Installation/predownload Idea

Black Mesa Archive Suggestion Box
#1

I know this if for ingame suggestions but I figure its the best place for this.

Just thought I’d suggest this idea that kinda came about in the “Got a Question?” thread (https://forums.blackmesasource.com/showthread.php?p=343434#post343434).

An encrypted pre-download pack with a unique algorithm would help reduce the end download size, create easy distribution, & eliminate leaks. In the download pack files could have invalid file extensions and/or directories removed to ensure that if the encryption key was ever discovered the contents are useless because of no file extensions or directories. Having a custom installer would be able to have the option to select the pre-download file and decrypt it (and/or correct file names/directories) to aid in a quicker installation.

My ISP where I live messes with torrents and slows large file downloads combat piracy. So for me having to download 3 gigs of compressed data could take well over an hour.

The prepack could be released when the release date is released(way to much use of the word release!). If others are in the same situation as I mentioned above this could make BM easier to access on release day & lessen strain on servers.

Just a thought I wanted to share. Thanks for reading.

#2

Ha wow. This thread triggered the spam protection.

#3

LMAO

#4

Haha, is that why it required mod approval first?

#5

I think of a leak as data released without devs consent. Devs would still control the data contained in the file until they release decryption software. This would be like remote data storage. Perhaps could be coined a controlled leak? haha :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye:

#6

Poor little fella’… over an hour of downloading… poor guy. :’(

CRUEL DEVS… DO SOMETHING

#7

I remember downloading something and it took a week and it wasn’t even for something that interesting, and this one’s complaining about an hour download…for one of the most awesome things ever?

:’(

#8

you can’t predownload something that doesn’t exist

#9

Didn’t JamesKane tell you he would do this the day of release?

#10

I think working in the IT field has created a lack of patience for slow downloads haha. Nah guys, even If I have to wait 7 long painful years for it download so be it :stuck_out_tongue: Was just a suggestion and of course constructive criticism is welcomed. Be gentle with your flames.(hilarious music video link’d!)

Savant, you make me have a :’( face with thoughts of that.

#11

I never loved predownloads… “C’mon, c’mon it’s nearly here… oh yeah, we’re alredy downloading it! With this we’ll have 95% of game content -Hoah! … … too bad we cant use it until the official release… bla bla ball lala!”

No. I vote for releasing it in the old fashioned way.:bms:

#12

But surely everyone knows that hackers always beat developers, so I think it’s a bad idea.

#13

Not necessarily. If an encryption strength is used such as one similar to Winrar, by the time they crack it the mod would have been released for ages. They’d have to use a brute-force method which can take years. Imagine having a custom compression format plus a sophisticated algorithm, it’d take you years. If you re-read again i mentioned if you scramble the contents of the file (no directories, file extensions, even names could be coded) even if you had access it’d be useless.

More than likely this idea will never be used and that’s cool. The type of software I usually use this stuff on costs a pretty penny and thats why they want these type of precautions taken.

Thanks for your opinion on the topic though!

#14

it would take me at least 3 hours, probably the longest 3 hours of my life but still it’s not that bad.

#15

As inoffensive as this idea may be, I will always hate it forever because it was mralexs who thought of it first.

#16

not being a hacker/programmer/developer, sounds like extra work for something that can be outright done away with.

Since canada has all those bandwidth problems, I suggest going canadian.

https://www.canadiandownload.com/
/thread

#17

@Maxey - I 100% understand hahaha :stuck_out_tongue:

@koolkalang - yah its about 4 or 5 hours if your making custom software to encrypt and decrypt then you have to encrypt before releasing. More than likely more than that for a project this size. Hilarious link, had no idea that existed. I’ve signed soo many petitions to try and stop this. You should see our cellphone plans here too. It’d make you shed a tear for me haha.

#18

it will take me 20 years to download the mod on my 28kbps modem

make the password 1234567890

#19

It takes took about an hour for HL2, around 8 hours for Splinter Cell conviction, and 1 for Hitman. I think I’ll be wating around 2-3 for Black Mesa…

#20

Am I the only one who thinks this makes no sense?

The day that the game is complete enough to predownload it in its entirety should be the day it gets released… BMS devs dont have any problems like stocking retailers, getting ads out, coordinating a set release day, etc. etc… they can release it as soon as its ready…

Founded in 2004, Leakfree.org became one of the first online communities dedicated to Valve’s Source engine development. It is more famously known for the formation of Black Mesa: Source under the 'Leakfree Modification Team' handle in September 2004.