> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://gamelauncher.cloud/help/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://gamelauncher.cloud/help/changelog/2025/december-14-2025.md).

# December 14, 2025

Smart Bundles technology for optimized downloads, Launcher Build Management, xxHash64 implementation and much more

***

## 🖥️ Desktop

### \[NEW] Smart Bundles Technology

{% hint style="success" %}
**NEW FEATURE:** Revolutionary Smart Bundles system for dramatically faster downloads!
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="danger" %}
IMPORTANT: This new feature is only available for newer builds and launchers.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://4290114470-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FbxTY1v1lydkuTpyU2UyA%2Fuploads%2FArUIHvneIz9zauLCIkvO%2FComparison.png?alt=media&amp;token=65a93e9e-26c4-452d-8bde-b1d5ce62bdfe" alt=""><figcaption><p>Previous Method vs Smart Bundles</p></figcaption></figure>

**Example:**\
A **1.16 GB** game with **309 files** is now **1.07 GB** with only **5 files** because most of its assets were small files.

**What's New:**

* **Smart Bundles** - Automatic grouping of small files into optimized packages
* **Faster Downloads** - Dramatically reduced overhead for games with many small files
* **Efficient Storage** - Better compression and organization of game assets
* **Adaptive System** - Intelligently bundles files based on size and update patterns
* **Build Metrics** - Track bundle counts, sizes, and file counts per build

**How It Works:**

Small files (less than 5 MB) are automatically bundled during patch generation. The launcher downloads and extracts these bundles seamlessly, providing a much faster experience especially for games with thousands of small assets.

**Performance Impact:**

\~20% additional storage overhead during patch generation for bundle optimization, but significantly faster download speeds for end users.

***

### \[NEW] Global Minimum Version Enforcement

{% hint style="success" %}
**NEW FEATURE:** Launcher now enforces minimum version requirements on startup!
{% endhint %}

**What's New:**

* **Project Metadata Update** - Updated versioning and project configuration in csproj files
* **Automatic Version Check** - Launcher enforces minimum version requirements on startup
* **Forced Updates** - If the launcher version is older than the minimum required version, it will be forced to update
* **User Protection** - Ensures all users are on supported versions with latest security and performance improvements
* **Platform Access Control** - Prevents outdated launchers from accessing the platform

**Impact:**

This ensures all users maintain compatible launcher versions and benefit from the latest performance improvements and security updates.

***

## ⚡ Core Features

### GameLauncherCore (v2.1.1.0)

#### \[NEW] xxHash64 Implementation

{% hint style="success" %}
**MAJOR PERFORMANCE UPGRADE:** Revolutionary hash algorithm replacement for dramatically faster patch creation and file verification!
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
**IMPORTANT - Transition Period:**

For the next **2 weeks**, server-side builds will generate patches with **both MD5 and xxHash64** to maintain compatibility with older launchers.

After this transition period, **only xxHash64** will be used for new builds. Users with outdated launchers will need to update to a recent version to continue receiving game updates.

This change will enable **significantly faster build processing** on the server, reducing build times and improving overall system performance.
{% endhint %}

**What Changed:**

* **xxHash64 is Now Primary** - xxHash64 is now the primary hashing method for all new patch operations
* **Optional MD5 Support** - MD5 hash generation available for backward compatibility when needed
* **Massive Speed Boost** - Hash calculation is now **significantly faster** during:
  * Patch creation and generation (local and server-side)
  * File verification during downloads
  * Build integrity checks
  * Update detection processes
  * Server-side build processing

**Performance Impact:**

xxHash64 is **up to 10-20x faster** than MD5, resulting in:

* **Faster patch generation** - Developers can create patches much quicker (both locally and via CLI)
* **Faster file verification** - End users experience shorter verification times
* **Reduced CPU usage** - More efficient processing during build creation
* **Quicker update checks** - Faster comparison of file states
* **Faster server-side processing** - Backend API generates patches significantly faster, reducing build queue times and server load

**Compatibility & Migration:**

* **Backward Compatible** - The launcher is fully compatible with existing patches created with MD5
* **Automatic Detection** - System automatically detects which hash algorithm was used for each patch
* **Old Patches (MD5)** - Previously created patches continue working without any issues
* **New Patches (xxHash64)** - All newly created patches automatically use the faster xxHash64 algorithm
* **To Take Advantage** - Create a new patch for your game and update the launcher to benefit from the massive speed improvements

This is a **fundamental performance improvement** that affects every aspect of the patching and verification system, from server-side build generation to end-user file verification.

