Run a virtual 1998 internet cafe from the ground up, upgrading ramshackle PCs and network infrastructure while managing customer flow. The loop combines clicker-style service with permanent progression through hardware tiers and tech research, rewarding both active play and offline gains. Ideal for players nostalgic about dial-up era computing or anyone drawn to resource management games with a cozy, retro aesthetic.
About this game
Start with one trash PC and build a packed 1998 internet cafe. Serve customers, upgrade your hardware and network, and research new tech in this retro incremental tycoon.
Players, last 29 days
Peak 0 · Low 0
Daily peak concurrent players, sampled once a night from Steam.
We’ve released another update based on your feedback.Earlier ExpansionInternet capacity upgrades now appear earlier and more frequently. You can unlock additional PC slots sooner, with more opportunities to improve your connection throughout the demo.Improved BalanceEarly-game progression has been rebalanced to reduce unnecessary waiting and help you reach the main cafe systems faster.Clearer ResearchResearch descriptions have been rewritten to make each upgrade and its effects easier to understand before choosing.Thank you for continuing to share your feedback. We’ll keep improving Internet Cafe 98 throughout the demo.– IC98 Team
We’ve been going through your feedback, and one thing came up again and again: the beginning of the game could be confusing.The tutorial didn’t explain enough, some steps moved too quickly, and it wasn’t always clear what you were supposed to do next. We’ve expanded the tutorial and improved the early-game flow, so getting your first cafe up and running should now feel much smoother and more natural.A Better IntroductionThe tutorial now guides you through more of the early game, with clearer explanations and a smoother progression between each step. You should spend less time wondering what to do next and more time building your cafe.Clearer PC UpgradesPC upgrades were another common source of confusion. The game showed you numbers, but didn’t always explain what they actually meant for your PC or your income.Upgrade information is now easier to understand, with clearer comparisons showing how a new component will affect your setup before you spend your money.More Reliable SavesWe fixed an issue where PC quality ratings and income bonuses could change after loading a save. Your upgraded computers should now keep their correct performance, quality, and income values between sessions.Background Progress on WindowsWe also found that the game could stop progressing when you switched to another window, even though background play was enabled.This has now been fixed on Windows. Your cafe will keep running when you switch windows, just as you would expect.And a Few More FixesWe’ve also included smaller improvements for cursor selection, button sounds, translations, tooltips, and various interface details.Thank you for continuing to tell us what feels confusing, frustrating, or simply not right. We’re reading your feedback, we’re listening, and we’re using it to make Internet Cafe 98 better.There’s still more work to do, and we’ll keep improving the game together with you.– IC98 Team
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