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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:

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.
Retrieving UTM parameters in runtime

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.

note

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:

Setting up ow-electron auto updates
const { autoUpdater } = require("electron-updater");
...

autoUpdater.setFeedURL({
provider: 'generic',
url: `https://electron-updates.overwolf.com/electron-updates/electron/${your_app_id}`
});