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| − | [[File:Steam_Cloud.jpg|thumb|200px|Steam Cloud - cloud sync conflcit.]]
| + | {{Image|Steam Cloud.jpg|Steam Cloud - cloud sync conflict.}} |
| − | '''Save game cloud syncing''' is the process of having save game data automatically synced to [[Wikipedia:Cloud_storage|cloud storage]]. | + | '''Save game cloud syncing''' is the process of having save game data automatically synced to [[Wikipedia:Cloud_storage|cloud storage]]. |
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| | ==Advantages== | | ==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. | + | * Seamlessly continue a game on another PC without having to manually transfer save data. |
| − | *Ability to store save games for long term retrieval (useful for series such as [[Mass Effect]] which spanned over 4 years). | + | * Ability to store save games for long term retrieval (useful for series such as [[Mass Effect]] which spanned over 4 years). |
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| − | ==Steam Cloud==
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| − | '''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]].
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| − | '''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:
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| − | *[[Braid]]
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| − | *[[Fallout: New Vegas]]
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| − | Therefore other methods of cloud syncing can be enabled.
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| − | ==Dropbox Cloud Saving==
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| − | [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> However, '''Dropbox''' can only synchronise a single 'Dropbox' folder at any one time. To use '''Dropbox''' to sync save game files, one needs to [[Wikipedia:Symbolic Link|symbolic links]] to make the save games 'appear' inside the Dropbox folder.
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| − | ===Windows===
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| − | 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.
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| − | Note: [[#GameSave Manager]] also has an excellent Sync & Link feature which can automate this process.
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| − | ====Step 1 - Install Link Shell Extension Utility====
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| − | * [http://schinagl.priv.at/nt/hardlinkshellext/hardlinkshellext.html Link shell extension]
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| − | | |
| − | ====Step 2 - Find Save Game Location====
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| − | 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 (Operating System)|Windows]] 7. This location is:
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| − | <pre>C:\Users\[Username]\Documents\My Games\Fallout New Vegas\</pre>
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| − | ====Step 3 - Move Save Game Folder Into Dropbox====
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| − | Move (do not copy) the Fallout: New Vegas folder into the Dropbox folder. This default location is:
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| − | <pre>C:\Users\[Username]\Documents\My Dropbox\</pre>
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| − | | |
| − | ====Step 4 - Create Symbolic Link====
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| − | Right click on the folder:
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| − | <pre>C:\Users\[Username]\Documents\My Dropbox\Fallout New Vegas\</pre>
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| − | Click 'Pick Link Source'.
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| − | Go to:
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| − | <pre>C:\Users\[Username]\Documents\My Games\</pre>
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| − | Right click and choose 'Drop as - Symbolic Link'. Now Fallout: New Vegas save game folder will sync onto Dropbox.
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| − | ===Mac And Linux===
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| − | 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:
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| − | <code>$ ln -s ~/Dropbox/Saved\ Games/Fallout New Vegas ~/Documents/My\ Games/</code>
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| − | ==GameSave Manager==
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| − | [http://www.gamesave-manager.com/ 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.
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| − | =References=
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| − | <references />
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| | [[Category:Guide]] | | [[Category:Guide]] |
