Overview

What is PatchKit?

PatchKit is a cloud-based, game-oriented content distribution service. It gives you a customizable launcher, a content delivery network, binary-diff updates, license-key management, and a web panel — everything you need to self-publish a game and keep it up to date, without operating your own infrastructure.

How PatchKit works

PatchKit is built from a small number of pieces that work together:

  • Application — an entry in the PatchKit Panel that represents a game (or any other software) you publish. Each Application targets a single platform (Windows, macOS, or Linux). If you ship the same game to multiple platforms, you create one Application per platform (and optionally group them under an App Catalog).
  • Version — a specific build of your Application, created by uploading a ZIP archive. PatchKit processes the ZIP, generates binary diffs against previous versions, and makes it available for download once you publish it.
  • Channel — a named release track under an Application (e.g. main, beta, experimental). Channels let you ship different versions to different audiences in parallel.
  • Launcher — the desktop program end-users run. It downloads and installs your game, applies updates, and can be branded and customized. PatchKit provides several launcher variants — see Launchers.
  • Runner — a tiny bootstrapper that ships with the Launcher. Its only job is to download the newest version of the Launcher itself before handing off. This is what lets PatchKit update the Launcher seamlessly.
  • Panel — the web interface at https://panel.patchkit.net where you manage everything above: create Applications, upload versions, configure channels, invite collaborators, set pricing.

The end-to-end flow looks like this: you create an Application in the Panel, zip your build and upload it as a new Version, PatchKit processes it and generates deltas, you publish the Version to a Channel, and your players download the Launcher from your share link. From then on, every time you publish a new Version the Launcher pulls a small binary diff and keeps your players up to date automatically.

If you’re ready to try it, jump to Publishing Your First App.

Getting Started

Creating an Account

You can create a PatchKit account for free without providing any billing information. This will create a new Evaluation account valid for 30 days, letting you test PatchKit end-to-end before committing to a plan. See Pricing for current plan limits and features.

To create an account:

  1. Go to the registration page.
  2. Fill in your name, email address, and password, or simply use the Sign up with Google button.
  3. Click the Register button.
  4. You will receive an activation link at the email address you provided. Be sure to click it to proceed.
  5. You’re all set! You can now log in to your account.

Next: Publishing Your First App

Getting Help

If you have any questions or need help, please contact us using the contact form.

You can also join our Discord server for community support: https://discord.gg/Z5ED24m