[SOLVED] Best Installer (packager) to 'copy' AGS game & files into directory

[ToeKnee]

Hi all, I have checked the manuals and can't see relevant information under the section: 'Distributing Your Game' that I am after nor in the forums.

I have just finished my first full length AGS game and I want to distribute it.
The game has the following 15 x Files in it (I split resources into 10MB chunks);


Of course, for Windows I take the "Compiled/Windows" sub-folder and give that to people to play the game... Some people find that a bit too difficult!!

What do people find is the best and easiest to use to package an AGS Game into a (backward Compatible) installed exe that people can just run to extract all files (but also works with Windows versions prior to Win10) and maybe opens the README...?
Thanks!
Tony

[Crimson Wizard]

First of all, you may create a self-extracting zip archive. Many archive software allow to do this, they simply produce a windows exe file that show a dialog with path and extract files there. This probably is as simple as it may be.

Then, if you are looking for "real" installers, with installation wizard, options, program registration in system etc support, one popular one is called InnoSetup. We use it for AGS Editor.
https://jrsoftware.org/isinfo.php
it's free and configured through a relatively simple text script.

[ToeKnee]

Thanks Crimson Wizard!! > Innosetup is PERFECT.
It is exactly what I was after - so thanks for pointing me in the right direction (I couldn't find a product when searching/trawling Google either and of course paying for things like this when you want to publish a game for FREE is a bit of an ask).

Many people use MACS now and if they install a game for an 'older' Windows PC or Windows based Laptop they often need to be helped to even 'create a directory' let alone copy files!! - since PC commands are not so common anymore!
Maybe this recommendation could be in the HINTS of AGS or updated in the Manual (it appears AGS is no longer taking HINTS feedback...)

Thanks again!!
Tony

[ToeKnee]

Update - This has worked perfectly now for a few people.
Innosetup is great and has removed all difficulties for people trying to install the game by copying files or unpacking/copying zips.

Thanks again Crimson Wizard!