***

## 🌐 Dashboard

### \[NEW] Launcher Build Management System

{% hint style="success" %}
**NEW FEATURE:** Complete build version control for your launcher!
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
**IMPORTANT:** After deploying a new launcher build, you must manually set it as the **Active Build**. This allows you to test your changes before all users receive the update, ensuring a smooth rollout process.
{% endhint %}

<div data-full-width="true"><figure><img src="https://4290114470-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FbxTY1v1lydkuTpyU2UyA%2Fuploads%2FG37lPSJpfnuCAUGf8A2M%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=cf8d05f8-b7db-41d8-90b8-311dab3ddbd6" alt=""><figcaption><p>NEW - Launcher Builds Tab</p></figcaption></figure></div>

**What's New:**

* **Builds Tab** - New dedicated section in launcher settings for build management
* **Active Build Selection** - Choose which build version users download
* **Protected Deletion** - Cannot delete the currently active build (safety feature)
* **Multiple Download Formats**:
  * Windows Installer (.exe)
  * Portable ZIP package
* **Copy Download Links** - Share direct download URLs with one click
* **Detailed Build Metrics**:
  * Executable ZIP upload duration
  * Installer upload duration
  * Total build time
  * File sizes and configuration
* **Visual Preview** - View launcher icon and splash screen directly in the list
* **Build History** - Keep track of all previous launcher versions

**Where to Find:**

**Dashboard** → **Launchers** → Select Launcher → **Builds Tab**

***

### \[NEW] Persistent Download URLs & Copy to Clipboard

{% hint style="success" %}
**IMPROVEMENT:** Stable download links and easy sharing with copy-to-clipboard!
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://4290114470-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FbxTY1v1lydkuTpyU2UyA%2Fuploads%2Fbn3XlYeVdo1GeHDcX3UU%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=618698c9-bdff-4f88-90c5-25dad3f08a24" alt=""><figcaption><p>NEW - Persitent download urls &#x26; copy to clipboard button</p></figcaption></figure>

**What's New:**

* **Copy to Clipboard** - One-click copy for both Installer and ZIP download links
* **Persistent Latest URLs** - Download links always point to the same URL structure
* **Latest Folder System** - Active build files automatically copied to `/Latest/` folder
* **Automatic Updates** - When you activate a new build, the Latest folder updates automatically

**How It Works:**

Previously, download URLs changed with each build number (e.g., `Build_297/`). Now, the active build is always available at a consistent URL:

{% code fullWidth="true" %}

```
https://cdn.gamelauncher.cloud/Launchers/{LauncherID}/Builds/Latest/{LauncherName}_Executable_Windows_x64.zip
https://cdn.gamelauncher.cloud/Launchers/{LauncherID}/Builds/Latest/{LauncherName}_Installer_Windows_x64.exe
```

{% endcode %}

**Benefits:**

* **Single Download Link** - Share one permanent URL with your users
* **Always Current** - Users always download the active build version
* **Easy Sharing** - Copy button makes it simple to distribute links
* **CDN Powered** - Fast global downloads via Cloudflare CDN

When you activate a different build, the files in the Latest folder are automatically replaced with the newly selected active build.

***

### \[IMPROVED] Frontend Enhancements

{% hint style="success" %}
**NEW FEATURES:** Enhanced build management, cache control, and improved UX!
{% endhint %}

**What's New:**

* **Outdated Launcher Alerts** - Visual alerts when launcher builds are outdated or need updates
* **Refactored Retry Logic** - Retry builds now create a new build instead of overwriting
* **Enhanced Build Info Display** - Retry information and status clearly visible in UI
* **Streamlined Environment Switching** - Removed confirmation requirement when setting builds to environments
* **Cache-Busting & Cache Control** - Implemented cache management for frontend assets
* **GitHub Commit Display** - GitHub commit changes in launcher overview now appear as "New Launcher Update"

***

### \[NEW] Image History & Restoration

{% hint style="success" %}
**NEW FEATURE:** Restore previous versions of your images with one click!
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://4290114470-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FbxTY1v1lydkuTpyU2UyA%2Fuploads%2FF67KC4PiGOXjl7JEb2uq%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=43abaff1-bfc0-4777-83a1-2cae65aa900c" alt=""><figcaption><p>NEW - Restore previous image in the launcher deploy</p></figcaption></figure>

