How to package a zip file with hidden folders and a working local shortcut

For a portable ZIP, a small .cmd launcher is more reliable than copying a Windows shortcut created on your own PC. It can locate the game relative to itself and set the working folder correctly.

Package it like this:

Put this inside Play Inversion X.cmd:

%~dp0 means the folder containing the launcher. pushd makes the game folder the working directory, which matters when the game loads data using relative paths. The quotes handle folder names containing spaces.

Zip the launcher and Game data folder together. Users should extract the whole ZIP first, then double-click the launcher. Test it by extracting to a different location before distributing it.

One limitation: the Windows Hidden attribute is not reliably preserved across ZIP tools and extractors. You can mark the folder hidden before packaging, but do not depend on it remaining hidden afterward. Keeping it named “Game data” is a practical fallback.

The .cmd launcher may briefly show a console window. For a polished release with a game icon, no console flash and reliably created shortcuts, use a small launcher executable or an installer.