To include or not to include?

[brendan]

Hi all, I'm just getting my game ready for release and I'm "pondering" if I should include the gx.dll with the game? I'm releasing it as two seperate versions MIPS, and ARM (possibly SH3, if I can get some beta SH3 testers), anyhow should I just leave it out?, dont some systems come with there own hacked versions, i.e the BE300? what issues am I going to introduce by including it? 2002 devices+ have it by default dont they? what about 2000 devices?

In fact I cant find a gx.dll file on my system anywhere e125, but my game works? I'm using easyce btw.... can I assume that it's being "included" into my game? is this wise?

Maybe someone can shead so lite on me with a small info session on GAPI?

-Brendan

[James S]

If you're using the built in File Explorer then your gx.dll file will be hidden. As a matter of fact, all .dll files are hidden, I believe.
... hehe, "As a matter of fact, I believe."

But I would NOT include it with the game installer, but do include a link to download it on the support page and download page.

Also, if you really want to play it safe, you can have the gx.dll file install to the game's directory so it won't over-write the one that's in the Windows directory.
Or if you do install it to the Windows directory it will simply ask the users if he or she wants to replace that file. You can instruct them to say no if they get that dialog, if they don't then it will install because they didn't have it.

I don't know about all devices, but gx.dll should come with all new devices. My old E-125 didn't seem to have a problem with gx.dll, and my new H3955 certainly came with it.

[brendan]

Thanks Moose, I found out about the hidden bit after I made the post... my device does have one
-DOH, I did know that... but GAPI 1.2 etc is not listed in the installed progams list so I can either assume 1, I copyed it there, or 2, it comes default... but I think I'll do as you say, and just include a GAPI link in the installer etc....

-Brendan

[Conan]

[BadBazza]

Hi,

I always include it but copy it to the same directory as the .exe. Because .dll's are hidden the customer is unlikely to tap it and when they come to uninstall your game it only removes your gx.dll therefore it does not render there other software useless

Those who have a hacked gx.dll only have to delete the one in your games directory using activesync so that the one in the \windows directory becomes current

I hope this helps
Bad

[sponge]

Yes, include it with your program. Save you tons of trouble from the less experienced users too.

Those using hacked drivers are likely PPC literate, so when they see your game doesn't work they will (hopefully) look for a gx.dll.

[Malmer]

[TechMage]