Introduction to Ludusavi
Ludusavi is an innovative application designed to make video game save data management seamless and efficient. Written in the robust programming language Rust, Ludusavi caters to gamers by providing a comprehensive backup solution that operates across various platforms. It is particularly noteworthy for its support for a wide array of game stores, offering gamers a unified tool to safeguard their game progress.
Features
Ludusavi stands out with its impressive feature set:
- Extensive Game Coverage: It can back up save data from over 19,000 games, along with any custom games you might want to include.
- Multi-platform Support: The tool interfaces smoothly with game libraries from major stores like Steam, GOG, Epic, Heroic, and Lutris.
- Dual Interface Options: Ludusavi offers both a graphical interface for ease of use and a command line interface for advanced users interested in scripting. For those familiar with Bash, Fish, Zsh, PowerShell, and Elvish, tab completion is available.
- Comprehensive Save Types: Supports saves stored as files, in the Windows registry, and saves for Proton games on Steam, including Steam screenshots.
- Extensions and Compatibility: It functions on the Steam Deck and is available as an extension for Playnite, a popular library manager.
At the core of Ludusavi’s capability is the use of the Ludusavi Manifest, which details what needs backing up for each game. This information is sourced from the reliable PCGamingWiki, allowing the Ludusavi community to continuously improve and update backup definitions.
Demo
Ludusavi showcases an intuitive graphical user interface that makes previewing backups straightforward. A demo of this interface is available, highlighting the tool’s ease of use.
Installation
Installing Ludusavi is a straightforward process. Users can download the application for Windows, Linux, or Mac from its releases page. The application is portable, meaning it can be downloaded and placed anywhere on your system without the need for a formal installation process.
For those who prefer alternative installation methods, Ludusavi can also be obtained via Winget, Scoop, Flatpak, and Cargo. Users may encounter security notifications on Windows and Mac, which can be resolved by allowing the application to run from unidentified publishers. Detailed guidance can be found on the official website.
Usage
Ludusavi's documentation provides exhaustive guidance for various topics such as backup automation, retention, exclusions, validation, and custom games handling. Users can also explore details on cloud backup, command line operation, logging, and more. This documentation ensures users have the tools and knowledge to tailor Ludusavi to their specific needs.
Community Contributions
Ludusavi benefits from a vibrant community that has developed additional resources, such as secondary manifests and plugins for platforms like Steam Deck and Visual Studio Code. Although these external projects enhance Ludusavi's functionality, it is important to note that they are independently developed and not directly affiliated with the Ludusavi project.
Comparison with Other Tools
Ludusavi sets itself apart from other game save backup tools with its cross-platform and multi-store capabilities. Unlike many alternatives that are restricted to specific systems or offer limited functionality, Ludusavi is efficient, community-driven, and compatible across numerous environments.
- GameSave Manager is a comparable tool but is limited to Windows, slower, and closed source.
- Game Backup Monitor lacks Mac support, has a smaller database, and does not provide a command line interface.
- Gaming Backup Multitool for Linux is restricted to Linux and Steam, with a database that has not been updated for years.
Development and Contributions
Those interested in contributing to Ludusavi's development can consult the CONTRIBUTING.md file for comprehensive guidelines. The project is open source, inviting contributions from developers worldwide who wish to enhance its features and usability.
In summary, Ludusavi is a powerful, flexible tool designed for gamers who value their progress and need a reliable solution to manage their game save data. Its robust features, community support, and cross-platform nature make it a standout choice among game save managers.