[REQ] Mod Downloader

Game Dev Tycoon modding
#1

First of all, I want you to tell me if this would be a good idea for a mod, or if I should let Greenheartgames do this if they want:

Basically, a UI where you press a button to download a specific mod (with perms from author of mod), and then have the mod do the unpacking and moving of the files to the correct directories.

(Tell me if good idea or bad idea)

Questions:

Is it possible, or even legal to modify the main menu of the game? I didn’t see anything about it not being legal in the mod agreement, but just want to make sure. (Some games your only allowed to mod the gameplay.)

Would have to make different versions of the mod, depending on operating system and version of game. (Win7/Steam, Win8/Store, Mac/Steam, etc.), or can I detect the OS and version?

What I need help with:

Ive got this very basic code for downloading to the default download folder specified by the user (works in web browser):

var downloadURL = function downloadURL(url) {
    var hiddenIFrameID = 'hiddenDownloader',
        iframe = document.getElementById(hiddenIFrameID);
    if (iframe === null) {
        iframe = document.createElement('iframe');
        iframe.id = hiddenIFrameID;
        iframe.style.display = 'none';
        document.body.appendChild(iframe);
    }
    iframe.src = url;
};

(I would tweak it to work with GDT. But, TBH, I don’t know if iFrame works with GDT. Just assuming it does)

Ive been trying to find a way to download a file to a specific location using JS or HTML. All i’ve basically seen was “NO. IMPOSSIBLE DUE TO SECURITY ISSUES”. I would like to know if it is actually possible. And if not, how can I prompt a Save-as Dialog?

Again, tell me if this could be good, or if it is literally impossible or near impossible.

BTW: Got the idea from this topic. Didn’t realize what they were actually talking about until I got the idea of this kind of mod.

#2

Well, I cant help you, but mod downloader… I think mods are very easy to install (and download).

#3

i dont think the mod installation is the problem.
to find the correct files on github is for a few users the main problem…

#4

I have had ideas like this already, just not the time.
Your approach, however, is wrong, you’re forgetting that you’re not using a browser here, you’re using node, which removes a lot of limitations that most browsers have.
You’re using a iframe (why), while you can just use ajax (or node http module even) and the node file system to download and save a file directly.
Also, who said changing the main menu is illegal? For what I understand you can mod every aspect of the game.

#5

@Jari Never did I say I was for-sure using that code. Just something I scrounged up.
I also said “Just Making Sure”.

@Haxor Github happens to confuse many people. They look at the big folder thing right infront of them rather than the download butting tucked away on the side, and they get “scared away” (for lack of a better term).

#6

That AND the fact that people don’t understand to go into the master folder and pull out the subfolder with the actual mod contents. :smile:

#7

Well, mod creators can just write how to download the mod.

And on github, there you can put readme, and it will just display.

#8

I simply answered above question, not accusing you of anything.

#9

I don’t think we need a mod downloader… if you follow the tutorial to install mods it pretty easy.