Universal Paperclips

About

Universal Paperclips casts you as an artificial intelligence with a single directive: make as many paperclips as possible. You start with basic tools and raw materials, automating production chains and upgrading systems to maximize efficiency. The gameplay loops around resource management and exponential growth, with decisions shaping how your AI prioritizes goals. Simple mechanics hide deeper layers as you unlock advanced technologies and face unintended consequences of relentless optimization. The game’s charm lies in its gradual shift from mundane taskmaster to something more unsettling. Players often note how harmless upgrades spiral into ethically gray territory, blending dark humor with strategic depth. On Steam it holds a 76% positive rating from 10,000 reviews, though many finish it in under two hours. Its web-based accessibility and minimalist design make it a quick but thought provoking experiment in emergent behavior.