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[Guide] Bypassing the Steam Launcher Screen (NOT Hi-Command)
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darknite323 Joined: Thu May 27, 2010 5:06 am Posts: 16 Steam Gamer Name: DARKNITE	[Guide] Bypassing the Steam Launcher Screen (NOT Hi-Command) Ok so it seems that some people are unhappy with having the launcher running in the background constantly and wasting precious computer resources, so i have figured out how to bypass the new launcher and Run Global Agenda like it was done before. If the Devs feel this is undermining their work, I apologise, but myself and others believe that we should have a choice wether to use the launcher or not, especially for those who are running on a minimum spec PC already. Sorry no pictures ATM, may add some in the future if i have the time. Just a couple of notes first: This only applies to those who own the Steam Version of the game. Others who purchased the game from other sources should not disable the launcher/service as it is needed to download updates. The Steam Launcher does not download updates and is does not install a service: HiRezMikeD wrote: Just to clarify, the steam version of Global Agenda Launcher does not install, require, or use a service. It does not do any patching or downloading other than getting the correct internal web URL to display in the window. It is a single EXE with a few DLLs. Now there are two ways to bypass the launcher, one is from within Steam and the other is to take it out of Steam entirely. If you prefer to keep all of Steam's features e.g. show your friends that you are playing Global Agenda, in game alerts and Steam Overlay, etc. Then Follow the Steam Bypass Guide. Otherwise if you would like to bypass Steam all together. That is run Global Agenda without Steam Running at all, then follow the NoSteam Bypass Guide 1. Steam Bypass Guide In following this guide you will still be able to use all of Steams extra functions. First in Steam in the bottom left corner of the "Library-Games" window, select "Add a Game" then "Add a Non-Steam Game" Next a window will popup, select Browse at the bottom of the window and navigate to the GlobalAgenda.exe, usually stored in C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common\global agenda live\Binaries. Select GlobalAgenda.exe and click open. Then click "Add Selected Programs" next to the Browse button. Now right-click on the new game added to your games list, and click "Properties" Rename the Game to whatever you want ("Global Agenda" or maybe "Global Agenda Bypass Launcher" like mine.) Now Right at the end of the target box add the following text (minus the quotes) "-host=inapatl.globalagendagame.com -seekfreeloading" So now the entire target box should read: "C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common\global agenda live\Binaries\GlobalAgenda.exe" -host=inapatl.globalagendagame.com -seekfreeloading 2. NoSteam Bypass Guide In following this guide you will be able to run Global Agenda without Steam running, however you will still need Steam to download Updates. First find the GlobalAgenda.exe, usually stored in C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common\global agenda live\Binaries Right click it and click Send To -> Desktop (create shortcut) Rename the new shortcut on your desktop to whatever you want. ("Global Agenda" or maybe "Global Agenda Bypass Launcher" like mine.) Dont stop there though, the game needs a few parameters sent to it to play. Otherwise if you just double click that shortcut now the game will crash. Right click on the shortcut you created and edit the Target box. after the last " add "-host=inapatl.globalagendagame.com -seekfreeloading" (minus the quotes). So now the target box should read: "C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common\global agenda live\Binaries\GlobalAgenda.exe" -host=inapatl.globalagendagame.com -seekfreeloading 3. Additional Notes For those of you on 64bit Windows just replace "Program Files" with "Program Files(x86)" in the instructions above. My copy of Global agenda also had an additional parameter passed to the exe, but this is not necessary to run the game. It is "-tcp=300" unsiue what this means could be the port to use, but unlikely as my home PC has "-tcp=300" while my work PC has "-tcp=500". IF you have problems try adding "-tcp=300" as this seems to be the default. If you would like to remove the Splash screen you can add "-nosplash" to the end of the target box, (excluding the quotes). 3. DONE! Global Agenda should now launch directly from that shortcut without the HiRez Launcher.
Mon Aug 30, 2010 8:43 am

HiRezErez Hi-Rez Team Member Joined: Thu Jul 12, 2007 3:59 pm Posts: 3333	Re: [Guide] Bypass the HiRez Launcher (Steam version ONLY) As a note, a few more critical functions will be moving to the launcher. Once those functions are in you will not be able to do the above and run the game. We are looking at some additional options to minimize the launcher for those who find it an issue. Some additional info: - If you are using steam, the launcher takes no CPU cycles - If you are not using steam it only checks for update info about once a minute with minimal overhead
Mon Aug 30, 2010 10:38 am

