GameVault is a self-hosted gaming platform designed for managing and playing DRM-free games. To get started, install Docker, configure your docker-compose.yml file with the GameVault backend and PostgreSQL database, start your server, and download the GameVault client to connect to your personal library.
Building a vast collection of DRM-free digital games often leads to cluttered hard drives and disorganized folders. Finding a specific title can feel like searching for a needle in a digital haystack. The GameVault platform solves this problem by providing a central, self-hosted ecosystem for your DRM-free game files.
Taking control of your digital ownership means relying less on third-party storefronts. The GameVault platform allows you to host your files on your own hardware, providing a sleek interface that mirrors professional storefronts. You control the server, the files, and the access.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started with the GameVault platform. You will learn how to deploy the server, organize your game files, and navigate the client interface for a seamless gaming experience.
What are the core features of the GameVault platform?
The GameVault platform offers a comprehensive suite of tools designed specifically for self-hosters and gaming enthusiasts. It focuses entirely on library management for legally owned, DRM-free content, completely independent of platforms like Steam or Epic Games.
Your personal game cloud
The platform allows you to host your entire DRM-free collection on your own hardware. You can access your library via a native Windows client or a built-in WebUI. This means you maintain total ownership of your digital library without relying on external servers.
Multi-user social capabilities
You can turn your server into a private gaming center. The GameVault platform lets you share access with friends and family. You can manage user accounts easily, allowing your local community to download and play games directly from your server.
Playtime and progress tracking
The GameVault client features a built-in time-tracking daemon. This tool continuously monitors your game progress and tracks your playtime. It sends this information back to your server automatically. Even if you play offline, your playtime updates on the server the next time you connect.
Automatic metadata enrichment
Organizing games manually takes a significant amount of time. The GameVault platform automatically fetches high-quality cover art, descriptions, and metadata from external videogame databases. This keeps your collection looking stunning and professional with zero manual data entry.
How do you set up a GameVault server using Docker?
Deploying a GameVault server is straightforward if you use Docker Compose. Docker Compose is a tool for defining and managing multi-container Docker applications.
What are the prerequisites for installation?
Before you begin, you must install Docker Engine on your host system. While Docker Desktop works, the standard Docker Engine provides a more streamlined experience for server environments. You also need a dedicated folder to store your game files and another folder for the platform’s metadata and media.
How do you configure the Docker Compose file?
Create a new file named docker-compose.yml in your preferred directory. You will need to define two main services: the GameVault backend and a PostgreSQL database.
Use the following configuration to set up your file:
services:
gamevault-backend:
image: phalcode/gamevault-backend:latest
restart: unless-stopped
environment:
DB_HOST: db
DB_USERNAME: gamevault
DB_PASSWORD: YOURPASSWORDHERE
volumes:
- /your/games/folder:/files
- /your/media/folder:/media
ports:
- 8080:8080/tcp
db:
image: postgres:17
restart: unless-stopped
environment:
POSTGRES_USER: gamevault
POSTGRES_PASSWORD: YOURPASSWORDHERE
POSTGRES_DB: gamevault
volumes:
- /your/database/folder:/var/lib/postgresql/data Replace YOURPASSWORDHERE with a secure password. Update the volume paths on the left side of the colon to match the directories on your host machine. If you run Docker on a Windows host, replace Windows-style backslashes (\) with forward slashes (/) in your volume paths.
How do you start the GameVault service?
Open a terminal window and navigate to the directory containing your docker-compose.yml file. Run the following command:
docker compose up -d
This command starts the GameVault server and PostgreSQL database in the background. Once the containers are running, you can access your server by typing your server’s IP address and port into your web browser (for example, http://192.168.0.15:8080).
How do you structure and name files in the GameVault platform?
The GameVault platform relies on a strict naming convention to accurately detect games and fetch the correct metadata. You must map your game directory to the /files volume in your Docker configuration.
What is the required naming convention?
Every game file must follow this exact format:
Title (Version) (EarlyAccess) (GameType) (NoCache) (ReleaseYear).zip
The title is mandatory, while the tags in parentheses are optional but highly recommended for accuracy. The naming convention is strictly case-sensitive.
