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AppGameKit Classic Chat / Distributing for Windows and Mac - what stores and what install packager do you guys use?

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Naphier
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Location: St Petersburg, Florida
Posted: 22nd Jul 2014 20:34
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Hi everyone,
Our next game I would like to distribute to Windows and Mac. Mac installers are pretty easy with xcode.
I remember having a heck of a time finding tools to make a package installer for a tier 1 Windows app.
I ended up using resource hacker to change the icon (painful).
And I'm not sure what I used for making the MSI, but it wasn't that great.
So I'm looking for suggestions on what to use to make an MSI and change the icon.

I'm also looking for suggestions on what store fronts to go with. My top pick is IndieGameStand, then Desura, then GOG. I'm wondering if anyone here has experience with any of those or another distribution platform for Windows and Mac I'd love to hear your experience.


Thanks for sharing!

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Digital Awakening
AGK Developer
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Posted: 23rd Jul 2014 00:05
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I would also like to know. So any helpful tips would be much appreciated.

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ThrOtherJoJo
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Posted: 23rd Jul 2014 01:19
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There is a package called Install Creator 2 that is real easy to use.

I've bought the first version years ago for the two games I released for Windows (My Brother's Keeper and Mindful Concentration).

It's a link to a competitors website, but the install package I think is really good. They even allow you to use the installer for free with a link that points back to their site after the installation is finished.

Anyway, here is the link:
http://www.clickteam.com/install-creator-2

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Naphier
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Posted: 23rd Jul 2014 06:38
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That one's not bad. It gives a good amount of options and the final page that asks you to click the link to their pages isn't intrusive. Thanks!!

I'd still love to see any others folks use. Also what distribution channels you used.
Thanks!

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baxslash
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Posted: 23rd Jul 2014 11:26
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I use NSIS from nullsoft: Tutorial

It's free and highly configurable. If you use Eclipse already for Android then you should find it very easy to get up and running.
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mrniceguy
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Posted: 23rd Jul 2014 12:24
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Hi,

Maybe you could consider Smart Packer Pro for distributing the Windows version of your game.

It packs the whole game into a single executable and icon can be customized.

http://www.thegamecreators.com/?m=view_product&id=2256

Smart Packer Pro - Distribute games and applications
V-Packer for Games - Compress your game files into one executable
Flash Packer - Pack your Flash movies
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mr_d
DBPro Tool Maker
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Posted: 23rd Jul 2014 14:03
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I might as well plug my very simple Mini MSI Maker tool that creates a very simple installation file from a set of files/folder.

It's not really configurable compared with the other suggestions above, but for your basic game install, it should suffice.

It may be a bit of a pain to get working initially as well compared with the products suggested already, but one set up, it's a cinch to use.

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ThrOtherJoJo
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Posted: 23rd Jul 2014 20:35
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I didn't know that TGC offered a solution in Smart Packer Pro. Hmmm...

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mrniceguy
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Posted: 23rd Jul 2014 20:45 Edited at: 23rd Jul 2014 20:46
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Yes they do that already for some time

Via our own site is also Smart Packer Pro X available.

http://forum.thegamecreators.com/?m=forum_view&t=211513&b=5

Smart Packer Pro - Distribute games and applications
V-Packer for Games - Compress your game files into one executable
Flash Packer - Pack your Flash movies
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Naphier
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Posted: 23rd Jul 2014 21:27
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Install Creator 2 or NSIS are what I'll be going with.
I can't really justify spending $80 on an installer package and Mini MSI maker is good, but I'd like more options.

So... where does everyone distribute their games? Is it all self distribution? Has no one here distributed through a platform like Desura or GOG?

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ThrOtherJoJo
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Posted: 23rd Jul 2014 22:00 Edited at: 23rd Jul 2014 22:22
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I've mainly focused on self publishing. But I'm looking to change that go forward.

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Blendman
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Posted: 23rd Jul 2014 22:09 Edited at: 23rd Jul 2014 22:10
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Hi

I think we can distribute our game on :
indiecity
www.gamersgate.com (http://www.gamersgate.com/info/publisher)
https://developer.impulsedriven.com/ (not sur on this)

http://www.dracaena-studio.com
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Naphier
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Posted: 23rd Jul 2014 22:17
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Looks like NSIS is out... Got it all set up OK and went through the wizard then it give me an error box with no text in it when I try to finish... Install Creator 2 seems to be by far the simplest and least restrictive for a free tool.

We'll start contacting some sites next week and I'll try to post info about them as I get it.

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ThrOtherJoJo
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Posted: 23rd Jul 2014 22:22
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If you decide to go with Install Creator, you will be surprise how easy it is. When I first used I was in disbelief that it could be that easy. But it was.

You can go to my website and download one of the games I used with Install Creator to get a feel of what it does.

http://www.kg2entertainment.com/uploads/Keeper_CD_Version.zip

The free version has more than enough to get you started.

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Naphier
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Posted: 23rd Jul 2014 22:25
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Yeah, I already tried it out. It has all the features I'd need. Amazing how some of the bigger ones don't have an option for desktop shortcuts. I can also change the installer bitmaps with Install Creator 2. It really didn't have limitations.
My main concern at this point is if any of these services require some sort of package signing like AppUp did. It was a huge pain and completely not worth it because AppUp was so unused by the public.

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Naphier
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Posted: 31st Jul 2014 23:19
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So far nothing back from Desura or IndieGameStand. Either they're very slow at reviewing applications (which didn't allow for much game detail - screenshots or anything) or they're just not interested. Found out that we can sell the game through Amazon for PC and Mac so probably sticking with that.

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Doz
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Posted: 5th Aug 2014 07:03
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You should check out Humble https://support.humblebundle.com/hc/en-us/categories/200166404-Developers

I have no experience with them as a dev but plenty as a consumer.

"The trouble with quotes on the Internet is that you can never know if they are genuine." -Abraham Lincoln
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Naphier
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Posted: 5th Aug 2014 16:19
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Oh yes, I'm quite aware of Humble Bundle, having donated a fair amount of money to them over the years. However, I've never seen them include a new or unknown game in their Indie Bundles, usually they are already quite popular. I would love to work with them though!

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Digital Awakening
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Posted: 5th Aug 2014 19:40
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Naphier:
They also have a regular store

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Naphier
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Posted: 5th Aug 2014 19:54
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I knew that, but didn't really think about it!
Looks like you can just put in an application. We'll give it a shot.
Thanks!

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easter bunny
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Posted: 6th Aug 2014 01:16
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A good free install creator I've come across is Inno Setup


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Naphier
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Posted: 6th Aug 2014 07:12
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Well we got a Humble widget to sell directly from our site without much effort at all. They split 95-5 which is really good. Trying to get it listed on the actual Humble Store now...
Amazon still giving us issues with the Mac version, but I'm re-trying Paul's fix just in case it didn't take. What a pain they are!

Haven't heard anything back from IndieGameStand or Desura. Oh well, 2 purchase options are good enough and the Humble widget is Android, Mac, and Windows all for $0.99. We're hoping that offer will drive a little more traffic that way and give us a bigger split!

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Naphier
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Posted: 6th Aug 2014 20:02
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No go on IndieGameStand or the Humble Store. We're not worthy

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