What is the best way of distributing a game that uses an ini file?

[Enchantainment]

My game is just about ready to be distributed on Windows. I've been in contact with a games distributor (Desura) and they're ready to accept my game.

They've asked for just the .exe of the game, but do say that they will configure your install settings as part of the MCF creation process, and to let them know if your game has any special installation requirements.

I have no idea how if I'm supposed to create an installer, or just give them the .exe. I'm not sure how Desura works, whether the user has to downlaod the games, or if they play the game through Desura. If they have to download the game to their computer, I don't want they game to have to create a .ini on their desktop.

Could anyone give me some help this matter?

Thanks.

[imothep85]

well, the ini files are saved/created where the game is installed, so the ini file is never going to be on the desktop normally.

[Paul_Boland]

Providing you don't specify the path to create your games INI file at, it will be created in the Windows folder. Just set your INI to the INI file name, "MyINIFile.ini", and it will be created in the Windows folder so the user won't see it.

[MuddyMole]

Yep, just make sure you're using $appdir everywhere, and then you can simply bundle everything together in a zip file - job done

[droberson]

If the ini file is going to be read/write then you will to take care of what folder it is placed in as part of the install since Windows is now locking down certain directories to be read only. Also, will the ini be only for a single user account or used with several accounts on the system. This also has to be considered on where you place it.

Here is a link to help you decide where to place data: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/libr...ialfolder.aspx

[Enchantainment]

There is no path specified for the ini, so it just creates it where the .exe is. The thing is, I don't know if the user will have to install the game to their system, or if Desura makes users play the game through Desura. Also when I create an installer and install the game, it won't create the ini file, which is probably because of the directory it's being installed in (like droberson said). I guess I'll have to make the game create a file in the My Documents/ My Games folder or something. Would this work? (if I have to create an installer for the game).

[Danny]

Just use the INI property "Create INI in Application Data Folder". Fusion 2.5 creates the INI in a special temporary directory (typically under \Roaming\) which will work just fine. When using this, just call the filename (not a full path) such as myfile.ini...

[Enchantainment]

Thanks Danny. This solution seems to be working perfectly. All data being saved and no ini file being created next to the .exe! Thanks a lot for your help

[Danny]

Never a problem. Good luck with the game and ensure you let us know when/where it's available!

[Enchantainment]

I'll inform you all when you can grab the game for sure