<div align="right" data-full-width="true"><figure><img src="https://4290114470-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FbxTY1v1lydkuTpyU2UyA%2Fuploads%2FWX7a1ThbRKSPOvtpLUWa%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=960d3aff-f8c4-4ef7-a1a7-54e0a0032a94" alt=""><figcaption><p>NEW - Restore previous images in the launcher and app assets</p></figcaption></figure></div>

**What's New:**

* **One-Click Restoration** - Restore previous versions of:
  * Icon
  * Logo
  * Banner
  * Background
  * Splash Screen
* **Automatic Tracking** - System automatically stores previous image URLs
* **Better Deploy Detection** - More accurate tracking of changes that require redeployment
* **Works for Apps & Launchers** - Available in both appearance settings

**Where to Find:**

* **Launchers:** Settings → Appearance → Image Assets → Restore buttons
* **Apps:** Settings → Appearance → Image Assets → Restore buttons

***

### \[NEW] Template Section UI

{% hint style="success" %}
**NEW UI:** Dedicated template section in launcher appearance settings!
{% endhint %}

<div data-full-width="true"><figure><img src="https://4290114470-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FbxTY1v1lydkuTpyU2UyA%2Fuploads%2FtD7tfsoLQSjBBilCL2rm%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=ac20a8e2-be54-4ff4-ae30-e19f407cd4f9" alt=""><figcaption><p>NEW - Template seleector for Launcher</p></figcaption></figure></div>

**What's New:**

* **Template Section** - New UI section for template selection (coming soon)
* **Disabled Dropdown** - Placeholder for future template system
* **Informational Message** - Clear explanation of upcoming features

This prepares the UI for future template functionality where users will be able to select pre-made launcher themes.

***

### \[NEW] Cloudflare Storage Calculation & Build Details

{% hint style="success" %}
**NEW FEATURE:** Accurate Cloudflare storage tracking and enhanced build details panel!
{% endhint %}

<div data-full-width="true"><figure><img src="https://4290114470-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FbxTY1v1lydkuTpyU2UyA%2Fuploads%2F8OPXofG1fRgB1BU1O9SX%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=0b577473-b1d4-4e72-bdb1-da5891ab2a9a" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

**What's New:**

* **Accurate Storage Calculation** - App builds now display the correct Cloudflare storage consumption
* **Recalculate Storage Button** - One-click recalculation for old builds with incorrect storage values
* **Storage Breakdown** - Detailed breakdown showing:
  * Original ZIP size
  * Smart Bundles size
  * Deployed Patch size
  * Total Cloudflare storage
* **Reorganized Build Details Panel** - Completely redesigned information layout for better readability
* **Download Original ZIP** - New option to download the original build ZIP file directly from the panel
* **Smart Bundles Information** - View detailed Smart Bundles metrics including:
  * Number of bundles created
  * Total bundles size
  * Files bundled count
* **Retry Build Information** - See which original build was used as the source for retry builds

**Where to Find:**

* **Dashboard** → **Apps** → **Builds** → Expand build details to see all information
* **Recalculate Button** appears for builds that need storage recalculation

***

### \[IMPROVED] Launcher & App Settings Tab Redesign

{% hint style="success" %}
**UI IMPROVEMENT:** Modern tab-based navigation for launcher and app settings!
{% endhint %}

<div data-full-width="true"><figure><img src="https://4290114470-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FbxTY1v1lydkuTpyU2UyA%2Fuploads%2FQFTcfV9VjGAHMO5eQaV5%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=73919f41-5ecb-45ec-887e-d457439778e5" alt=""><figcaption><p>NEW - App Settings and Launcher Settings tab redesign</p></figcaption></figure></div>

**What's New:**

* **Tab-Based Navigation** - Clean, organized tabs for all settings sections

**Where to Find:**

* **Launchers:** Settings → New tab navigation at top
* **Apps:** Settings → New tab navigation at top

