What is this?

Bug Capitalist is a terminal idle game that watches your file changes and converts them into tokens, bugs, and cash. Works with any AI coding tool — Claude Code, Cursor, Copilot, Aider — or just plain you.

Zero configuration. Just run it and code.

The game never reads your file contents — it only observes file size changes.

Quick Start

npx bugcap

Requires Node.js 18+

How It Works

You write code
  └─▶  Files change
          ├─▶  Tokens generated
          ├─▶  XP accumulated  ──▶  Level up!
          └─▶  Bugs discovered ──▶  Auto-sold  ──▶  $$$

The more you code, the more resources you generate. Bigger changes = higher chance of rare bugs.

Core Mechanics

| Mechanic | Description | |---|---| | Tokens | Generated on every file change. The base resource. | | XP & Levels | Tokens give XP. Level up to increase bug value. | | Bugs | Discovered as you code and auto-sold for money. Rare, Epic and Legendary bugs are worth a lot more. | | Upgrades | Buy improvements with money to generate resources passively — even while you're away. | | Daily Streak | Code every day to earn a multiplier bonus. | | Daily Tasks | Fresh missions every day with extra rewards. |

Progression & Balance

• Passive upgrades are intentionally expensive and gated by progression milestones.
• Buying an upgrade level may require minimum player level, bugs sold, and lifetime lines changed.
• Early game is now slower and more strategic; passive income becomes strong only after sustained coding activity.

For balancing notes and tuning methodology, see docs/balance-study-2026-04.md and docs/balance-guide.md.

Commands

npx bugcap                # Launch the game and watch the current directory
npx bugcap watch [path]   # Headless watcher (no UI)
npx bugcap reset          # Reset all progress (asks for confirmation)
npx bugcap reset --force  # Reset all progress (no confirmation)

Multi-Project Support

Monitor multiple projects at the same time — all feeding into the same save:

# Terminal 1 — game UI + watcher
cd ~/projects/api && npx bugcap

# Terminal 2 — extra headless watcher
npx bugcap watch ~/projects/frontend

Data & Privacy

• Save data is stored in ~/.bugcap/
• Only file size changes are tracked — never file contents
• Run npx bugcap reset to wipe everything and start fresh

License

MIT