> 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/launchers/overview.md).

# Overview

Understanding Launchers in Game Launcher Cloud

## What is a Game Launcher?

A **game launcher** is the desktop app your players use to **install**, **update**, and **play** your game.

**Game Launcher Cloud** is the platform that lets you create, customize, and deploy your own game launcher: no launcher development needed. You focus on your game, we handle the launcher.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Think of it as:** Your own program like Steam or Epic Games Launcher, but branded for your games.
{% endhint %}

<div data-full-width="true"><figure><img src="https://4241524842-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FnNH3XbUy7pSptjMVADb2%2Fuploads%2F5I4iE03Nrmm5jKhdvMr5%2FLauncher%20Screenshot.png?alt=media&amp;token=ffefee0c-cb8c-43f8-9b47-308d6e7a18a6" alt=""><figcaption><p>Game Launcher Example</p></figcaption></figure></div>

## Launcher Types

There are two types of Launcher.

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Single Launcher" %}
**Single Launcher**

One game per launcher - Focused experience

✅ **Perfect for:** Indie developers with one game

✅ **Benefits:** Dedicated experience, simple setup

✅ **Interface:** Clean, focused on one title

<figure><img src="https://4241524842-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FnNH3XbUy7pSptjMVADb2%2Fuploads%2F80PHq8NBQxwJjuPlo8GS%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=aaf4d6a5-9345-438f-b5cc-157a58103171" alt=""><figcaption><p>Launcher Type - Single Launcher</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Multi Launcher (Enterprise Plan only)" %}
**Multi Launcher**

Hub for multiple games

✅ **Perfect for:** Studios with multiple titles

✅ **Benefits:** Unified platform, cross-promotion

✅ **Interface:** Game selection menu with grid

<figure><img src="https://4241524842-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FnNH3XbUy7pSptjMVADb2%2Fuploads%2FobvhAvT4JYUeNwWrN18p%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=0425af41-afd2-4dc5-9ff3-135e22615d68" alt=""><figcaption><p>Launcher Type - Multi Game Launcher</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://4241524842-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FnNH3XbUy7pSptjMVADb2%2Fuploads%2F1CqnsMVRlBp0XCjqJ9ON%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=1735fbda-4368-443c-8d57-9b612ff84f13" alt=""><figcaption><p>Multi Game Launcher - Library</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

***

## Core Features

* Custom icon & splash screen
* Banner images
* Accent color schemes
* Branded interface

#### Multi-Platform

* Windows (.exe)
* macOS (.dmg)
* Linux (.AppImage)
* Platform-specific configs

#### Customizations / Branding

A lot of customizations are available for the launcher in the **Customize** Tab\
such a Launcher Icon, Splash Art Image, Accent color, launcher theme and MUCH more...\
![](https://4241524842-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FnNH3XbUy7pSptjMVADb2%2Fuploads%2FyBvBHC7tqP3n1nIhQmgi%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=1eb8dc25-a29a-4731-968e-eddeec0f7e7e)

#### Integrations

* Discord Rich Presence
* Webhooks

***

## Add-on Services

Optional add-on services to be added in the launcher.

<table data-full-width="true"><thead><tr><th width="180">Service</th><th>Description</th><th width="120">Status</th><th width="150">Plan Required</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Login System</strong></td><td>User authentication and account management</td><td>Live</td><td>Any Plan</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Anti-Cheat</strong></td><td>Protect your game from cheaters and hacks</td><td>🚧 Coming Soon</td><td>Any Plan</td></tr><tr><td><strong>AI Chat Support</strong></td><td>Automated player support with AI assistance</td><td>🚧 Coming Soon</td><td>Any Plan</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Marketplace</strong></td><td>In-launcher item shop and DLC distribution</td><td>🚧 Coming Soon</td><td>Any Plan</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Cloud Saves</strong></td><td>Cross-device save synchronization</td><td>Live</td><td>Any Plan</td></tr></tbody></table>

***

### Download Formats

Each build provides two download formats:

<div data-full-width="true"><figure><img src="https://4241524842-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FnNH3XbUy7pSptjMVADb2%2Fuploads%2FlvbRJvcMw4T1NITBqYcY%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=5e7a1e1c-364a-43fc-ae33-19e9381fd9d2" alt=""><figcaption><p>Launcher Builds</p></figcaption></figure></div>

| Format                       | Description               | Use Case                     |
| ---------------------------- | ------------------------- | ---------------------------- |
| **Windows Installer (.exe)** | Full installation package | Recommended for distribution |
| **Portable ZIP**             | Compressed executable     | Quick testing, portable use  |

***

## Analytics & Monitoring

<div data-full-width="true"><figure><img src="https://4241524842-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FnNH3XbUy7pSptjMVADb2%2Fuploads%2FZLbsY9zOXep4YHXxN1Rv%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=86a998a2-c738-4206-b820-b34906ff0e3c" alt=""><figcaption><p>Launcher Quick Stats</p></figcaption></figure></div>

**Track Key Metrics:**

* Real-time online user count
* Daily peak concurrent users
* Total lifetime downloads
* Average play sessions
* Player retention rates
* Most active applications

***

## Next Steps

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>📝 Create Launcher</strong></td><td>Build your first launcher step-by-step</td><td><a href="/help/launchers/create-launcher.md">Create Launcher</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

{% hint style="success" %}
**🎉 Ready to start?** Create your first launcher and have it ready for players in under 10 minutes!
{% endhint %}