Save games file locations

[Progject]

Hi all - as my game comes along further, I'm thinking about how I'm using Ini++ in conjunction with the file object to successfully save files in a way that Windows 7-10 likes. Where do most games tend to save games - is it in c:\users\[username]\appdata? As for config files for game settings, I'd like to just save these in the local game directory - is this possible in Windows 10? When I've played about with it, I can't get any ini to write to the game's directory.

Any "best practice" advice on game save file locations would be appreciated!

[Julian82]

Using the AppData directory is the right way to go. All other save game locations may cause trouble if the app is not run with admin rights on the machine.
Before saving there you have to create a save game location using the File-object: AppDataDirectory$( "File" ) + "\mygame\". After that you can save your data there (for example an array or ini called "settings") using the File-object: AppDataDirectory$( "File" ) + "\mygame\" + "settings"

edit: Here's an example from my game with an array, I don't use INI at all but I think the basic process should be similar.

Unbenannt.PNG

You only need to create the directory for saving once, re-creating it will do no harm tho - if the directory already exists this operation will change nothing (all save data in this directory will stay untouched).

[Progject]

Great advice and confirms that I'm on the right track. Thanks!

[zip2kx]

Using the AppData directory is the right way to go. All other save game locations may cause trouble if the app is not run with admin rights on the machine.
Before saving there you have to create a save game location using the File-object: AppDataDirectory$( "File" ) + "\mygame\". After that you can save your data there (for example an array or ini called "settings") using the File-object: AppDataDirectory$( "File" ) + "\mygame\" + "settings"

edit: Here's an example from my game with an array, I don't use INI at all but I think the basic process should be similar.

Unbenannt.PNG

You only need to create the directory for saving once, re-creating it will do no harm tho - if the directory already exists this operation will change nothing (all save data in this directory will stay untouched).

I'm using AppPath, havent had any admin issues yet but do you know if there's risk for that?

[danworth]

Appdata is owned by the user and the owner has no restrictions by default. So you are safe to use that location. As it's already been said it's best practices to use appdata. You could use any user owned folder though such as documents or even the unused saved games folder.

[Julian82]

I'm using AppPath, havent had any admin issues yet but do you know if there's risk for that?

Most players run their machines with admin rights, but you'll get instant trouble (failing saves) if you run your game from a guest account. I realized this first when I made a restricted account on my machine for a convention.

[zip2kx]

Exactly what does AppData do? What if i need to read in a file from the folder the .exe is in?

[Julian82]

Not sure if I get your question right, as Danworth said, AppData just provides a save spot for all data that is modified while running the game. AppPath is the right location for all data that is never modified and/or needs to be included into the .exe. Like level layout arrays, for example

[zip2kx]

Not sure if I get your question right, as Danworth said, AppData just provides a save spot for all data that is modified while running the game. AppPath is the right location for all data that is never modified and/or needs to be included into the .exe. Like level layout arrays, for example

Ok nice i think i got it.

[Del_Duio]

Hi all - as my game comes along further, I'm thinking about how I'm using Ini++ in conjunction with the file object to successfully save files in a way that Windows 7-10 likes. Where do most games tend to save games - is it in c:\users\[username]\appdata? As for config files for game settings, I'd like to just save these in the local game directory - is this possible in Windows 10? When I've played about with it, I can't get any ini to write to the game's directory.

Any "best practice" advice on game save file locations would be appreciated!

I'd save your save game files in a folder called "Saves", located in the main folder with your .exe.
I'd also highly recommend also using the Blowfish object to encrypt your saves too. It works with ini and is great!