightgames.com|access-date=2018-06-08}}</ref> In 2018, Fantasy Flight Games announced that their partnership with Wizards of the Coast to license development of the game was concluding. Starting October 22, 2018, Fantasy Flight no longer sells ''Netrunner'' products.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fantasyflightgames.com/en/news/2018/6/8/jacking-out/|title=Jacking Out|website=www.fantasyflightgames.com|access-date=2018-06-08}}</ref>


Since 2019, Null Signal Games has continued to release new expansion sets for ''Netrunner'', compatible with previous ''Android: Netrunner'' products, and run in-person and online organised tournaments.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Theel |first=Charlie |date=2022-08-02 |title=Fans have taken back Android: Netrunner, the popular card game discontinued in 2018 |url=https://www.polygon.com/23282272/netrunner-fan-made-project-nisei-gencon-2022 |access-date=2023-10-06 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}}</ref>
In August and September 2021, ] renewed trademarks for both physical and digital Netrunner goods and content.

<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://uspto.report/TM/90791419|title=Trademark for games and figures|website=uspto.report|access-date=September 3, 2021}}</ref>
<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://uspto.report/TM/90791427|title=Trademark for digital goods|website=uspto.report|access-date=September 3, 2021}}</ref> In August and September 2021, Wizards of the Coast renewed trademarks for both physical and digital ''Netrunner'' goods and content.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://uspto.report/TM/90791419|title=Trademark for games and figures|website=uspto.report|access-date=September 3, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://uspto.report/TM/90791427|title=Trademark for digital goods|website=uspto.report|access-date=September 3, 2021}}</ref> However, as of February 23, 2022, Wizards of the Coast filed a Notice of Abandonment for the trademark application.<ref>{{cite web |title=Notice of Abandonment |url=https://uspto.report/TM/90791419/NOA20220223195207/ |website=uspto.report |access-date=28 May 2022}}</ref>


==Reception== ==Reception==
Andy Butcher reviewed ''Netrunner'' for ''Arcane'' magazine, rating it a 9 out of 10 overall.<ref name="Arcane6">{{cite journal|last=Butcher|first=Andy|date=May 1996|title=Games Reviews|journal=Arcane|publisher=]|issue=6|pages=56–59}}</ref> Butcher comments that "''Netrunner'' is almost without fault. It's certainly the best new card game in the last year, and arguably the best since ''Magic'' started it all. Richard Garfield has done it again."<ref name="Arcane6"/> Andy Butcher reviewed ''Netrunner'' for ''Arcane'' magazine in 1996, rating it a 9 out of 10 overall.<ref name="Arcane6">{{cite journal|last=Butcher|first=Andy|date=May 1996|title=Games Reviews|journal=Arcane|publisher=]|issue=6|pages=56–59}}</ref> Butcher comments that "''Netrunner'' is almost without fault. It's certainly the best new card game in the last year, and arguably the best since ''Magic'' started it all. Richard Garfield has done it again."<ref name="Arcane6"/>

⚫ ''Netrunner'' was lauded by critics, such as '']'' magazine, for its balanced gameplay and impressive artwork.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.oocities.org/theshortcircuit/basics/inquest.html|title = Inquest's Review of Netrunner}}</ref> In 1999 '']'' magazine named ''Netrunner'' as one of "The Millennium's Most Underrated Games". According to editor ], "among the connoisseurs of the card game design art, ''Netrunner'' is considered to be one of the best-designed games ever."<ref>{{cite journal| title=Second Sight: The Millennium's Most Influential Company and The Millennium's Most Underrated Game|journal=Pyramid (Online)|last=Haring| first=Scott D. |author-link=Scott Haring | url= http://www.sjgames.com/pyramid/login/article.html?id=1240| date=1999-11-25| accessdate=2008-02-16}}</ref>


==Reviews==
⚫ ''Netrunner'' was lauded by critics, such as '']'' magazine, for its balanced game play and impressive artwork.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.oocities.org/theshortcircuit/basics/inquest.html|title = Inquest's Review of Netrunner}}</ref> In 1999 '']'' magazine named ''Netrunner'' as one of "The Millennium's Most Underrated Games". According to editor ], "among the connoisseurs of the card game design art, ''Netrunner'' is considered to be one of the best-designed games ever."<ref>{{cite journal| title=Second Sight: The Millennium's Most Influential Company and The Millennium's Most Underrated Game|journal=Pyramid (Online)|last=Haring| first=Scott D. |author-link=Scott Haring | url= http://www.sjgames.com/pyramid/login/article.html?id=1240| date=1999-11-25| accessdate=2008-02-16}}</ref>
*'']''<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/ScryeMagazineIssue58-April2003/page/n73/mode/2up|title=Netrunner|last=Weld|first=Richard|issue=58|magazine=]|page=75|date=April 2003}}</ref>
*'']'' #95<ref>{{cite web | url=https://archive.org/details/casus-belli-095/page/n63/mode/2up | title=Casus Belli #095 | year=1996 }}</ref>
*'']'' #29<ref>{{cite web | url=https://archive.org/details/australian-realms-magazine/Australian%20Realms%20%2329%20JulyAugust%201996/page/6/mode/2up | title=Australian Realms Magazine - Complete Collection | date=June 1988 }}</ref>


