Distribution
Overwolf provides several different hosting/distribution services for apps running on its different platforms. These services have been adapted to support Overwolf Electron, and include:
- Content Delivery Network (CDN)—Free hosting and distribution of app release files, managed through the App Developers' Console.
- Custom Installer—A customizable designed installer, with a built-in CMP introduction flow.
- Updater Endpoint—An electron-updater endpoint, to ensure your app is always kept up to date.
Contact us for more information.
Free app hosting (CDN)
Deploying, distributing, and monitoring an app requires a Content Delivery Network (CDN).
Overwolf Electron is built to seamlessly integrate with the Overwolf CDN, offering the following capabilities:
- App release file hosting/distribution.
- Support for multiple release channels.
- Archive of all past releases.
- App usage analytics (can be turned off).
This is all managed in the Overwolf Developers' Console.
Customizable installer
Your app's user experience starts as soon as the user runs it for the first time. To help you make it a success from the very start, we have adapted the Overwolf Installer, making it also work with ow-electron.
This installer can (optionally) handle any of the following:
- Tracking of installation UTM Parameters, which will be shown in your app's Dashboard.
- CMP flow introduction (for users living in countries where that is required).
- Desktop shortcut creation (as well as allowing the user to avoid creating one).
- App installation folder control.
*Apart from that, most of the installer's text/graphics can be changed/configured to fit your specific app.
Supported Urchin Tracking Module (UTM) parameters
UTM parameters allow your team to better track the installation sources for your app. The custom installer supports the following parameters:
utm_source
—identifies which site sent the traffic. (required)utm_medium
—identifies what type of link was used (for example, cost per click or email).utm_campaign
—identifies a specific product promotion or strategic campaign.
Once the app finishes initializing, its UTM parameters can be retrieved through the API, using the app.overwolf.utmParams
field.
Electron updater endpoint
Electron comes with a built in automatic app updater. In order for Electron to automatically update your app, it must be configured with a consistent endpoint for updates/downloads.
The maintenance of the endpoint is handled automatically if you choose to list your app in Overwolf's App File Hosting.
Setting up the updater endpoint
In order to set up the endpoint, simply add the following to your main .js
file:
const { autoUpdater } = require("electron-updater");
...
autoUpdater.setFeedURL({
provider: 'generic',
url: `https://electron-updates.overwolf.com/electron-updates/electron/${your_app_id}`
});