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General discussion (archive)Downloading your games - EXE vs ZIP, optional GOG.com Downloader...(133 posts)(133 posts)
(133 posts)
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This is my favourite topic
Posted September 10, 2008
I would be interesting in seeing some sort of optional downloader that can be used. More because I'm from NZ and our download speeds are really dodgy.
At the moment I'm waiting for Fallout Tactics to download, and it's going at about 25kbs. So It should be ready in about a day :)
Posted September 10, 2008
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Destro: What do you think of the idea of an optional downloader app from GOG.com, for downloading your purchased games? You know, some slick background app, that let's you pause and resume transfers?

Bad idea. I find custom downloader apps to be deeply irritating. The best solution is to just make sure your system is compatible with decent download managers (wget in particular).
Should we stick with single EXE file as the default format or maybe you'd prefer to download ZIP file that contains the installer files inside? We'd like to hear for your feedback on that.

Whatever will result in the smallest file size. I care more about how long it takes to download than about how much space it uses on my drive or how long the installer takes to launch.
Posted September 10, 2008
I vote for *.exe files and the application for downloading. But the last should be optional so that you can choose if you want to download it over the web or with the application, if the file is a bigger one.
Posted September 10, 2008
Zip has one advance compared to exe, it can be very easy checked for errors. But if your installer is checking itself with some kind of crc32 or sha1 it is ok. If your installer doesn't make any check what so ever i suggest to create a md5 file with checksum of the exe file.
Posted September 10, 2008
Uses actual EXE installer with CRC error check (I loved that installer =) and an OPTIONAL "gog's games download manager" appears to be the best way for everyone =)
I do not feel comfortable having to download and check all games one-by-one, and some people do not feel comfortable with a computer application installed listing all games in account and helping this download, if we can join the best 2 worlds with an optional aplication, it's perfect!
Post edited September 10, 2008 by doomer
Posted September 10, 2008
Why not have links for several options and allow the user to choose what format is most convenient for their broadband connection and system? PLEASE keep it simple and avoiding download managers would be very welcome. Keep up the good work!
Posted September 10, 2008
self-extracting exe using an open-source compression would by my suggestion.
Posted September 10, 2008
Just stick to the EXE. I really don't feel like extracting all my games after I download them. The exception is if the game is runnable right away, because I'd be fine with that. But if it'll just extract the installer files, then no.
As for the download manager... Well, I really don't need it personally, and I don't think people will appreciate it being forced upon them. But if it's optional, then I don't see why I should complain. I just won't be using it if you decide to offer such an app.
Posted September 10, 2008
I think a download manager would be nice ( just for downloads, not for running the games like steam) for two reasons, pause and restore download possibilities and for have all the games you bought listed and ready for quick download...
Posted September 10, 2008
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Destro: Hi there! If you made any purchases at GOG.com, you've already noticed that our games are downloaded as single EXE file. Should we stick with single EXE file as the default format or maybe you'd prefer to download ZIP file that contains the installer files inside? We'd like to hear for your feedback on that.
(On the one hand, ZIP file would obviously require some time and extra disk space to extract before you could proceed with installation, but on the other hand, launching a huge (like 1.5GB) EXE file in Vista might take even longer as Vista scans the whole file :/).

--
Piotr K.
Design & Dev Team
If the .exe was rar'd with winrar we could have the option of having it extract the files via EXE or unrar it using WinRAR. :D
Posted September 10, 2008
as it just took something like 10 minutes to scan the full .exe for FO:T before UAC would give me the hello box, i got to say "go for a smaller installer with separate files to install in a zip" because jesus christ.
edit: what about .msi? that way you can keep the single file and also not have vista throw a fit about it
Post edited September 10, 2008 by Dano
Posted September 10, 2008
Not bothered with either .exe or zipped files, either works as well.
Though with downloads of 3gb and 5gb on some of the games. I personally would like the option of a torrent download as well.
Still whatever you end up going with I feel more choice is better than just giving only one option.
Posted September 10, 2008
thanks for all the feedback so far, and keep it coming :)
Posted September 10, 2008
i would love to see a choice.
you wanna download a single exe? great download that
you wanna downlaod with a torrent? just click the torrent butten
etc
Posted September 10, 2008
Doesn't matter much for me if it's exe or zip. However I've grown a great dislike for 7zip as I had several bugs / archives where it just wouldn't work while winrar did.
So my personal fav is: don't worry too much about that extra % space - instead, keep it stupid simple (kiss).
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General discussion (archive)Downloading your games - EXE vs ZIP, optional GOG.com Downloader...(133 posts)(133 posts)
(133 posts)