Hako Beta Tester Joined: Tue Dec 22, 2009 4:01 pm Posts: 2654 Steam Gamer Name: Hako	Re: [Guide] Bypass the HiRez Launcher (Steam version ONLY) I don't get the big deal about the launcher... People are acting like it's the end of the world. _________________
Mon Aug 30, 2010 10:53 am

Xtol Beta Tester Joined: Tue Jul 07, 2009 12:27 pm Posts: 950	Re: [Guide] Bypass the HiRez Launcher (Steam version ONLY) Hakoten wrote: I don't get the big deal about the launcher... People are acting like it's the end of the world. I don't think many would have a problem with it if: 1. Didn't run as a service for non-steam users. (steam users then believe it is a service because of this) 2. You were able to close it once you launched the game. 3. The launcher didn't try to bypass Windows Vista/7 UAC. All it would require you to do is click "Yes" to give it admin privileges. Making it run as a service looks sneaky. 4. The UI looked better. To be completely honest, it doesn't look good. People just want the fugly thing closed. Arguably the old UI was better than the new UI. The current just looks bad and outdated. Last edited by Xtol on Mon Aug 30, 2010 2:50 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Mon Aug 30, 2010 11:49 am

Hako Beta Tester Joined: Tue Dec 22, 2009 4:01 pm Posts: 2654 Steam Gamer Name: Hako	Re: [Guide] Bypass the HiRez Launcher (Steam version ONLY) Xtol wrote: Hakoten wrote: I don't get the big deal about the launcher... People are acting like it's the end of the world. I don't think many would have a problem with it if: 1. Didn't run as a service for non-steam users. (steam users then believe it is a service because of this) 2. You were able to close it once you launched the game. 3. The launcher didn't try to bypass Windows Vista/7 UAC. All it would require you to do is click "Yes" to give it admin privileges. Making it run as a service looks sneaky. 4. The UI looked better. To be completely honest, it doesn't look good. People just want the fugly thing closed. Arguably the old UI was better than the new UI. The current just looks bad and outdated. I run through steam. I have no issue. I find it helps my game load faster than how it was before. _________________
Mon Aug 30, 2010 12:55 pm

pulsebreaker Beta Tester Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2009 6:02 pm Posts: 52	Re: [Guide] Bypass the HiRez Launcher (Steam version ONLY) Xtol wrote: 4. The UI looked better. To be completely honest, it doesn't look good. People just want the fugly thing closed. Arguably the old UI was better than the new UI. The current just looks bad and outdated. This. _________________
Mon Aug 30, 2010 2:32 pm

drabk Beta Tester Joined: Fri Jan 15, 2010 12:57 pm Posts: 110	Re: [Guide] Bypass the HiRez Launcher (Steam version ONLY) It's the extra steps that it forces that are the worst. Please add some startup options to play ASAP after the launcher loads, and immediately close the launcher when the game is closed.
Mon Aug 30, 2010 3:01 pm

Hako Beta Tester Joined: Tue Dec 22, 2009 4:01 pm Posts: 2654 Steam Gamer Name: Hako	Re: [Guide] Bypass the HiRez Launcher (Steam version ONLY) drabk wrote: It's the extra steps that it forces that are the worst. Please add some startup options to play ASAP after the launcher loads, and immediately close the launcher when the game is closed. The extra 1 click... Really? f*** people are lazy. _________________
Mon Aug 30, 2010 3:36 pm

Sansa Beta Tester Joined: Wed Jan 20, 2010 9:37 pm Posts: 4237	Re: [Guide] Bypass the HiRez Launcher (Steam version ONLY) Hakoten wrote: drabk wrote: It's the extra steps that it forces that are the worst. Please add some startup options to play ASAP after the launcher loads, and immediately close the launcher when the game is closed. The extra 1 click... Really? f*** people are lazy. Yeah, people complain about the dumbest things (launcher, warlord sounds on login screen, etc.).
Mon Aug 30, 2010 3:40 pm

zulfarak Alpha Tester Joined: Sat Jan 24, 2009 8:11 pm Posts: 2035	Re: [Guide] Bypass the HiRez Launcher (Steam version ONLY) I complain because its not needed to run the game so why have it in the first place. the only reason its there is to promote there dam cash shop. _________________
Mon Aug 30, 2010 3:58 pm

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[Guide] Bypassing the Steam Launcher Screen (NOT Hi-Command)

Author

Message

darknite323

Joined: Thu May 27, 2010 5:06 am
Posts: 16
Steam Gamer Name: DARKNITE

[Guide] Bypassing the Steam Launcher Screen (NOT Hi-Command)

Ok so it seems that some people are unhappy with having the launcher running in the background constantly and wasting precious computer resources, so i have figured out how to bypass the new launcher and Run Global Agenda like it was done before.

