Support user data folders for PAK file storage

[rikarudo]

Currently, for the macOS version of vkQuake, it is required to store the Quake data files (PAK files) next to the application package (such as in the Applications folder). This approach is not ideal and can be inconvenient, especially since the Applications directory typically requires elevated permissions to modify and is intended only for applications, not their data.

Would it be possible to support either of these user-specific folders as the default locations for storing the PAK files and other game data?

• ~/Library/Application Support/vkQuake
• ~/.vkQuake

This change would simplify installation, align with macOS best practices for app data storage, and prevent the need to store files in the middle of the apps Applications directory. Thank you for considering this improvement!

[j4reporting]

~/Library/Application Support/vkQuake

this is possible by supplying the option -basedir <path>

~/.vkQuake

This is supported, but is a compile time option see file meson_options.txt

[rikarudo]

Hi!

Thank you for the prompt answer and help.

Regarding the second option (.~/vkQuake), is it possible to enable it by default in a next build? I must admit I have only downloaded the binary from Mac Source Ports and am not really inclined to compile the sources myself. Another question: with this option enabled, would the savegames also be stored there?

Thank you very much!

[j4reporting]

is it possible to enable it by default in a next build?

I think we should ask @tomkidd. He builds the releases on mac source ports.

with this option enabled, would the savegames also be stored there?

yes, everything, config files, screenshots savegames etc. You can share one set of pak files accessible by every user, but save your files in ~/.vkquake.

[rikarudo]

That would be great! Thank you, @vsonnier and @tomkidd!

[tomkidd]

Yeah I've been meaning to contribute something along these lines. Since id Tech engines are usually good at making a listing of places to choose from adding some more entries to the list, at least on Apple devices, should be easy enough. Probably the ~/.vkquake bit would be useful for any unix systems and the Application Support can really just be the SDL GetPrefPath location.

[rikarudo]

Great! If I can be of assistance or if you need someone to test these changes further down the road, please let me know.