Ever wondered what visual programming would be like as a game? Upload Labs has the answer

This year has had no shortage of indie hits. It’s arguably one of the best years for small and independent studios, with great games coming out seemingly just about every day. Upload Labs is another such title, combining idle gameplay and management into a fun, free-to-play experience.

When I first saw Upload Labs, I mistook it for visual programming software, the likes of which we see in modern game engines like Unity and Unreal. In them, you connect various nodes of logic to each other, streamlining logic programming for beginner and advanced users alike. The game certainly takes a lot of inspiration from that, though instead of programming software, you’re managing a computer network, upgrading various nodes to speed up transfers and earn more money.

The more money you have, the more nodes you can build, upgrading them along the way to improve your overall inputs and outputs. It’s a management game in many respects, asking you to efficiently line up nodes, distribute resources, evenly use your internet speed, and so on. At the same time, it’s very much an idle game, asking you to upgrade, let it rest to collect a bit of money, and then upgrade again.

In this last, it’s very similar to clicker games like ADVenture Capitalist. And, just as that game is super fun and addictive for a short while, so does Upload Labs enamor you with its simple design, surprisingly good soundtrack, and relaxing, satisfying gameplay. It’s also free, so there’s literally nothing I could be complaining about.

Upload Labs is also available on mobile, if the PC experience doesn’t do it for you. Being so, it does have microtransactions and stuff, but given that it’s a singleplayer game and a relaxing one at that, you don’t really have to buy them, nor will anyone be mad about pay-to-win if you do.

So, if you’re up for some simple yet surprisingly addictive management, for free, then Upload Labs will surely scratch that itch. Just make sure you leave it on sometimes, your network will thank you!

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