commit e450c614b75767be14a39a250e8d76c70aaa0a1c
Author: Chris Rosenau <chris@customerparadigm.com>
Date:   Tue Sep 1 16:20:03 2026 -0600

    first commit

diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f235af9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,59 @@
+# Game Launcher — GNOME Shell Extension
+
+A top-panel game launcher for Steam and custom games, styled as a modern popup with filter tabs, a "Continue playing" hero banner, and a scrollable game grid.
+
+## Features
+
+- Auto-detects installed Steam games from all library folders
+- Reads playtime and last-played data from Steam's local config
+- Detects non-Steam games added to Steam (shortcuts.vdf)
+- Add custom non-Steam games via preferences
+- Filter tabs: All, Recent, Steam
+- Continue playing hero banner for your most recent game
+
+## Requirements
+
+- GNOME Shell 45–50
+- Steam installed (for Steam game detection)
+- Libadwaita (for preferences)
+
+## Install
+
+```bash
+make install
+make compile-schemas
+```
+
+Restart GNOME Shell to load the extension: press **Alt+F2**, type `r`, and press Enter.
+
+Then enable **Game Launcher** in Extension Manager, or:
+
+```bash
+gnome-extensions enable gamelauncher@floweringmind
+```
+
+## Preferences
+
+```bash
+gnome-extensions prefs gamelauncher@floweringmind
+```
+
+Use preferences to add, edit, or remove custom games (name, launch command, optional cover image).
+
+## Uninstall
+
+```bash
+make uninstall
+make reload
+```
+
+## Development
+
+```bash
+make reload   # Restart GNOME Shell after code changes
+make zip      # Package for distribution
+```
+
+## License
+
+GPL-3.0-or-later