steam and RSII launcher

[chaplain118]

Hi guys, as my sig says, I'm one of the release writers for the RS team. Currently, I have just one small request to ask from you beta testers:

Check to see if what I've written about running RSII through steam is correct. I've read the instructions in the Beta testers Queries Thread but some parts were rather confusing, especially the bit about copying over the DMB and desc_char files from the IMPORTANT STUFF folder.

Running RSII on Steam

Running RSII through Steam is a hassle but not impossible. Several Beta Testers have successfully ran the game through Steam and have imparted their knowledge to the rest of the team so that Steam users are able to enjoy the game as well. To run RSII on Steam, it involves creating a set of shortcuts with the proper targets. 1) Go into your RS2 folder and select the .exe file you will be using (RTW.exe, BI.exe or Alex.exe). 2) Right click and select "Create Shortcut" 3) Right click the shorcut you've just created and select "Properties" 4) Go to the "Target" line - it will look something like: "C:\Program Files\The Creative Assembly\RS2\RomeTW.exe" or wherever you've put your RS2 folder 5) Add these after the quotes: -mod: then the name of whichever modfolder you want to use) -show_err -movie_cam -nm So an example would be: "C:\Program Files\The Creative Assembly\RS2\RomeTW.exe" -mod:Play_Rome -show_err -movie_cam -nm Important- for steam launcher If you started your campaign through the game engine (Meaning that you started RS2 and clicked single player, imperial campaign) You are NOT using the correct thing. You need to type in the specific modfolder of the faction you are testing on steam's "set launch options" panel. When you start the mod it should say "Play (yourfactionhere) campaign" It should NOT say "Play single player" Follow the instructions stated above to play RSII through steam-RTW

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If those of you with Steam can help me either correct or clarify some part of this, that would be fantastic. Thanks, everyone!

[Paedric]

Sticked it since it is rather urgent.

[chaplain118]

Actually, Paedric, can you unsticky it? I feel like most beta testers tend to ignore the stickied threads. I know I personally didn't even see the thread dvk started about the installer files.

Thanks.

EDIT: Steam users. PLEASE help me out on this. It is imperative to the release of RSII for the steam instructions to be as clear and ACCURATE as possible. Until I feel that the release post is satisfactory, I am unwilling to let the team proceed with it since it will just bring up hosts of questions.

[apple]

Done.

[swhunter]

Np thanks.

[Legionary Titus Pullo]

I dont use steam an awful lot but wont the Folder address be in the steam folder C:\Steam\Steamapps\common\ or something like that?

[Paedric]

I've sent a PM to three guys that had Steam, I hope they are still around.

[SgtLong]

Hi, sorry took a break for a moment. I played only the way,mentioned above for a long time until I found out how to launch the game, using the launch options -mod:play_Rome etc. I will try this way and post progress!

[MarcusTullius]

Hi, sorry took a break for a moment. I played only the way,mentioned above for a long time until I found out how to launch the game, using the launch options -mod:play_Rome etc. I will try this way and post progress!

Thank you. The sooner you can report, the better!

[SgtLong]

I will try the way mentioned above, but in the properties in the steam game library menu i used Launch Options, and entered in the -mod:play_Rome in that line and just selected the faction prior to launching, every time, since i figured out how. Yeah If you run for instance the game with out selecting a faction, the game play/starting positions are WAY DIFFERENT. In fact launching it the way I did for the longest, gave you all units to start in regards to what you could make in capital and some other features not present in the faction specific launch options!

[SgtLong]

Having Direct X Issues ATM with steam!

[DUFFMAN]

Can't you just make a non-steam shortcut for the launcher? IIRC the launcher was a .exe, so that should mean you can add it as a shortcut in steam, and then you will have access to the normal launcher like everyone who doesnt have a steam version of rtw. Would be a lot easier I think. I don't have the steam version of rtw though, so I can't check if this is true, but I have managed to add the launcher to steam and run the game, with steam overlay etc. Could be different with the steam version of rtw though.. I dont know.

[SgtLong]

Yeah i have DL Gold Version from Steam =(. lol

[SgtLong]

Now if i can fix Direct X I could play, some reason Direct X, even though I have 11 says steam games need it installed prior to me playing.....

[DUFFMAN]

My previous post might be a bit confusing, so here's what I did:

1) Installed clean non-steam versions of RTW with BI and ALX
2) Installed RS beta
3) Added the launcher.exe from the launcher folder to Steam as a non-steam shortcut
4) Started the launcher from the steam game menu, can play without a problem and can use steam overlay.

My theory for people with steam versions:

1) Download and install RTW (+ expansions if purchased) from steam
2) Install RS2 in the RTW folder in steamapps.
3) Add the launcher.exe as a non-steam shortcut to steam.
4) Use that shortcut in steam to get to the launcher. No need for going to RTW in steam and editing properties.

If that doesnt work, then the only thing I can think of is going to gamecopyworld.com, downloading the crack, so the RTW.exe doesn't need steam anymore. HOWEVER that is illegal in some countries I believe. I am nearly a 100% certain that that will work, and in my opinion it beats editing the properties. You will then be able to get to the launcher, and you don't even have to have steam running anymore.

[MarcusTullius]

If that doesnt work, then the only thing I can think of is going to gamecopyworld.com, downloading the crack, so the RTW.exe doesn't need steam anymore. HOWEVER that is illegal in some countries I believe. I am nearly a 100% certain that that will work, and in my opinion it beats editing the properties. You will then be able to get to the launcher, and you don't even have to have steam running anymore.

We shouldn't resort to this, or be seen to promote this course of action in any way, shape or form. Its illegal in most countries, and would tar the name of the mod.

[DUFFMAN]

We shouldn't resort to this, or be seen to promote this course of action in any way, shape or form. Its illegal in most countries, and would tar the name of the mod.

True, but we could very clearly state that we are not to be held responsible for any legal complications that may occur. As long as we don't provide download links containing illegal files, and clearly state that this procedure may be illegal in certain countries, we are not at risk. Am I right?

But I understand if you don't want to promote this.

[MarcusTullius]

True, but we could very clearly state that we are not to be held responsible for any legal complications that may occur. As long as we don't provide download links containing illegal files, and clearly state that this procedure may be illegal in certain countries, we are not at risk. Am I right?

But I understand if you don't want to promote this.

Hmmm, lets see if the legit way to use Steam works first. Then it is up to dvk to decide how we give the instructions for this work around. More than happy to let someone suggest it on the main forum, away from any of us, and then for it to be used by the fans. Then we have not promoted nor are we responsible for their actions. We can turn a blind eye that way...but even for the team to show them the method and introduce them to the idea could be testing waters best left untouched.

Any other opinions on this?

[DUFFMAN]

My theory for people with steam versions:

1) Download and install RTW (+ expansions if purchased) from steam
2) Install RS2 in the RTW folder in steamapps.
3) Add the launcher.exe as a non-steam shortcut to steam.
4) Use that shortcut in steam to get to the launcher. No need for going to RTW in steam and editing properties.

If anyone with a steam version of the game could test this, and it works, then that would be really great. I can't test it myself because I don't have the steam version.

[apple]

Well you are breaking TWC's rules if you suggest that and if anybody else would do so we moderators would have to edit/remove that post.