. ''Dilbert's Desktop Games'' is embedded into the
computer desktop. with an overarching objective of assembling the pieces of a Game Machine by completing the seven games. Completion of the Game Machine allows players to print a certificate of merit as a "big reward of time well-wasted". There are seven games, with many imitating
arcade games.
Boss Evaders is a satire of
Space Invaders in which Dilbert runs across the screen, avoiding "pink slips" from his bosses, and firing back with "status reports" from behind shields taking the form of paper trays. Players earn points for targets that Dilbert hits, including 10 for hitting his executive, 20 the vice president, and 30 his boss.
Can-O-Matic 2 is a
shooter similar to
Missile Command, where Catbert can shoot his employees from a giant cannon at randomly-generated targets.
CEO Simulator is a
business simulation game, where players build a company and its employees, managing employee morale by operating a
slot machine. The game features
incremental elements, with players monitoring progress that occurs in the background whilst they explore the other games in the software. In
Elbonian Airlines, players launch company employees into the air to hit randomly-generated targets using a giant slingshot.
Enduring Fools is a
whack-a-mole type game that places irritating characters on the player's
desktop which can be shot with Dogbert's stun gun, distorting the screen. The game has no win or lose state. In
Project Pass-Off, Dilbert and Zimbu compete in
air hockey set on a meeting table. As Dilbert, players pass good work projects that fall onto the table into their zone, and pass bad projects onto their opponent.
Techno Raiders is a
platformer, which requires players to vertically navigate mazelike levels of an office, collecting donuts and gadgets whilst zapping co-workers with his
cell phone and avoiding secretaries. Each of the game's 120 levels must be completed to obtain a Game Machine piece. The game also features three additional activities.
The Final Word is a tool allowing players to use
rubber stamps with phrases from Dilbert, such as
This has long day written all over it, onto their desktop screen. Using
The Jargonator, players take text input and exchanges words with corporate
jargon: for instance, the phrase
the project should be completed soon is converted to
the undertaking should be completed real soon [and] analyses of the situation must be transformed into strategy alternatives.
Intrusive Mode is a switch which, turned on, plays "irritating sounds and images" on the desktop. == Development ==