Download, Update and choose versions for my game on a game launcher

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1

Godot Version

v4.6.2 maintenance

Question

Hi​:waving_hand:

So I’m trying to make a game launcher in godot so my playtesters dont have to keep going to itch, installing the new version and removing the old one and also because it will have modding access and lets you switch versions, the problem is. I dont know where I can store the builds​:face_without_mouth:

Because for the game to get downloaded, it will need a direct download link, but one drive doesnt support that, drive flags it as a virus due to its size, Github releases make the builds public, Cloudflare is paid, Firebase doesnt allow .exe files, … :sweat_smile:

So now I’m wondering, does it even need to be stored o the cloud? I just want to let the playtester to download the build they want to play and I also made a JSON which stores the build’s link and version and because I dont want the player to update the launcher to get new builds then I wonder if it’s even possible, I did see some other people do it tho​:thinking:

2

I’d ask my users to download the Itch application which supports automatic updates, and can switch between versions.

3

But I’m also planning to add version control to the launcher which lets you choose what version they wanna play and even tho itch.io has automatic updates, when one comes out they have to go to itch, reinstall it and remove the other build.

it would be easier if the launcher did it for you and having modding and the game in one place is straightforward

4

The entire point of the application is that it does all the updating for you. All your players need to do is launch the Itch app; and just like with steam, their games get updated. Granted this only works if you use proper version using the “Itch Butler” tool.

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but does it support version control? and the launcher im planning to make also has modding and profiles for the build you will play in. so having it all in one pplace would be easier.

What I’m trying to get here is a way to be able to achieve what I want and not an alternative

6

I don’t know what version control means for you in this context. Vcs is generally only required during development, it’s not something your players need to worry about.

If you mean something like the Minecraft launcher, then I’m not sure if the Itch app supports it, I suppose it’s worth a look. I think it’s also worth looking into generic mod loaders if that’s what you’re thinking about, since reinventing the wheel can take an insane amount of time. Especially since most modern mod loaders don’t directly modify game files, they create a virtual file system so you can use mods without messing with the base installation of the game(s).

7

With version control I meant that the playtester can choose the build they want to play, the version of the game, maybe an old version or the newest one. I looked at mod launchers like Olympus (Celeste), Cogfly (Hollow Knight: Silksong), Lumafly (Hollow Knight) because those games and launchers are similar to mine. Even tho they are made for only modding.

it still has the downloading system and with that, having updates and version control wouldnt be that hard