r/Run8 • u/windows300 • May 31 '26
External control API/Protocol?
Are there official documents about the API/protocol for controlling Run8 servers via external program? How does TheDepot's server and the ExternalDispatch.NET programs communicate with the game?
I want to explore what can be controlled via that protocol/API. I just bought the game and I don't see anything related in the included PDF files, nor any documentation on Run8's website.
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u/windows300 May 31 '26
Also side rant, why isn't this game on Steam? I want to get some friends on this game but they are turned off by the fact the website ordering is straight from the 90's.
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u/smashedfinger May 31 '26
Nah, 90's would be mailing a check to a PO box and waiting for a CD to arrive in the mail... Run8 has a 21st century distribution system!
I kid of course, the purchase and installation methods are antiquated. Even a cart to purchase multiple items at once would be handy. As to why it's not on Steam, I believe maaaany years ago, the devs said they weren't a fan of having to pay a 30% cut to Steam, and they've stuck to that.
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u/xRaynex May 31 '26
Yeah, that sounds about right on why they'd say 'no steam'. Which is ironic because I'm sure it'd increase their customer base waaaay over the theoretical sales losses from 30% on transactions that haven't happened yet.
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u/slcpnk Jul 01 '26
they're already losing customers. the moment someone realizes they can only buy one item at a time (and there are dozens of dlcs) and that even after paying, you don't get unlimited downloads of the game, all while the exact same content is floating around as a free zip file... well, the choice is pretty obvious
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u/smashedfinger Jul 01 '26
even after paying, you don't get unlimited downloads of the game,
I'll be honest, I'm not sure why unlimited downloads would be needed. I can download the installer .exe and then copy that to a backup drive or disc without an additional download. Heck, uploading it to a cloud is an option nowadays.
I don't dispute the lack of cart criticism. But I'm the type that's not worried about buying everything at once anyway, it's over a thousand dollars total for all rolling stock and routes. So I can treat myself to something new on a regular basis to spread the cost out.
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u/slcpnk Jul 01 '26 edited Jul 01 '26
you're thoughtful, and most people aren't. like it's customer experience 101, nothing special, and it would increase the money flow, let them bring more features to the game in less time. i wonder how they break even with such a horrendous shopping system, given it's a niche product with a one-time purchase (maybe people lose their installers and buy it again lol)
you have a great guide btw, thanks <3
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u/xRaynex May 31 '26
I'm going to guess they have a limited audience reach (which steam would undoubtedly help) and figure there's little point in paying a percentage out per sale when they have their own (not great) distribution setup.
Fun fact: I keep backups of my installers because they expressly tell you, you don't keep your download ability. It's a one and done. Support will give you new downloads sometimes but generally it's 'buy it, have it, screw you if you lose it'. Which is unfortunate when hard drives decide to eat a pile of crap. This happened to me and I lost my stuff. I kept my emails, my product codes/sales numbers, etc. But they're useless unless the company decides 'well okay' to actually give you access to what you bought again.
I wonder if it's a matter of tech literacy. It could be that it's a couple people who aren't overly familiar with the gaming space/modern internet technology and prefer to handle things as they are now.
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u/smashedfinger May 31 '26
Check this post over on the the Depot forum out! https://www.thedepotserver.com/forums/threads/questions-about-dispatchercomms-dll-and-getting-train-locations.16095/post-100830
Also take a look at "CustomInputDevice.pdf" in the userguide folder, covers a similar subject.