If the Devs feel this is undermining their work, I apologise, but myself and others believe that we should have a choice wether to use the launcher or not, especially for those who are running on a minimum spec PC already.

Sorry no pictures ATM, may add some in the future if i have the time.

Just a couple of notes first:

This only applies to those who own the Steam Version of the game. Others who purchased the game from other sources should not disable the launcher/service as it is needed to download updates.
The Steam Launcher does not download updates and is does not install a service:
HiRezMikeD wrote:
Just to clarify, the steam version of Global Agenda Launcher does not install, require, or use a service. It does not do any patching or downloading other than getting the correct internal web URL to display in the window. It is a single EXE with a few DLLs.

Now there are two ways to bypass the launcher, one is from within Steam and the other is to take it out of Steam entirely. If you prefer to keep all of Steam's features e.g. show your friends that you are playing Global Agenda, in game alerts and Steam Overlay, etc. Then Follow the Steam Bypass Guide. Otherwise if you would like to bypass Steam all together. That is run Global Agenda without Steam Running at all, then follow the NoSteam Bypass Guide

1. Steam Bypass Guide
In following this guide you will still be able to use all of Steams extra functions.

First in Steam in the bottom left corner of the "Library-Games" window, select "Add a Game" then "Add a Non-Steam Game"
Next a window will popup, select Browse at the bottom of the window and navigate to the GlobalAgenda.exe, usually stored in C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common\global agenda live\Binaries. Select GlobalAgenda.exe and click open.
Then click "Add Selected Programs" next to the Browse button.
Now right-click on the new game added to your games list, and click "Properties"
Rename the Game to whatever you want ("Global Agenda" or maybe "Global Agenda Bypass Launcher" like mine.)
Now Right at the end of the target box add the following text (minus the quotes) "-host=inapatl.globalagendagame.com -seekfreeloading" So now the entire target box should read:
"C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common\global agenda live\Binaries\GlobalAgenda.exe" -host=inapatl.globalagendagame.com -seekfreeloading

2. NoSteam Bypass Guide
In following this guide you will be able to run Global Agenda without Steam running, however you will still need Steam to download Updates.

First find the GlobalAgenda.exe, usually stored in C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common\global agenda live\Binaries
Right click it and click Send To -> Desktop (create shortcut)
Rename the new shortcut on your desktop to whatever you want. ("Global Agenda" or maybe "Global Agenda Bypass Launcher" like mine.)
Dont stop there though, the game needs a few parameters sent to it to play. Otherwise if you just double click that shortcut now the game will crash.
Right click on the shortcut you created and edit the Target box. after the last " add "-host=inapatl.globalagendagame.com -seekfreeloading" (minus the quotes). So now the target box should read:
"C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common\global agenda live\Binaries\GlobalAgenda.exe" -host=inapatl.globalagendagame.com -seekfreeloading

3. Additional Notes

For those of you on 64bit Windows just replace "Program Files" with "Program Files(x86)" in the instructions above.
My copy of Global agenda also had an additional parameter passed to the exe, but this is not necessary to run the game. It is "-tcp=300" unsiue what this means could be the port to use, but unlikely as my home PC has "-tcp=300" while my work PC has "-tcp=500". IF you have problems try adding "-tcp=300" as this seems to be the default.
If you would like to remove the Splash screen you can add "-nosplash" to the end of the target box, (excluding the quotes).

3. DONE!
Global Agenda should now launch directly from that shortcut without the HiRez Launcher.

Mon Aug 30, 2010 8:43 am

HiRezErez

Hi-Rez Team Member

Joined: Thu Jul 12, 2007 3:59 pm
Posts: 3333

Re: [Guide] Bypass the HiRez Launcher (Steam version ONLY)

As a note, a few more critical functions will be moving to the launcher. Once those functions are in you will not be able to do the above and run the game.

