Game Compressor Utility Updated to Leverage Windows LZX Compression for Game Storage Savings

Addressing Storage Costs with Compression

With current NAND prices driving up the cost of SSDs, gamers face challenges in acquiring large storage capacities. The Game Compressor utility provides a solution by enabling users to reduce the disk footprint of their installed games, thereby maximizing existing storage space without needing to purchase new hardware.

Leveraging Windows' Built-in LZX Compression

Game Compressor utilizes Windows' native LZX folder and file compression to transparently compress games on disk. This method can result in substantial space savings; for example, ARK Survival Evolved reportedly shrinks from 169 GB to 91 GB. While not all games offer high compressibility, even partial savings can free up enough space for additional installations, particularly beneficial for handhelds and systems with limited storage.

User Interface and Features

Priced at $5.99 / 5.99€ on Steam, Game Compressor offers a user-friendly interface for managing game compression. Users can set watched folders, preview potential space savings before initiating compression, and manage tasks through a queue that allows pausing or cancellation. The utility also includes features like selective decompression and a log of operations. It attempts to identify files, such as videos, that are less suitable for further compression.

Performance and Maintenance

Using LZX compression can sometimes lead to improved game load times due to reduced I/O data, with a minimal CPU overhead. The utility also monitors games for patches, automatically reapplying compression after updates to maintain space efficiency.