Paradox Launcher V2?

[RatsoRizzo]

I'm assuming this got installed on my PC when EU4 did an updated. Installing a launcher on my PC without my permission is rather cheeky. Do I need this for some reason or can I safely uninstall it?

After further investigation:

Is the Paradox Launcher required?
The Paradox Launcher is not required to play Paradox games that are purchased through Steam. However, it is required to play Paradox games that are purchased through the Paradox Store or the Microsoft Store.

So. if it is not required wtf is it installed on my PC without my permission? I uninstalled it but when I ran EU4 it got installed again, without my permission, taking up 119mb of my C: drive. Getting sick of these game companies and their ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ launchers spyware.

[grotaclas]

Eu4 has had a launcher since its very first version. It changed from the eu4 specific launcher to the Paradox Launcher V2 with version 1.29 which came out in 2019.
Why do you call it spyware? Do you have any proof that it does the kind of spying which you think it does?
There are various ways how you can avoid the launcher when starting eu4. You can probably find the necessary steps with the search engine of your choice

[RatsoRizzo]

It connects to the internet, what reason does it need to do that except to phone home, thus spyware. Also, it is installing itself without input form the user, no location asked, just installs without my permission.

[Narrowmind]

Its advertising of its products probably has something to do with it, but that doesn't make it spyware.

[JVC]

It ain't spyware and it ain't new.

[grotaclas]

Originally posted by RatsoRizzo:

It connects to the internet, what reason does it need to do that except to phone home, thus spyware.

There are multiple reasons for the launcher to connect to the internet:
* to show news (the old launcher did that as well) which are often about eu4, but sometimes they are advertisements for other paradox games
* to check for updates and download them
* optionally to log into your paradox account. I think this is needed if you want to use the non-steam multiplayer
* to download and update mods from the paradox mods website(if you are logged in with a paradox account)
* to talk to steam to get thumbnails for your mods and check which DLCs you own. I'm not sure if the launcher connects to the internet directly for this or if it uses the loopback network interface to talk to the steam client and the steam client then connects to the internet

[RatsoRizzo]

OK, maybe it's not spyware, it still installs with no user feedback or option for location. It is not part of the game install and is a separate installer. Bad form.

[Mason]

Not only is it spyware, it releases spiders into your home. They hide under your toilet seat and tickle you when you sit down to take a dump.

[gameleirabh]

Well, I don't need the launcher at all, I've got the game at steam and it is enough. I could see any news from paradox at steam.