Launcher Planning List

Current Tasks (to-dos)

• Obtain server for testing launcher protocol.
  • Current volunteers: EpicDev
• Verify if EpicDev's AES encryption-based server will be compatible with the https requirements we'll need for TCP Ack.
  • Current volunteers: (pending)
• Locate and integrate a Github TCP Ack software solution to simulate the intended protocol for the launcher.
  • Current volunteers: (pending)
• Verify server efficacy, and integrate with server-facing component of Github solution.
  • Current volunteers: (pending)
• Reverse-engineer existing Sunrise launcher to map out its functionality to aid in making further updates.
  • Current volunteers: Vision
• Investigate / integrate Ironpython ( https://ironpython.net/ ) into Sunrise to provide .net framework support for wider programming access for those unfamiliar with Python/QT.
  • Current volunteers: Profit
• Identify resources needed
  • Current volunteers: (pending)
    • Resources are available however identification of needs is required.
    • Virtual resource requirements may include wiki, github or other organizational tools.

Preliminary Requirements

• Verify and outline replacement for Manifests.
  • TCP ACK is the current methodology being explored.
    • For clarification were looking at more of a 2way check process or verification of requests by client launcher vs pushing out a full manifest in a single request.
  • Verify any additional server-side requirements that must be developed to work with this data management model.
• Settle on launcher's server list management methodology.
• Develop a prototype for demonstration
  • Potentially, combine the incomplete Sunrise launcher with a github-acquired TCPAck solution to present the idea in action. Additional changes or custom solutions can be worked out later.

List of Development Milestones

• Settle on whether to continue existing Sunrise launcher development, or migrate to another programming language.
  • Ease-of-entry or familiarity with the language to develop the software should be a priority to resolve limitations with available developers.
  • Issues with Sunrise are that there may be a lack of experience surrounding Python with QT to continue development.
  • If Sunrise is discontinued, verify if any aspects of the project, such as Lexi's skins, can be recycled to minimize future labor.

List of Requirements

• Launcher must be in the same directory as the game executable. Forcing this as a standard will resolve several problems with administrative rights requirements previously seen in earlier launchers.

Tertiary Goals

• User interface layout and design requirements.
  • Detailed view of transfer speeds
  • Detailed view of progress
• Confirm and work around compatibility problems across OS platforms.
  • Wine wrapping seems to be among the most popular solutions.
• Meaningful Error messages
  • Detailed messages will help with troubleshooting experience