Creating an installer for Windows

[unforgettableid]

Hi! I wonder if you might be interested in creating an installer for the Windows version of Open Surge. Or, if not, I wonder if you'd be interested in maintaining and distributing one, if someone else (not me) volunteers to initially create the installer.

There are lots of tools out there for creating installers. Some of them are freeware and/or open-source.

An installer can be a .msi file, a .exe file, or a stub .exe file which simply wraps and executes a .msi file. I think a .msi file is more likely to install smoothly and cleanly for those who use a Windows package manager, such as WinGet or Chocolatey.

[unforgettableid]

CPack comes with CMake. It can generate installers / packages for Windows, Mac OS, and Linux. (On Linux, for example, it can generate .rpm, .deb, and other package formats.)

If you choose the WiX generator, you can get an installer for Windows which uses MSI technology. I recommend using MSI technology, if you can. You'll probably need to have the WiX Toolset installed.

If you choose the NSIS generator, you can get an installer for Windows without MSI technology.

There's CPack documentation in various places, including the CPack chapter of the CMake book.

I myself have personally never tried or used CPack.

[alemart]

We currently distribute the Windows version of the game as a portable .zip file. This is beneficial because users can make their own games with it - and easy access to images, audios and scripts is very desirable. Using an installer wouldn't help in this regard.

Even though CPack can be used to create a installer, I see no reason to do it unless there is a tangible benefit to the project. I don't know if Windows package managers such as winget would bring much to this project in terms of exposure. Why are you asking for an installer?

[alemart]

Closing due to inactivity.

[unforgettableid]

Why are you asking for an installer?

I want to be able to quickly and easily install the game when I want to play it, then uninstall it if I feel that it's been taking up too much of my time. I can use a self-control software tool to help prevent me from downloading it again, at times when I need to focus on schoolwork.

This is beneficial because users can make their own games with it - and easy access to images, audios and scripts is very desirable.

Yes, this is helpful, but only for the users who want to make their own games. Most do not.

Why is an installer useful?

"The installer is typically there to make things easier for the end user. It does some combination of the following:

• "Unzipping
• "Creation of directories ...
• "Registration with the OS (for later clean uninstall)
• "Display beautiful, beautiful screenshots to prepare the player for your game while it works.
• "Offering the user the chance to register their game
• "Downloading updates for the assets or patches for the game
• "Add icons to the start menu or the desktop ...
• "Allow the user to mindlessly click next and get to playing the game!" (Source.)

So, an installer is a nice convenience.

The speed and ease provided by an installer might encourage more new users to try Open Surge.

CPack can also generate binary .zip and source .zip packages. (Source.) So, with one or two commands, distributors could create both Zip and MSI installers. Maybe not just yourself, but also developers of other games which also use the Open Surge engine.

Any thoughts?

[alemart]

These arguments are mostly linked to personal preference. Other people have different preferences. Using a portable .zip is just as easy as using an installer (maybe even easier), but an installer has an aesthetic quality that a .zip does not have.

I'm not convinced that the presence or the absence of an installer will play any important factor in engagement.

I don't see any tangible benefit to the project at this time. Depending on our distribution channels in the future, I may or may not reconsider this position.

[unforgettableid]

I still think an installer can be easier. In an installer designed for maximum ease, you can just keep clicking "Next" until the installation begins. You'll get the game decompressed, a directory made, Start Menu icons created, and an uninstaller registered with Windows. And it all happens in maybe half a dozen mindless clicks.

Maybe the best thing would be to offer all users a choice. A portable .zip file for those want it, and also an installer for those who want that.

But you're the project lead. So, if you decline to distribute an installer, then your decision wins. :)