***

### \[IMPROVED] Backend & API Enhancements

**What's New:**

* 🔐 **Secure Build Operations** - Validated path patterns for launcher build deletion
* 🎯 **Active Build Field** - Database tracking for active launcher builds
* 📊 **Enhanced Build DTOs** - More detailed build information in responses:
  * Separate upload duration tracking (ZIP, installer, total)
  * Build configuration details
  * Obfuscation settings
  * Public-only launcher configuration
* 🔄 **Build Retry Logic** - Metrics reset when re-enqueuing failed builds
* 🌐 **Environment Ordering** - Consistent sorting (Production → Staging → Others alphabetically)
* 🎨 **Image URL Tracking** - Previous image URLs stored for restoration feature
* ⚙️ **Deployment Comparison** - Uses previous URLs for accurate change detection
* 📊 **Cloudflare Storage Tracking** - Accurate storage calculation for app builds with breakdown of ZIP, bundles, and deployed patch sizes
* 🔄 **Storage Recalculation API** - Endpoint to recalculate storage for builds with incorrect values

***

### \[IMPROVED] Performance & Stability

**Improvements:**

* 🔄 **Better Build Handling** - Improved cleanup on build cancellation

***

### Bug Fixes

**Fixed:**

* ✅ **Build Cancellation Cleanup** - Properly deletes files when uploads are cancelled
* ✅ **Email Template Variables** - Fixed missing BUILD\_STATUS and FAILED\_AT placeholders
* ✅ **Error Handling** - Better messages for operational errors (InvalidOperationException)
* ✅ **Deployment Detection** - Uses previous image URLs for accurate comparison
* ✅ **Environment Selection** - Proper fallback when selected environment unavailable
* ✅ **SubNews Visibility** - Unused news controls now properly hidden
* ✅ **Terms & Privacy Links** - Removed unused URL assignments (cleanup)
* ✅ **File Verification Launch Timing** - Game no longer launches while verification is in progress when "Verify Files at App Start" is enabled
* ✅ **Auto-Verification on Startup** - "Verify Files at Launcher Start" now properly triggers automatic update checking when game is selected
* ✅ **Auto-Download Updates** - Updates automatically download and install after verification when "Verify Files at Launcher Start" is enabled, eliminating manual Update button press
* ✅ **Plan Upgrade/Downgrade Detection** - Subscription plan changes now properly detected and processed for billing and feature access updates
* ✅ **Custom Installation Path** - Fixed game installation in custom locations with proper permission handling
* ✅ **Unnecessary Permission Elevation** - Removed inappropriate administrator permission requests during game installation

***

## 🛠️ CLI

### \[IMPROVED] CLI Tool Updates

{% hint style="success" %}
**IMPROVEMENTS:** Enhanced build retry handling and optimized upload performance!
{% endhint %}

**What's New:**

* 🔄 **Updated Build Models** - Retry properties properly synchronized with backend
* ✅ **Fixed Retry Detection** - Corrected bug that was incorrectly showing builds as retryable
* ⚡ **Disabled File Hash Calculation** - Removed unnecessary hash calculation during upload commands
  * Significantly faster upload times
  * Hash validation now handled server-side with xxHash64
  * Reduces client-side processing overhead

**Performance Impact:**

Upload operations are now faster and more efficient, especially for large build files.

***

### ✨ Summary

| Feature                          | Status  |
| -------------------------------- | ------- |
| xxHash64 Implementation          | ✅ Added |
| Smart Bundles Technology         | ✅ Added |
| Launcher Build Management        | ✅ Added |
| Active Build Selection           | ✅ Added |
| Protected Build Deletion         | ✅ Added |
| Persistent Latest URLs           | ✅ Added |
| Copy Download Links              | ✅ Added |
| Image Restoration                | ✅ Added |
| Template Section UI              | ✅ Added |
| Settings UI Redesign             | ✅ Added |
| Cloudflare Storage Tracking      | ✅ Added |
| Build Cancellation Deletion      | ✅ Fixed |
| Environment Fallbacks            | ✅ Fixed |
| Deployment Tracking              | ✅ Fixed |
| File Verification Timing         | ✅ Fixed |
| Auto-Verification Startup        | ✅ Fixed |
| Auto-Download Updates            | ✅ Fixed |
| Plan Upgrade/Downgrade           | ✅ Fixed |
| Custom Installation Path         | ✅ Fixed |
| Unnecessary Permission Elevation | ✅ Fixed |

***

{% hint style="info" %}
**Update Required:** Update your desktop launcher to the latest version to access Smart Bundles, environment controls, dual executable support, and all performance improvements!
{% endhint %}