Introduction To The GameShield License Manager


The GameShield License Manager is a "multiple license interface" Windows application that you use to create and modify your GameShield licenses and compile protected games. The License Manager comes with all editions of the GameShield System DRM Kit.

It is the primary tool that you will use during development to create your licenses for the software you create. If you are using the powerful IronWrapping edition, it will also compile and wrap your games into a wrapped package that encapsulates your chosen license model with the best possible DRM protection.

This page is a brief introduction to how your team will use the License Manager to realize your projects license enforcement and piracy-protection requirements.

license manager screenshots
Click to enlarge

The 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 the 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. (See above image).

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.

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.

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 of course assumes you want to integrate inside your application. This is completely optional if you choose to use IronWrapping.

This compiling process is simple and quick.

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.

Try out the License Manager
in the free trial of the GameShield DRM Kit