A simulator for engineers transitioning from IC to management
Hi HN, I’m a former C++ dev turned Product Manager. I’ve noticed many engineers struggle with the "politics" side of things when they become Leads. To help with this, I’m building a text-based simulator. It is NOT an AI chatbot. It is a hand-crafted, branching narrative (logic tree) based on real experiences. I just launched the first scenario: "The Backchannel VP." The Setup: Your VP Engineering is bypassing you and giving tasks directly to your juniors, causing chaos. Your Goal: Stop the backchanneling without getting fired. It’s a short, specific puzzle. I’d love to know if you think the…
A simulator for engineers transitioning from IC to management launched on January 5, 2026 with 74 votes, #458 of 14,584 launches that month and more than 95% of that year's launches.
In plain words
A text-based simulator designed to help engineers transitioning into leadership roles navigate workplace challenges. The product features hand-crafted branching narratives based on real experiences rather than AI-generated content. The first scenario, "The Backchannel VP," presents a specific problem: a VP Engineering bypassing the lead to assign tasks directly to junior staff, creating confusion. Players must find a solution that addresses the issue without jeopardizing their position. Created by a former C++ developer turned Product Manager, it targets engineers struggling with interpersonal and political dynamics of management.
written from the facts on this page · September 2026
From the sources
Sales is bypassing you to task devs directly. Stop the interruption without ruining the relationship.
In the maker’s words, at launch
Hi HN, I’m a former C++ dev turned Product Manager. I’ve noticed many engineers struggle with the "politics" side of things when they become Leads. To help with this, I’m building a text-based simulator. It is NOT an AI chatbot. It is a hand-crafted, branching narrative (logic tree) based on real experiences. I just…
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