How it works
Learn how the Launcher works.
How Game Launcher Works
Game Launcher is a standalone program designed to make installing, updating, and repairing your game fast, efficient, and lightweight. Here's how it works:
Installation, Patching, and Repair
When you create a patch for your game, you need to upload the contents of the Output folder to your hosting server. This folder includes three main subfolders:
InstallerPatch (optional): Contains the full game packaged in a single file. If a user doesn't have the game installed, this file will be downloaded.
RepairPatch: Contains all the files from the latest version of the game. If the launcher detects any missing or corrupted files on the user's side, only those files will be downloaded.
IncrementalPatch: Contains the data to update from a previous version to a newer one. If the user already has an older version installed, only the necessary files to bring it up to date will be downloaded.
The launcher automatically determines the best update method by comparing patch sizes. It always chooses the smallest and most efficient option.
Creating Your Own Patches
You can create your own patches for both your game and the launcher. These are handled separately in their own dedicated workspaces.
Want to learn how to create patches step by step? Check the full guide here: Creating Launcher Version
Binary Diff vs. Full File Updates
Game Launcher uses a technique called Binary Diff to make patching smarter and more efficient by updating only the parts of files that actually changed.
Real-world Example:
Imagine you have a file named MyEnvironment.map that is 10 GB in size.
You make a small change in your game engine, such as adding a new sound. With traditional patching, the entire 10 GB file would need to be downloaded again, even for a tiny change.
But with Game Launcher:
The system detects the exact difference in the file using Binary Diff.
It generates a small patch containing only the changed data.
The launcher applies this patch directly to the existing file on the user's device.
The result: the user downloads just a few megabytes instead of the entire file. Faster updates, less bandwidth, and a better user experience.
Without Binary Diff, any minor change would force a full file re-download—even if it’s just one byte. Not ideal, right? That’s why Game Launcher makes a big difference.
Key Benefits of Game Launcher
Saves bandwidth for you and your users
Faster updates with smaller downloads
Smart auto-detection of the best patch method
Separate patching systems for game and launcher updates
Binary Diff technology for ultra-lightweight patches
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