[Feature Request] Portable Game Builds, Relocatable Paths and Configurable Launcher #391

Closed

opened 2026-11-07 23:21:02 +00:00 by azraeldestiny01 · 1 comment

azraeldestiny01 commented

2026-11-07 23:21:02 +00:00

(Migrated from github.com)

The idea

Hello!

First of all, thank you for your amazing work on Hookshot!

I'm currently testing the experimental Linux AppImage version on Bazzite Linux, and I would like to suggest some improvements to make the project more convenient and portable.

Relocatable compiled game directories

After compiling the game, I can only launch it successfully from its original directory.

I would like to be able to move the compiled game to another SSD, HDD, external drive, or Steam Deck without having to repeat the entire compilation process.

Ideally, the launcher could provide a Browse / Locate Game Files option to select the new location.

Support for relative paths would also be very useful, allowing the game to work independently of its absolute installation path.
2. A configurable game launcher

I would love to see a dedicated launcher for the compiled game, similar to the configuration interfaces available in other PC ports and emulators.

Some useful options could include:

Graphics

Resolution and fullscreen/windowed mode.

VSync and FPS limits.

Rendering scale and graphics options, where supported.

Performance settings.

Controllers

Controller detection and selection.

Button remapping.

Steam Input support.

Steam Deck built-in controller compatibility.

Keyboard configuration.

General

Select or change the game directory.

Configure audio and save-data locations, where supported.

Save settings between sessions.

Launch the compiled game directly.

Export compiled games as portable folders

It would also be very useful to have an option to export the compiled game as a self-contained, portable folder.

The goal would be to compile the game once, copy the resulting folder to another compatible Linux PC or Steam Deck, and launch it without recompiling.

This would be particularly valuable for users who maintain large offline game libraries or preserve their games on external storage.

I understand that some features may require additional development or may not be technically feasible yet.

Thank you for considering these suggestions!

Anything else

Examples of similar projects

I would like to use the following projects as examples of the type of launcher and configuration interface I have in mind:

shadPS4 (Bloodborne): https://github.com/shadps4-emu/shadPS4

OpenCrown-PC (Dragon's Crown): A PC port project with a configurable launcher.

I'm particularly interested in being able to select the game directory, configure controllers and graphics, and launch the game through a simple graphical interface.
My setup

Operating system: Bazzite Linux (Fedora Atomic).

Build method: Experimental Hookshot Linux AppImage.

Game format: .nup.

Intended platforms: Linux desktop and Steam Deck.

Why portability matters to me

I preserve my game library on external storage devices.

Being able to compile a game once and move it freely between compatible systems would make Hookshot much more useful for long-term game preservation.

Ideally, moving the compiled folder should not require rebuilding the game or manually editing absolute paths.

### The idea Hello! First of all, thank you for your amazing work on Hookshot! I'm currently testing the experimental Linux AppImage version on Bazzite Linux, and I would like to suggest some improvements to make the project more convenient and portable. 1. Relocatable compiled game directories After compiling the game, I can only launch it successfully from its original directory. I would like to be able to move the compiled game to another SSD, HDD, external drive, or Steam Deck without having to repeat the entire compilation process. Ideally, the launcher could provide a Browse / Locate Game Files option to select the new location. Support for relative paths would also be very useful, allowing the game to work independently of its absolute installation path. 2. A configurable game launcher I would love to see a dedicated launcher for the compiled game, similar to the configuration interfaces available in other PC ports and emulators. Some useful options could include: Graphics Resolution and fullscreen/windowed mode. VSync and FPS limits. Rendering scale and graphics options, where supported. Performance settings. Controllers Controller detection and selection. Button remapping. Steam Input support. Steam Deck built-in controller compatibility. Keyboard configuration. General Select or change the game directory. Configure audio and save-data locations, where supported. Save settings between sessions. Launch the compiled game directly. 3. Export compiled games as portable folders It would also be very useful to have an option to export the compiled game as a self-contained, portable folder. The goal would be to compile the game once, copy the resulting folder to another compatible Linux PC or Steam Deck, and launch it without recompiling. This would be particularly valuable for users who maintain large offline game libraries or preserve their games on external storage. I understand that some features may require additional development or may not be technically feasible yet. Thank you for considering these suggestions! ### Anything else Examples of similar projects I would like to use the following projects as examples of the type of launcher and configuration interface I have in mind: shadPS4 (Bloodborne): https://github.com/shadps4-emu/shadPS4 OpenCrown-PC (Dragon's Crown): A PC port project with a configurable launcher. I'm particularly interested in being able to select the game directory, configure controllers and graphics, and launch the game through a simple graphical interface. My setup Operating system: Bazzite Linux (Fedora Atomic). Build method: Experimental Hookshot Linux AppImage. Game format: .nup. Intended platforms: Linux desktop and Steam Deck. Why portability matters to me I preserve my game library on external storage devices. Being able to compile a game once and move it freely between compatible systems would make Hookshot much more useful for long-term game preservation. Ideally, moving the compiled folder should not require rebuilding the game or manually editing absolute paths.

👍 1

NotRexed commented

2026-11-09 05:48:12 +00:00

(Migrated from github.com)

Thanks for the idea. Feature requests are now collected in #1007, which lists this one with a link back here, so closing it in favour of that list (this is not a decision against the idea).

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