Rockstar Games Launcher: We install it on Windows so you do not have to

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Rockstar is currently distributing a free copy of a 2004 game to entice you to install its new Rockstar game launcher on Windows PCs. We imagine that more rates, including exclusive offers, will soon arrive in this showcase. But for now, Rockstar does not say.
Enlarge / Rockstar is currently distributing a free copy of a 2004 game to entice you to install its new Rockstar game launcher on Windows PCs. We imagine that more rates, including exclusive offers, will soon arrive in this showcase. But for now, Rockstar does not say.

After catching our breath and believing that the fractured space of the PC game launchers had calmed down for a second, another competitor arrived on Tuesday: Rockstar Games.

The launcher simply named Rockstar Games Launcher was released Tuesday worldwide on Windows PCs. It includes the ability to purchase and install a range of games developed by Rockstar (and their associated microtransactions). This is the first time that Rockstar offers to buy its PC games directly, as opposed to providing games on services such as Steam. In this spirit, the launcher also allows players to search and boot the Steam installations of existing Rockstar games.

At present, the application does not include any exclusive or apparent discount compared to other retailers. Why should players install it?

At the moment, there is a pending carrot: a free copy of 2004 Grand Theft Auto San Andreas (currently $ 14.99 on competing services like Steam). Rockstar has not confirmed exactly how long this freebie offer will last. For the moment, once you have installed the launcher, it immediately announces your ability to claim a GTA SA Licence. (This only works in the Rockstar launcher, instead of providing code that can be loaded into another service.)

As a valid reason for the existence of the launcher, I can not help but read between the lines. Since the launch of Red Dead Redemption II Last year, on Xbox One and PS4 consoles, rumors and speculation revealed a PC version of the impending game. And like Grand Theft Auto V before that, RDR2 includes a massive online mode powered by microtransaction. Rockstar may well believe that a game as big as RDR2 is compelling enough to allow fans to skip existing launchers and install another EXE file on their Windows machines to play the company's latest adventure in an open world.

The gallery below explores exactly how the launcher works from the launch today. In terms of native game launch, it includes benefits such as support for cloud backup and simple "move files to a new directory" options (features that Epic Games Store is still looking for). But there are also disadvantages, like the lack of a management tab "downloads" easily selectable. The launcher also includes a full-fledged store with a variety of global payment systems, but at present it only offers Rockstar's PC gaming catalog – and it lacks a significant number of Rockstar classics, including GTA 1, 2 and 4, Midnight Club 2, and Max Payne 1 and 2.

  • The installation process of Rockstar Games Launcher. I start with the language selection to remind you that Rockstar has many territories in mind with this new launcher.

  • All you need to install to continue. Sip.

  • Yes, even if you correctly enter your information the first time, you may face an obnoxious captcha.

  • Welcome to the launcher. The application has already combed through my existing hard drives (Lord knows what information it refers to Rockstar) to find an existing Steam installation.

  • Claim.

  • Install it.

  • For a PC game launcher from the first day, Rockstar Games Launcher offers at least a decent suite of options for installed games. Cloud saves, check. Installation files easy to move, check.

  • Let's pop in the store.

  • The tab "All games" reveals these franchises. They are all related to Rockstar, not other developers or publishers. And some major Rockstar series are missing.

  • Who cares about "activation codes"? Publishers. They use them mainly to distribute criticism to critics and streamers. It would be a useful tool when Rockstar launches a new game on this launcher. Like, I do not know, Red Dead Redemption II?

  • Store list for a game

  • Same ad, next.

  • Many ways to pay, including some popular payment services in other parts of the world.

  • And, oh yes, you can buy microtransactions. Even if you own a game on Steam, these purchases will apply to this installation, as long as your Rockstar Social account is linked.

Rockstar Games did not immediately answer our questions about whether to wait for other developers' games on the service or whether Rockstar would launch games exclusively on RGL in the future.

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