Third-party Apps and Plugins
217 files
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MAME Hi-Score Display - A plugin for BigBox
By JoeViking245
MAME Hi-Score Display - A plugin for BigBox
Use this plugin to view a games high scores from BigBox’s Game Menu.
Features
Creates a menu item called “View Hi-Scores” that allows you to display high scores for most games in your Arcade platform directly in BigBox. What's needed
(3) files that are included in the downloaded zip file (the plugin) Version 3.0 - One file that is included in the downloaded zip file (the plugin) 2 lines of text added to the "TextGamesView.xaml" file for your current BigBox Theme MAME configured to save high scores Saved high score files (These are automatically generated by MAME once it’s configured to save them in the "hi" and/or “nvram” subfolders of your MAME emulator) What it won't do
Show high scores for games using emulators other than MAME. Show high scores for games in LaunchBox. MAME is not built to save high scores the same way (or at all) for all arcade machines, so not all games are supported by this plugin Contributors
@jayjay – The one who came up with the idea and did all the hard stuff.
@JoeViking245 – The one who helped with all the easy stuff.
@fromlostdays – The one who made these instructions easier to follow.
A HUGE Special Thanks goes to GreatStone’s utility “hi2txt”. This utility converts MAME’s high score files into a readable format which ultimately makes this plugin possible!!
http://greatstone.free.fr/hi2txt/index.html
Installation and setup instructions:
Step 1: Installing the Plugin
Step 2: Editing your BigBox Theme to add support for the Plugin
Step 3: Making sure MAME is set up to save high scores
Installing the Plugin:
Download the plugin, Mame_Hi_Scores (v5.0.0).7z from the LaunchBox download section (If not using 7zip) After you’ve downloaded the zip file, be sure to unblock it in Windows by right clicking it, selecting Properties, and clicking Unblock Open the zip file and extract/copy the "Hi_Scores" folder into ..\LaunchBox\Plugins i.e. D:\LaunchBox\Plugins\Hi_Scores\Mame_Hi_Scores.dll
Editing Your BigBox Theme to add support for the Plugin:
As of version 5.0.0, this step is no longer required.
If you are updating from a version PRIOR to v5.0.0, you will need to UNDO THE CHANGES made to your TextGamesView.xaml file!!!
(just delete the 2 lines that were added, and save.)
Setting up MAME to save high scores:
Using a recent official MAME release –
If you have an older release of MAME, you may need to do the following steps instead.
Congrats! You’re all setup! Now that you’ve setup the plugin, why not give it a try?
How to use:
Start BigBox Go into the "Arcade" Platform Select a game Near the bottom of the Menu (if the selected game has a high score file saved) you'll see "View Local Hi-Scores" Select "View Local Hi-Scores" to see your high scores for that game! To close the Hi-Scores window (options): (new v5.1.0)
Press the button you have mapped for your controller to Back Press the key you have mapped for your keyboard to Back432 downloads
- mame
- high scores
- (and 2 more)
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How Long to Beat Custom Fields Tool
By christhed
***Check out @JoeViking245's much better plugin instead. I'm leaving this tool available in case the plugin breaks but I won't be updating the data. *** About the tool: The tool is NOT scraping data from https://howlongtobeat.com/. It is using data that has already been scraped from the website and adding it as custom fields for your games.
I encourage you to visit the website and manually add the data for missing games as well as support the website by contributing to the database.
How does it work?
Just run HLTB.exe, select your Lauchbox/Data/Platforms folder and press confirm. That's it!
**MAKE SURE TO BACKUP YOUR XML FILES BEFORE RUNNING IT!!**
What are the included platforms?
3DI Interactive Multiplayer, Arcade, Atari 2600, Atari 5200, Atari 7800, Atari Jaguar, Atari Lynx, ColecoVision, Commodore 64, Commodore Amiga, Microsoft Xbox 360, Microsoft Xbox, MS-DOS, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo 64, Nintendo DS, Nintendo Entertainment System, Nintendo Famicom Disk System, Nintendo Game Boy Advance, Nintendo Game Boy Color, Nintendo Game Boy, Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii U, Nintendo Wii, Sega Dreamcast, Sega Genesis, Sega Saturn, Sony Playstation 2, Sony Playstation 3, Sony Playstation, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Windows
Will you update the data/add more platforms?
I don't plan on it. At least not on a regular schedule.
How do I show that data on BigBox?
You can create your own theme or make changes to existing themes using the Community Theme Creator. I'm pretty bad at designing themes so I don't plan on releasing one but I'd be interested if someone wants to create a theme that takes advantage of the HLTB data.
**UPDATE**
I lied and made a theme for it. Here it is.
111 downloads
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BezelLauncher
By JoeViking245
What is it?
