GamePauser

A simple, accessibility-focused tool for pausing foreground processes (like games or emulators) on Windows. Hit a hotkey to suspend the app, type notes or commands safely, then resume and replay those keystrokes exactly. No freezes, reliable cleanup on exit.

Version 1.2.3 – stable as of November 2025.

Features

• Instant pause/resume: Targets the active window's process via hotkey.
• Keystroke capture: Records everything you type while paused; replays faithfully with subtle timing jitter for natural feel.
• Global hook: Low-level keyboard interception that doesn't block the hotkey itself.
• Special keys: Esc cancels (discards input), Enter accepts without sending itself.
• Configurable: Edit GamePauser.ini for custom hotkeys (e.g., Ctrl+Alt+P).
• Safe exit: Auto-resumes on close, Ctrl+C, or console shutdown.
• Held key clear: Releases any stuck keys before pausing to avoid glitches.

Works on any foreground app – tested with games, but flexible for tools or emulators.

Quick Start

1. Download the latest release exe from Releases.
2. Run GamePauser.exe (place it anywhere; it creates GamePauser.ini next to it).
3. Default hotkey: Ctrl+Alt+P.
   • Press to pause (app freezes, keys captured).
   • Type your input.
   • Press enter to resume and replay.
   • Or Esc to cancel.

Console output shows status (e.g., "[PAUSED] 1234 - 5 threads").

Configuration

Edit GamePauser.ini (auto-created on first run):

; Examples: PauseKey = F12
; Modifiers = Ctrl+Shift+Alt (combine with +)
PauseKey = P
Modifiers = Ctrl+Alt

Valid keys: A-Z, 0-9, Space, Enter, Esc, Tab, Arrows, F1-F24, Pause.
Reload by restarting the exe. If hotkey fails, run as admin or pick another combo.

License

MIT – use freely, just credit if sharing mods. Authored by Dunjeon. No warranties; test in safe setups.