How to track your time played in Dragon Age: Origins (or any other game) on steam

Please read this first!

Hey there! If you're like me, you like to keep track of your hours spent in a game. In order for DA:O to perform the best it can, it requires the 4 GB LAA Patch which, after patching, works as a standlone version and doesn't count your played time.

This guide will be divided into 2 sections, the easy part, where you can just download the file, as well as the more complicated, manual way, which you can also modify to use for other games.

How does this work?

For this guide we're going to use 2 programs called SingleBoostr and AutoHotKey.

SingleBoostr

SingleBoostr is a program used for idling in games. It allows for games to be "running" on steam without downloading, it's purpose - to idle hours and collect trading cards from games. We want it to be running for the duration of the game.

DISCLAIMER: I use this program and I know some others that do it too, so I can say from my own experience that the program is safe and shouldn't get you VAC banned as long as you follow the guide. However, in a case where something does happen, I will not be held responsible for any of it.

AutoHotKey

AHK's role in this guide will be to automate the process so we don't have to do each step manually. You can write a program or a script in the notepad and compile it as an .exe program. One big advantage of this is the ability to use keyboard and mouse buttons such as 'space', 'enter' or even 'clicks' for an auto-clicker or something alike. This program won't be needed if you're using the first method (pre-patched .exe)

1. Version (Pre-patched .exe)

This is the simplest method which doesn't require AHK:

Note: This will only work if your game is located at the default path (C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Dragon Age Ultimate Edition) and if the SingleBoostr is extracted in the Downloads folder



1. Download SingleBoostr from this website[github.com] by pressing on "Release.rar" in the Assets-tab

2. Extract the files in the Downloads folder

3. Download this file[www.dropbox.com].

4. Create a desktop shortcut (right-click>send to>desktop)

5. If the program runs correctly, it should open 1 (in my case 2 for some reason) instance(s) of SingleBoostr with "Running" displayed on one of them. Game should be starting up as well.



Note: Don't forget to close the SingleBoostr after closing the game. I tried to incorporate that in my program, but faced problems. Sorry :(

2. Version (Do-It-Yourself)

Here is the manual way on how to do this. This is the version that can also be used for other games.



1. Download SingleBoostr from this website[github.com] by pressing on "Release .rar" in the Assets-tab

2. Extract the files in the Downloads folder (or wherever you wish, but remember where it is)

3. Download AutoHotKey from here[www.autohotkey.com]

4. Open up AHK and choose "New script"

5. Name the file "Dragon Age: Origins"

6. You may copy-paste this in the script:

Run "C:\Users\*user*\Downloads\SingleBoostr\SingleBoostr.Game.exe"
Send "47810"
Send "{Enter}"
Run "C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Dragon Age Ultimate Edition\bin_ship\daorigins.exe"

Note: Those are my paths. Depending on where you've extracted the files and have the game installed you may have to change the 1st and 4th lines respectively.

Additional Note: if you want to use this for other games, also change the "47810" to the App ID you want to be running. You can find it by going to that game's store page on Steam. It's located in the link.

Example link: https://store.steampowered.com/app/47810/Dragon_Age_Origins__Ultimate_Edition/

7. Save the script and open up the "Compile" section in AHK.

8. In the "Main Parameters" tab pick the script file you just saved.

Note: Before you click "Convert", I recommend choosing a custom icon for the program (game). You may find one online.

9. Convert the file and send it to desktop as shortcut (right-click>send to>desktop)

10. If the program runs correctly, it should open 1 (in my case 2 for some reason) instance(s) of SingleBoostr with "Running" displayed on one of them. Game should be starting up as well.



Note: Don't forget to close the SingleBoostr after closing the game. I tried to incorporate that in my program, but faced problems. Sorry :(

FAQ / Troubleshooting

SingleBoostr asks for AppID

Obviously the script is not working correctly. Check if you did everything correctly. After creating the shortcut do not rename it. The program seems sensitive to changes.

I closed the game but it says the game is still running on steam

Close the SingleBoostr. I wanted to have it intergrated in the script, but didn't actually get it to work. If anyone does find a solution to this I would gladly update the guide with the code.

Help!! SingleBoostr opens 2 instances

Yep, this is normal, I have it too. No idea why it does that. I tried adding a delay to it but broke the program even more, so I just left it as it is.



If you have any more questions or ideas feel free to write them down in the comments and I'll try to respond asap.