More actions
BigBang1112 (talk | contribs) Add general Pak blob |
BigBang1112 (talk | contribs) Mention GameData relation, move historic stuff to History |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
'''Pak''' ('''PAK''', or '''NadeoPak''') is a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proprietary_file_format proprietary file format] used for packaging game content in encrypted form. | '''Pak''' ('''PAK''', or '''NadeoPak''') is a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proprietary_file_format proprietary file format] used for packaging game content in encrypted form. | ||
Pak files cannot be opened in any standard archiver. The majority of the | Pak files cannot be opened in any standard archiver. The majority of the package is encrypted with the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blowfish%20(cipher) Blowfish cipher]. Individual files are then often compressed with either [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zlib zlib] or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LZ4%20(compression%20algorithm) LZ4] algorithms. | ||
In the [[TrackMania (series)|TrackMania series]], the system of NadeoPak was first introduced in the [[TrackMania United]] release (not the Forever one). It was | The main purpose of the Pak format is to substitute parts of the GameData directory behind a secure wall that would significantly limit the modification capabilities of the official game content. The format is also effective enough for keeping the content safe from infringement. | ||
== History == | |||
In the [[TrackMania (series)|TrackMania series]], the system of NadeoPak was first introduced in the [[TrackMania United]] release (not the Forever one). It was intended to replace the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/StarForce StarForce protection], which was used in the previous monetized TrackMania games, such as Sunrise and Original. The format evolved in many ways over the years, reaching up to version 18 that is currently used for both [[Maniaplanet]] games and [[Trackmania 2020]]. | |||
Revision as of 01:04, 25 January 2026
Pak (PAK, or NadeoPak) is a proprietary file format used for packaging game content in encrypted form.
Pak files cannot be opened in any standard archiver. The majority of the package is encrypted with the Blowfish cipher. Individual files are then often compressed with either zlib or LZ4 algorithms.
The main purpose of the Pak format is to substitute parts of the GameData directory behind a secure wall that would significantly limit the modification capabilities of the official game content. The format is also effective enough for keeping the content safe from infringement.
History
In the TrackMania series, the system of NadeoPak was first introduced in the TrackMania United release (not the Forever one). It was intended to replace the StarForce protection, which was used in the previous monetized TrackMania games, such as Sunrise and Original. The format evolved in many ways over the years, reaching up to version 18 that is currently used for both Maniaplanet games and Trackmania 2020.