Creating Licenses with GameShield License Manager

When you open an existing license file or create a new one, you are working with a license project. Virtually everything you do with GameShield’s License Manager will be to operate on the active license project file.

Normally you will create one project (license) for each product you have to control. Note that you can have multiple license projects loaded in the License Manager at one time, allowing you to compare and develop more than one licensed system at a time. When you are using IronWrapping, a license project contains all the information the IronWrapping system needs to locate parse and wrap your games into a highly secure package for distribution.

Each project opens as a child form. Each child form is a tabbed dialog that contains up several tabs. Each of which contain a variety of controls that allow you to edit the project itself in a natural, logically grouped manner. For example, when using IronWrapping, you will need to point the license project at your unprotected copy of your game programs, set protection and anti-cracker options as well as create and edit your Authorization Definitions to control your license. Each of these sets of controls can be found on its own tab - in an easy to use and intuitively arranged interface. As you create and edit your projects, other supporting property-editor type dialogs can be invoked to help you define the details of the license.

When compiling a license project - the GameShield License Manager even writes sample code for you in three different languages (C++, VB and Delphi) to help you get started with integrating the license into your application. This is completely optional if you choose to use IronWrap.

This compiling process is simple and quick.

Steps for Creating a New License

Creating a new license for your game using the GameShield License Manager is easy.

The basic steps to creating a license project are:

Create a new license project, or use the New Project Wizard using the GameShield License Manager.
Add or modify the license fields, and define behaviour to meet your specific requirements. Optionally define localized version of UI elements - all into a single package if you like.
Save and compile the project. At this point, your game is wrapped and compiled into a highly secure package ready for deployment.
Deploy.

When you create a license project, there are a few basic design considerations you should keep in mind. Most important among these is careful consideration of your desired license model. It is essential that you carefully consider all the ways you may need to use the license before you compile your final version.

Once you have finished creating your license, you must compile it to create a distributed license. By using IronWrap , this step will also create a wrapped secure version of your game.

Projects are saved as *.LPJ files. When you have finished creating your project, you simply have to compile it. When you compile your project, a "distributed license" is created and if you are using IronWrapping the protected game exe itself is wrapped and created as output.

Extensive context sensitive help is available to you as you navigate through the program. Simply press F1 at any time and the most appropriate help page will be instantly displayed describing in detail how to manipulate the controls to achieve the result you want. Or, for quick and simple tips and information, use the integrated pop-up help and tips available from inside the application.

The GameShield License Manager is included in the free trial version of the GameShield System for your evaluation. With the trial version of the License Manager you can edit and create your own test licenses to see how easy it is to integrate the GameShield System into your development projects.