Difference between revisions of "Glossary:Save game cloud syncing"
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[[File:Steam_Cloud.jpg|thumb|200px|Steam Cloud - cloud sync conflcit.]] | [[File:Steam_Cloud.jpg|thumb|200px|Steam Cloud - cloud sync conflcit.]] | ||
| − | '''Save | + | '''Save game cloud syncing''' is the process of having save game data automatically synced to [[Wikipedia:Cloud_storage|cloud storage]]. |
| + | ==Advantages== | ||
'''Cloud syncing''' has a number of benefits: | '''Cloud syncing''' has a number of benefits: | ||
*Automatic backup protects against catastrophic data loss like hard drive crashes. | *Automatic backup protects against catastrophic data loss like hard drive crashes. | ||
*Continue a game on another PC such as a laptop seamlessly. | *Continue a game on another PC such as a laptop seamlessly. | ||
| − | *Ability to store save games for long term | + | *Ability to store save games for long term retrieval (useful for series such as [[Mass Effect]] which spanned over 4 years). |
==Steam Cloud== | ==Steam Cloud== | ||
| − | Steam Cloud is a feature of the [[Steam]] client that allows | + | '''Steam Cloud''' is a feature of the [[Steam]] client that allows save game data to synced to the cloud. [http://store.steampowered.com/search/?sort_by=Name&sort_order=ASC&category2=23 A list of Steam Cloud games] can be searched for on [[Steam]]. |
| + | |||
| + | '''Steam Cloud''' implementation is very inconsistent among developers. Some choose to only sync configuration files, some force users to choose only a single slot to be synced. Some games list '''Steam Cloud''' as a feature, but do not sync any data whatsoever. For example: | ||
*[[Braid]] | *[[Braid]] | ||
*[[Fallout: New Vegas]] | *[[Fallout: New Vegas]] | ||
| − | == | + | Therefore other methods of cloud syncing can be enabled. |
| − | + | ||
| + | ==Dropbox Cloud Saving== | ||
| + | [http://www.dropbox.com/ '''Dropbox'''] is a [[Wikipedia:Cloud_storage|cloud storage]] program, widely regarded as the most reliable and well-implemented program of its kind.<ref>http://www.theverge.com/2012/4/24/2954960/google-drive-dropbox-skydrive-sugarsync-cloud-storage-competition</ref> | ||
| − | + | '''Dropbox''' can only synchronise a single 'Dropbox' folder at any one time. | |
| − | |||
===Windows=== | ===Windows=== | ||
Revision as of 15:37, 15 June 2012
Save game cloud syncing is the process of having save game data automatically synced to cloud storage.
Advantages
Cloud syncing has a number of benefits:
- Automatic backup protects against catastrophic data loss like hard drive crashes.
- Continue a game on another PC such as a laptop seamlessly.
- Ability to store save games for long term retrieval (useful for series such as Mass Effect which spanned over 4 years).
Steam Cloud
Steam Cloud is a feature of the Steam client that allows save game data to synced to the cloud. A list of Steam Cloud games can be searched for on Steam.
Steam Cloud implementation is very inconsistent among developers. Some choose to only sync configuration files, some force users to choose only a single slot to be synced. Some games list Steam Cloud as a feature, but do not sync any data whatsoever. For example:
Therefore other methods of cloud syncing can be enabled.
Dropbox Cloud Saving
Dropbox is a cloud storage program, widely regarded as the most reliable and well-implemented program of its kind.[1]
Dropbox can only synchronise a single 'Dropbox' folder at any one time.
Windows
This method uses symbolic linking (mklink) to move a folder, whilst making Windows think that the folder has not moved. Symbolic linking works in a similar way to a shortcut; a link replaces the folder, whilst also pointing to the new location. This new location will be in the Dropbox, which is automatically synced online.
Note: #GameSave Manager also has an excellent Sync & Link feature which can automate this process.
Step 1 - Install Link Shell Extension Utility
Step 2 - Find Save Game Location
First of all, locate where your save games are stored. For this guide, we will assume you want to sync your Fallout: New Vegas saves, which are stored in on Windows 7. This location is:
C:\Users\[Username]\Documents\My Games\Fallout New Vegas\
Step 3 - Move Save Game Folder Into Dropbox
Move (do not copy) the Fallout: New Vegas folder into the Dropbox folder. This default location is:
C:\Users\[Username]\Documents\My Dropbox\
Step 4 - Create Symbolic Link
Right click on the folder:
C:\Users\[Username]\Documents\My Dropbox\Fallout New Vegas\
Click 'Pick Link Source'.
Go to:
C:\Users\[Username]\Documents\My Games\
Right click and choose 'Drop as - Symbolic Link'. Now Fallout: New Vegas save game folder will sync onto Dropbox.
Mac And Linux
Some games may save in their installation directory. It is still easy enough to create the symbolic link required. To create a symbolic link on Mac or Linux on the command line, run:
$ ln -s ~/Dropbox/Saved\ Games/Fallout New Vegas ~/Documents/My\ Games/
GameSave Manager
GameSave Manager is a very well developed and comprehensive save game backup utility. The feature Sync & Link can be used to automate the symbolic linking process to one's Dropbox folder.