HackTV (HTV) began in early 2014, shortly after WebTV shut down its servers on September 30, 2013. The original goal was simple: create an easy-to-use interface to run M.A.M.E. on the WebTV hardware and bring back some of the classic WebTV MIDIs by modifying WebTV's original software. With no official servers left to connect to, the hardware had become essentially useless, and HackTV set out to give the original hardware at least some sort of purpose.

As the project expanded and gained features, I brought in help from eMac and a user known as Nobody (aka ServerDude). Not long after, zefie joined the team and developed minisrv, a custom server that allowed WebTV boxes running the HTV custom build to connect and receive HackTV updates. Minisrv, like HackTV, quickly evolved into a fully featured server platform that many people still use today.

Fast forward to 2025: HackTV now runs on its own fully functioning server that recreates the experience of accessing the WebTV network, complete with its own unique spin. Anyone connecting to the server can get a real sense of what WebTV was like back in the day.

The custom HackTV build is still actively maintained. I continue to release updates, zefie continues to improve minisrv, and eMac is always there to help solve the tough technical challenges.

That’s the short version of how HackTV began and grew into what it is today.