Client Launcher

What is a Client Launcher?

A client launcher has a few key roles currently these tasks are done as directed by the manifest file(s) you load into your launcher of choice. In the broader gaming industry, a client launcher will communicate directly to a central server for directions of what to do.

Tasks the client launcher is often directed to do

• Initial Game install
• Patches Game install with current updates or bugfixes
• Check game files for correct versions or corruption
• Launches Game with correct Game files for selected server

Overview and Concerns

The current client launcher options available for City of Heroes have many limitations and security holes.

Launchers currently have one or all of the following issues

• Unrestricted access to OS file structure write & delete
• Utilizes a very inefficient and insecure manifest file for directions
  • manifest file is also overly bloated and time-consuming to build
• Does not show download speeds
• Does not show per file progress
• Does not give any indication of file sizes or overall install size
• Trying to support multiple private servers with a single manifest causes problems

Project Objectives

Stuff we want to do!

Current Launcher Options

Tequila - Windows

• Used Primarily by Homecoming Servers Network and Titan Network (For Paragon Chat)
• Used by Many Private Servers
• Development Status: Abandoned

Cream Soda - Windows

• Forked from Tequila and reworked
• Used by Many Private Servers
• Development Status: Abandoned?

Island Rum - Mac

• Development Status: Active (?)

Sunrise - Windows?

• Project started by SCOTS Team but was later abandoned before release
• Currently in incomplete status
• Development Status: Abandoned?

Sweet Tea - Cross-Platform?

• Active development by CoXG
• Created to imitate Cream Soda? While also attempting to address security flaws found in all current Launchers
• Intended to be Cross-Platform (Cross OS - Win/Mac/Linux)
• Development Status: Active