Create an API key (online AI)

To run Duke, the game assistant, with an online AI, ROMKADE Manager needs an API key: a long secret code, created on the provider's website, that lets it use the AI on your behalf. This page explains how to create one for each service, then where to paste it.

ROMKADE Manager supports Claude (Anthropic), ChatGPT (OpenAI), Mistral AI and Gemini (Google).

Before you start

• A subscription is not enough. ChatGPT Plus, Claude Pro or Gemini Advanced do not give an API key: the API is paid separately, on the provider's developer platform.
• You pay per use, on your account with the provider (except within the limited free tiers of Gemini and Mistral). A question to Duke usually costs a fraction of a cent. Set a spending limit in the provider's billing settings.
• The key is shown only once. Copy it right away. Don't share it: if in doubt, delete it on the provider's website and create a new one.
• Rather not pay, or send your questions online? Install a local AI, for free.

Create the key

Claude (Anthropic)ChatGPT (OpenAI)Mistral AIGemini (Google)

1. Open the Anthropic console and create an account (or sign in).
2. In Billing, add a payment method and buy credits: the Claude API works with prepaid credit.
3. Open Settings → API keys and click Create Key.
4. Name it, for example "ROMKADE", then copy the key. It starts with sk-ant-.

With Claude, game descriptions are sent as a batch, at half price.

1. Open the OpenAI platform and sign in (your ChatGPT account works).
2. In Settings → Billing, add a payment method and credit.
3. Open the API keys page and click Create new secret key.
4. Name it, for example "ROMKADE", then copy the key. It starts with sk-.

1. Open the Mistral console and create an account (or sign in).
2. Choose a plan: the free trial plan (limited, with phone verification) or the pay-as-you-go plan.
3. Open the API Keys page and click Create new key.
4. Name it, for example "ROMKADE", then copy the key. A new key can take a few minutes to become active.

1. Open Google AI Studio and sign in with your Google account.
2. Click Create API key (Google creates a project for you if needed).
3. Copy the key. It usually starts with AIza.

Gemini has a free tier, limited in questions per minute and per day; check its data use terms. Beyond that, turn on billing in Google AI Studio.

What about Perplexity?

Perplexity is not supported by ROMKADE Manager yet.

Paste the key into ROMKADE Manager

1. Open Settings → Assistant.
2. Choose Online service, with an API key, then the service (Claude, ChatGPT, Mistral AI or Gemini). Create a … key opens the right page at the provider.
3. Paste the key. ROMKADE Manager suggests a model and checks the connection on its own; the light turns green: Connected. Change picks another model.

Try it: open the Duke bubble, bottom right, and ask "A two-player game in my library?".

The key stays on your computer; where it is stored: see Data and privacy.

Troubleshooting

What you see	What to do
Key rejected	Check that it is copied in full, with no space before or after; otherwise create a new one.
Credit used up, payment required	Add credit in the provider's billing.
Too many requests	The free tier (Gemini, Mistral) is used up: wait a little, or switch to the paid plan.

The assistant and its other uses are described in Assistant, knowledge and videos.