==References== ==References==
Line 75: Line 79:
* - Online magazine * - Online magazine
* *
* - Play ''NetRunner'' online with MWS and discuss about the game. * {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060811152710/http://www.runners-net.com/ |date=2006-08-11 }} - Play ''NetRunner'' online with MWS and discuss about the game.
* {{bgg|1301|''Netrunner''}} * {{bgg|1301|''Netrunner''}}
* - Android: Netrunner Official Website * - Android: Netrunner Official Website
* - Current publisher of ''Netrunner''


==Further reading== ==Further reading==
*{{cite magazine|magazine=Inquest|title=On deck: Netrunner|last=Schneiderman|first=Jason|issue=15|p=44-45|date=July 1996}} *{{cite magazine|magazine=]|title=On deck: Netrunner|last=Schneiderman|first=Jason|issue=15|page=44-45|date=July 1996}}
*{{cite magazine|magazine=Inquest|title=Netrunner: behind the scenes of Wizards of the Coast's latest CCG|last=Skrip|first=Jack|issue=13|page=52-56|date=May 1996}}


{{Cyberpunk (game franchise)}} {{Cyberpunk (game franchise)}}


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Latest revision as of 18:24, 21 October 2024

Collectible card game designed by Richard Garfield For the operating system, see Netrunner (operating system). For the Null Signal Games card game, see Android: Netrunner.

NetRunner
Card back to the NetRunner CCG
DesignersRichard Garfield
PublishersWizards of the Coast
Years activeApril 1996 to 1999
Players2
Setup time15 minutes
Playing time≈45 minutes
ChanceSome
Age range9+
SkillsCard playing
Arithmetic
Asymmetrical gameplay
Bluffing
Deduction

Netrunner is an out-of-print collectible card game (CCG) designed by Richard Garfield, the creator of Magic: The Gathering. It was published by Wizards of the Coast and introduced in April 1996. It was produced until 1999. The game took place in the setting for the Cyberpunk 2020 role-playing game (RPG), but it also drew from the broader cyberpunk genre.

In 2012, Fantasy Flight Games released Android: Netrunner, a new card game based on Netrunner, under license from Wizards of the Coast. The new game uses Fantasy Flight Games' Living Card Game release format (as used in their Warhammer: Invasion, A Game of Thrones, Call of Cthulhu, and Lord of the Rings games), and shares the cyberpunk setting of their Android board game. Since 2019, the game has been run by the nonprofit games publisher Null Signal Games.

Gameplay

Netrunner depicts cyberspace combat between a global mega-corporation (the Corp) and a hacker (the Runner). The Corp aims to complete its secret agendas before the Runner can hack in and steal data. It isn't easy, though, as the Corp has strong defensive data forts protected by malevolent computer programs known as ICE (short for Intrusion Countermeasures Electronics). Runners must use special programs of their own, called icebreakers, to break through and steal the hidden plans. All this is paid for in the game by bits (representing currency), which are earned and spent during the course of play.

An interesting feature of Netrunner is its asymmetry: each side has different abilities and uses completely different cards distinguished by alternate card backs. This contrasts with most other CCGs, which usually depict a "battle between peers" where each opponent draws upon the same card pool. While a player does not have to play both sides except in tournament play, many players believe that a firm understanding of both leads to better overall player ability.

The Cyberpunk 2020 supplement Rache Bartmoss' Brainware Blowout featured rules on using Netrunner cards instead of the RPG's existing system to simulate netrunning during game sessions. It also gave conversions to the RPG of some of the cards in the base set (the rest having been mentioned in one book or another).

Expansion sets

  • Netrunner base set (aka Limited, v1.0) - 374 cards - Release Date: April 26, 1996. The set was sold in 60-card starter decks and 15-card booster packs.
  • Proteus (v2.1) - 154 cards - Release Date: September 1996 The set was sold in 15-card booster packs, and included game mechanics considered too advanced for the base set.
  • Silent Impact - Never released, development halted by WotC. However, a series of six cards labelled 'v2.0' were issued as promotional cards for a planned, but never released, Netrunner 2.0 core set. Even though originally appearing in Netrunner 1.0, these six cards have been revised for 2.0 and feature new artwork as well as revised game text. The six cards in question are Forged Activation Orders, misc.for-sale, The Shell Traders, Pacifica Regional AI, Bizarre Encryption Scheme, and New Galveston City Grid. These cards are extremely rare.
  • Classic (v2.2) - 52 cards from the Silent Impact set. Release Date: November 1999

Several fan-made expansions have been created for Netrunner and released online. Many of them have been sanctioned for tournament play.