For example, a correctly named file looks like this:
Far Cry 6 (v1.5.0) (2021).zip
Avoid using illegal characters in your file names, such as /, <, >, :, ", \, |, ?, and *. The platform uses square brackets for custom tags, so reserve round brackets exclusively for the platform’s official detection tags.
What file formats does the platform support?
The GameVault platform supports all archive formats recognized by 7zip 23.01. This includes .7z, .zip, .rar, .tar, .gz, and .iso. Archiving games saves storage space and bandwidth when transferring files to users.
If your game consists of a single executable file, such as setup_game.exe or setup_game.sh, you can place it directly into your /files folder without archiving it. The platform will automatically package it into an uncompressed .tar file in the server’s /tmp directory when a user initiates a download.
How do you navigate the GameVault client interface?
Once your server is running, download the GameVault client from the Microsoft Store or use the web interface. The client interface separates your games into a clear, easy-to-navigate file structure.
How does the client handle downloads and installations?
When you configure the GameVault client, you set a root folder path (for example, D:/GameVault/). The client automatically creates two subfolders within this directory:
- Downloads: This folder stores the compressed archive files pulled from your server.
- Installations: This folder stores the extracted, playable game files.
When you select a game from your library and click download, the archive lands in the Downloads folder.
How do you extract and play a downloaded game?
After a download finishes, click the Extract button in the client. The platform extracts the files into an Extracted subfolder.
Games fall into two categories: Portable and Setup.
Choose Portable if the game runs immediately without an installation wizard. The GameVault platform will automatically move the extracted files to the Installations folder.
Choose Setup if the game requires a traditional installation wizard. The client will prompt you to select the setup executable. You must manually set the destination path in the setup wizard to match your game’s designated folder inside the Installations directory.
Once the process completes, click the Play button to launch the game.
What are some advanced tips for new GameVault platform users?
Getting the basics down takes only a few minutes, but the platform offers advanced controls for users who want complete mastery over their library.
Manually override game types
Sometimes, the server incorrectly identifies a portable game as a setup game. Server administrators can override this by adding a game type tag to the file name. For example, adding (W_P) forces the platform to treat the file as a Windows Portable game.
Edit metadata and images
If a game fetches the wrong cover art or description, users with the EDITOR role can fix it. Click the settings icon on the game’s detail page. You can paste a new image URL for the box art or manually type in custom metadata. These changes apply globally, updating the view for all users connected to your server.
Mount multiple game volumes
If your collection outgrows a single hard drive, you can mount multiple drives to your server. In your docker-compose.yml file, point your additional drives to subfolders within the main /files directory.
volumes:
- /mnt/disk1/games:/files
- /mnt/disk2/games:/files/disk2 This configuration allows the GameVault platform to scan both drives while maintaining a unified library view.
Start building your personal game cloud today
Managing a large library of DRM-free games requires robust tools and a solid organizational strategy. The GameVault platform delivers a seamless, visually appealing ecosystem that puts you back in control of your digital ownership. By following this setup guide and adhering to the strict file naming conventions, you can transform a messy hard drive into a professional-grade gaming storefront.
Install Docker, configure your compose file, and start organizing your files today. Your personal game cloud awaits.
Frequently asked questions about the GameVault platform
Is the GameVault platform free to use?
Yes, the core GameVault ecosystem is completely free. The developers offer an optional GameVault+ premium subscription that provides advanced features like cloud save synchronization to support ongoing development.
Does the GameVault platform support Steam or Epic Games libraries?
No. The GameVault platform is built exclusively for DRM-free content, such as games purchased through GOG or Humble Bundle. Proprietary DRM used by major storefronts prevents independent hosting and distribution.
Can I run the GameVault client on Linux or Mac?
The platform currently offers a native Windows client and a responsive Web UI. Linux and Mac users can access their libraries directly through the Web UI or utilize community-maintained compatibility layers to run the Windows client.
Does the GameVault platform stream games to my device?
No. The GameVault platform functions as a library manager and file distribution system. You download the game files to your local machine, and the games run locally on your hardware to ensure maximum performance.
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