In 2007, as a graduate student in USC's Interactive Media Division program, he developed the game concept as part of his masters thesis.
The premise of The Nethernet came from the fact that internet users spend a large portion of their time multitasking, browsing information, or contacting other people online.
The Nethernet aimed to classify and allocate an individual’s internet use and then utilize the gathered information in a unique and playful manner.
Data points allow users to buy different types of tools which can enhance the previously mentioned features of the HUD.
[10] Nethernet players can also collect achievement badges from the missions they completed, the manner in which they utilized their tools, or the web sites they visited.