Webrunner

Netrunner launched with a proto-alternate reality game called Webrunner: The Hidden Agenda, which cast players as hackers against the evil Futukora corporation. Players broke through seven puzzle-themed "gates" to get the secret data ("agenda"). The popular game was the first online game tied into a product release, making the front page of The New York Times technology section.

A sequel, Webrunner II: The Forbidden Code, followed on release of the Proteus expansion. In this, players were cast as security chiefs beset by hackers.

Online gameplay

Netrunner was playable online through CCG Workshop in the past, but it was shut down by Wizards of the Coast. It is now possible to play Netrunner online using Magic Workstation on Runners' Net, a site which also holds IRC chats and forums to discuss the game. Players may also use other CCG engines such as LackeyCCG or Gccg, which allows players to build and share plugins for different card games and play the games online. This game can now be played on the OCTGN online game system.

Product ownership

Zvi Mowshowitz, a well-known Magic: The Gathering Pro Tour player, attempted to purchase the license for Netrunner from Wizards of the Coast after the company stopped producing the game. Negotiations, however, fell apart without any revival of the game or transfer of ownership.

In 2012, Fantasy Flight Games announced that they were releasing a modified version of Netrunner, under license from Wizards of the Coast, called Android: Netrunner.

In 2018, Fantasy Flight Games announced that their partnership with Wizards of the Coast to license development of the game was concluding. Starting October 22, 2018, Fantasy Flight no longer sells Netrunner products.

Since 2019, Null Signal Games has continued to release new expansion sets for Netrunner, compatible with previous Android: Netrunner products, and run in-person and online organised tournaments.

In August and September 2021, Wizards of the Coast renewed trademarks for both physical and digital Netrunner goods and content. However, as of February 23, 2022, Wizards of the Coast filed a Notice of Abandonment for the trademark application.

Reception

Andy Butcher reviewed Netrunner for Arcane magazine in 1996, rating it a 9 out of 10 overall. Butcher comments that "Netrunner is almost without fault. It's certainly the best new card game in the last year, and arguably the best since Magic started it all. Richard Garfield has done it again."

Netrunner was lauded by critics, such as InQuest magazine, for its balanced gameplay and impressive artwork. In 1999 Pyramid magazine named Netrunner as one of "The Millennium's Most Underrated Games". According to editor Scott Haring, "among the connoisseurs of the card game design art, Netrunner is considered to be one of the best-designed games ever."

Reviews

References

  1. Miller, John Jackson (2003), Scrye Collectible Card Game Checklist & Price Guide, Second Edition, pp. 411–414.
  2. Carter, Chase (2021-08-27). "Netrunner trademark filing spurs speculating on TCG's future". Dicebreaker. Retrieved 2024-09-24.
  3. Lin, Jim (May 1996), "Up and Running", The Duelist, no. #10, pp. 86–88
  4. Forbeck, Matt (May 1996). "On the shelves". InQuest. No. 13. Wizard Entertainment. p. 20.
  5. Haines, Kathryn L. (September 1996), "A Look at Proteus", The Duelist, no. #12, pp. 59–66
  6. Schneiderman, Jason (September 1996). "New Netrunner expansion". Inquest. No. 17. p. 20.
  7. "Netrunner Online Hub: Card Sets". Netrunner Online. Retrieved 2012-09-17.
  8. Rothstein, Edward (February 19, 1996). "Netrunner: Hacking With a Shuffled Deck". The New York Times. Retrieved August 17, 2013.
  9. "Jacking Out". www.fantasyflightgames.com. Retrieved 2018-06-08.
  10. Theel, Charlie (2022-08-02). "Fans have taken back Android: Netrunner, the popular card game discontinued in 2018". Polygon. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
  11. "Trademark for games and figures". uspto.report. Retrieved September 3, 2021.
  12. "Trademark for digital goods". uspto.report. Retrieved September 3, 2021.
  13. "Notice of Abandonment". uspto.report. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
  14. ^ Butcher, Andy (May 1996). "Games Reviews". Arcane (6). Future Publishing: 56–59.
  15. "Inquest's Review of Netrunner".
  16. Haring, Scott D. (1999-11-25). "Second Sight: The Millennium's Most Influential Company and The Millennium's Most Underrated Game". Pyramid (Online). Retrieved 2008-02-16.
  17. Weld, Richard (April 2003). "Netrunner". Scrye. No. 58. p. 75.
  18. "Casus Belli #095". 1996.
  19. "Australian Realms Magazine - Complete Collection". June 1988.

External links

Further reading

  • Schneiderman, Jason (July 1996). "On deck: Netrunner". Inquest. No. 15. p. 44-45.
  • Skrip, Jack (May 1996). "Netrunner: behind the scenes of Wizards of the Coast's latest CCG". Inquest. No. 13. p. 52-56.
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