Guide for creating professional looking map installers

[AnarkiNet]

Hello everyone, I just finished writing this guide on how to use NSIS (Nullsoft Scriptable Install System) to create a clean and professional looking executable installer for a map, and thought others might benefit from this information.

The guide can be viewed here: http://game-advance.net/e107_plugins/content/content.php?content.9

I'll attempt to briefly explain what it's purpose is:
self-extracting installer, uses LZMA compression to achive much better (60-70% smaller than .zip) compression.
Installer has a GUI that is easy to use and contains a page which allows the user to select which steam account that exists on their computer to install your map into, no more messing around with complicated directories and such.
Lets you include as many custom materials, models, and sounds with your map as you want, and automatically puts them in the proper folders.

Also allows you to include the map source files (like the .vmf and .smd files, etc) if you want to release your map in an "open source" sort of way.

 

[bboymatty]

great stuff, thanks a lot

 

[Shinobi]

ncie deal

 

[Kyorisu]

Nice that will come in handy.

 

[Raeven0]

I'll stick to my ZIPs... If extra compression is needed there's always 7Z.

 

[_Meitsi_]

Inno Setup is good too. And its free... (dunno nullsoft installer is?)

 

[swiss_cheese9797]

great stuff man, Im assumign this will work on mods too? if not what would be the best format to use when I distribute my mod? Thanx

 

[FictiousWill]

bspzipping your materials into the bsp is a far better solution.

 

[AnarkiNet]

I'm working on another project right now but it would not be hard to setup an option for mods, if i get some free time in the future.

Also, the guide has been updated as of last night, its now ALOT easier to use, and works alot better