There's a launch argument you can pass in called --skip-launcher. As described, it skips the launcher and goes straight to the game.
Is --skip-launcher guaranteed to work on every game with a launcher? Can I reasonably assume that if a game has a launcher, this command will bypass it?
No, it seems the developer has to implement this option. This is probably not a standard argument, but a launcher-specific one.
From a Baldur's Gate 3 announcement:
Added a launch option to the LariLauncher so players can skip the launcher entirely. To use this:
- Right-click Baldur’s Gate 3 in your library and select Properties...
- On the GENERAL tab, add --skip-launcher in the LAUNCH OPTIONS field.
If it was a generic, Steam-powered launcher skip option, this step wouldn't have to be explicated (or introduced in Hotfix #15).
Divinity: Original Sin 2 received the same treatment, but it's by the same developer, and this announcement followed 3 days later.
I also can't find any other developer mentioning having implemented this particular option, even though launchers are one of those typical gamer pet peeves, and it would make sense for the developer to point out.
I have also seen the alternative --launcher-skip, which would work for Cyberpunk 2077, suggesting it is indeed something a developer has to realise themselves, independent of Steam (or GOG Galaxy).
No, that's something that the developer implements themselves (or not implement), and they can choose any words they want for the command.
I always recommend checking the game's page on PC Gaming Wiki to see if there's a command to skip the launcher or the intro.
For example:
-nointro--launcher-skip but there are other things to take into account too on the same page-nosplash but there is also another thing you can do listed on the page
