I plan on having CoT on at least 3 computers in my home:
My pc
My fiancé's pc
My laptop
Installation
For some games you can download the install package once (or if you have a DVD) and run it on each pc.
Others require you to download a small installer which then downloads/installs the rest and doesnt have an option to save the full install package.
Steam allows you to create a backup of a game which you can then 'restore' on another pc via the Steam software.
Update/Patch
Most games require you to run the game to be patched.
If available in Steam/Origin/etc that software detects a new version and updates it for you. You can patch the same game on another pc by using the "Backup/Restore" function but this is a lengthy process.
I think it would be a good feature to allow CoT to be installed and updated/patched from another computer that has already downloaded the needed files.
This could be done via an Option from the launcher:
Save Install/Update files = Yes/No
- Yes = Path to save [________________________] [Browse]
The launcher can also have an option for 'Install/Update over LAN' = Yes/No
- Yes = Path of Install/Update files [________________________] [Browse]
Why?
In Aus we have very slow average download speeds and our data caps can be quite small. We have a large number of people who can only get Wireless/Mobile Internet and there data caps are expensive and even smaller.
Having to download a 20Gb Install or 1GB Update to multiple computers will not only take a very long time, but also use up a large amount of the data caps. Allowing me to install/patch CoT on 1 pc via the Internet, ten apply those Installs/Patches from the first pc would be a HUGE benefit.
The Phoenix Rising Initiative Rules Lawyer
I'm no expert, but if they use a modified torrent system like CoH did near the end, then that will look at the LAN first. Just make certain the installer is running on the 1st computer you updated and it should do the lion's share. Granted even if I'm right (and yes that's an "if"), there will still be some bandwidth used but MUCH smaller. Heck an alternative could be to swap a USB drive around your various systems.
Even if I'm not correct, at the least these are good suggestions.
What I did was use the installer to set up the basic file structure, then I would thumbdrive copy the files from a completed installation into the new location, then run the updater to make sure everything was in the right place.
Be Well!
Fireheart
That is what I did, and it worked a charm. Not just for CoX, but also a whole range of other MMO's that I have played, even those that I initially got off Steam.
Hell, even steam games themselves I have backed up/reinstalled without using the "back up install" route, just by copying the install directory elsewhere.