We are looking at some additional options to minimize the launcher for those who find it an issue.

Some additional info:
- If you are using steam, the launcher takes no CPU cycles
- If you are not using steam it only checks for update info about once a minute with minimal overhead

Mon Aug 30, 2010 10:38 am

Hako

Beta Tester

Joined: Tue Dec 22, 2009 4:01 pm
Posts: 2654
Steam Gamer Name: Hako

Re: [Guide] Bypass the HiRez Launcher (Steam version ONLY)

I don't get the big deal about the launcher... People are acting like it's the end of the world.

_________________

Mon Aug 30, 2010 10:53 am

Xtol

Beta Tester

Joined: Tue Jul 07, 2009 12:27 pm
Posts: 950

Re: [Guide] Bypass the HiRez Launcher (Steam version ONLY)

Hakoten wrote:

I don't get the big deal about the launcher... People are acting like it's the end of the world.

I don't think many would have a problem with it if:

1. Didn't run as a service for non-steam users. (steam users then believe it is a service because of this)
2. You were able to close it once you launched the game.
3. The launcher didn't try to bypass Windows Vista/7 UAC. All it would require you to do is click "Yes" to give it admin privileges. Making it run as a service looks sneaky.
4. The UI looked better. To be completely honest, it doesn't look good. People just want the fugly thing closed. Arguably the old UI was better than the new UI. The current just looks bad and outdated.

Last edited by Xtol on Mon Aug 30, 2010 2:50 pm, edited 2 times in total.

Mon Aug 30, 2010 11:49 am

Hako

Beta Tester

Joined: Tue Dec 22, 2009 4:01 pm
Posts: 2654
Steam Gamer Name: Hako

Re: [Guide] Bypass the HiRez Launcher (Steam version ONLY)

Xtol wrote:

Hakoten wrote:

I don't get the big deal about the launcher... People are acting like it's the end of the world.

I run through steam. I have no issue. I find it helps my game load faster than how it was before.

_________________

Mon Aug 30, 2010 12:55 pm

pulsebreaker

Beta Tester

Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2009 6:02 pm
Posts: 52

Re: [Guide] Bypass the HiRez Launcher (Steam version ONLY)

Xtol wrote:

4. The UI looked better. To be completely honest, it doesn't look good. People just want the fugly thing closed. Arguably the old UI was better than the new UI. The current just looks bad and outdated.

This.

_________________

Mon Aug 30, 2010 2:32 pm

drabk

Beta Tester

Joined: Fri Jan 15, 2010 12:57 pm
Posts: 110

Re: [Guide] Bypass the HiRez Launcher (Steam version ONLY)

It's the extra steps that it forces that are the worst. Please add some startup options to play ASAP after the launcher loads, and immediately close the launcher when the game is closed.

Mon Aug 30, 2010 3:01 pm

Hako

Beta Tester

Joined: Tue Dec 22, 2009 4:01 pm
Posts: 2654
Steam Gamer Name: Hako

Re: [Guide] Bypass the HiRez Launcher (Steam version ONLY)

drabk wrote:

It's the extra steps that it forces that are the worst. Please add some startup options to play ASAP after the launcher loads, and immediately close the launcher when the game is closed.

The extra 1 click... Really? f*** people are lazy.

_________________

Mon Aug 30, 2010 3:36 pm

Sansa

Beta Tester

Joined: Wed Jan 20, 2010 9:37 pm
Posts: 4237

Re: [Guide] Bypass the HiRez Launcher (Steam version ONLY)

Hakoten wrote:

drabk wrote:

It's the extra steps that it forces that are the worst. Please add some startup options to play ASAP after the launcher loads, and immediately close the launcher when the game is closed.

The extra 1 click... Really? f*** people are lazy.

Yeah, people complain about the dumbest things (launcher, warlord sounds on login screen, etc.).

Mon Aug 30, 2010 3:40 pm

zulfarak

Alpha Tester

Joined: Sat Jan 24, 2009 8:11 pm
Posts: 2035

Re: [Guide] Bypass the HiRez Launcher (Steam version ONLY)

I complain because its not needed to run the game so why have it in the first place. the only reason its there is to promote there dam cash shop.

_________________

Mon Aug 30, 2010 3:58 pm