Use this plugin to display bezels for emulators that don't natively support them.
What does it do?
It displays a bezel and resizes the emulator window to fit within the bezels transparent area.
What's required to make this plugin work?
LaunchBox v13.3 (or newer), the plugin file, bezel images and some minor setup. No more. No less. (See Setting up)
Do I need to provide my own bezel images?
Yes. (See Setting up for where to place them)
Will it work with game specific bezels?
Yes.
Will this work with all emulators?
Yes, with exception. RetroArch and MAME emulators will not show in the list of emulators and cannot be used with this plugin.
The emulators that have been tested so far all work. Some adjustments may be necessary. (see Emulator Settings)
Will this work with storefront games or Windows games?
No.
Can I use my existing RocketLauncher bezel configuration files?You can use the existing platform.png and platform.ini files from RL. These existing files should be located under:
/RocketLauncher/Media/Bezels/platform_name/_default/something.ini (and something.png)
(See Setting up [step #3])
What are the .ini files for?
The .ini (configuration) files tell the plugin how to resize and move the emulator window to fit within the bezel. (See .ini (configuration) Files for more info and Testing for creating and saving them)
Can this plugin add shaders as well?
No. Yes. See Using Shaders (new v2.1.0)
Disclaimer
This works on my test PC. I didn’t test it on my cab because I didn’t want to change my emulator settings to not use fullscreen (see Emulator Settings). Outside of RetroArch and MAME, I don’t use bezels, so didn’t want to mess-up-a-good-thing.
There are no guarantees, express or implied… blah blah blah blah blah blah blah.
There is no risk. This plugin makes no changes to LaunchBox or your emulators. If you decide this isn’t for you, simply undo any fullscreen changes you made and (with LB/BB not running) delete the BezelLauncher folder.
Special Thanks
Special thanks to @MadK9 for the idea, direction and help with testing! Without him, I would have never contemplated starting this project. Also a big thanks to @Sbaby for testing un-tested emulators with the plugin.
Installing
With LaunchBox/BigBox not running...
Download the plugin .zip file "Unblock" the file Right-click the file, select Properties, check the box "Unblock", click OK. Or better yet, just use 7-zip to open the file Copy the contents (a folder called "BezelLauncher") into your \LaunchBox\Plugins\ folder Start LaunchBox
Setting up
Start BezelLauncher Setup from the LaunchBox Tools menu, then click Close This will create the \Plugins\BezelLauncher\Bezels\platform_name\ subfolders Copy your bezel images into their respective platform_name subfolders See Bezel Images for more information (optional) If you have existing RL platform_name.ini files, copy those alongside the image files See .ini (configuration) Files for more information Restart BezelLauncher Setup Select a platform Choose an emulator you wish to use for that platform. Check Disabled to enable it Click Test Adjust (Move/resize) the orange frame to fit within the view area of the bezel (See Testing) Click Shaders to enable, adjust and change shader (see Using Shaders) (new v2.1.0) Click Save [to save the .ini file] Click Save on the main setup screen to add the emulator to the list of Enabled platform emulators Repeat for other platforms and emulators you wish to add You must click "Save" for each emulator you've enabled, separately.
Maintenance
After adding/removing platforms or emulators
Run BezelLauncher Setup Click Refresh Continue with Setting up, step #5
Testing
To configure the placement of the emulator window within the bezel (Requires an existing bezel image):
Run BezelLauncher Setup Select a platform and an emulator Enable it (if it's not already) Click Test
Move and resize the frame
Click [and hold] the left or right side of the frame to move it around Click [and hold] the bottom right corner to resize Use the on-screen buttons to fine-tune the adjustments The on-screen display will show information about the emulator window.
(You can click and drag the OSD to move it around as needed)
x, y = upper left monitor-coordinates of the emulator window w, h = width and height of the emulator window x, y = lower right monitor-coordinates of the emulator window
If any of the values are red, they are off the screen The OUTSIDE edge of the frame is the emulator window extents After adjusting, click Save. This will overwrite any existing configuration file.
Using Shaders (new v2.1.0)
First you need some shaders. Place the .png images in the /Bezels/Shaders/ folder (Scanline.png 'shader' is included) Start BezelLauncher Setup Select your platform and emulator and click Test Click Shaders Check the box to turn shader on Use the slider to adjust the shader Adjust the opacity down to lighten the shader Use the drop-down box to select a different shader Click Save to save your settings
Parameters
Depending on the emulator and the bezel, you may need to check 1 or more of the following parameters:
(h) hideStuff
Check this if you see the desktop behind bezel while the game is loading. This adds a black background during the startup process.
(s) startupSleeper
“Hide stuff” for a little longer during startup (3 seconds)
(l) longerSleep
Same as above (4 seconds)
(g) hideGameStartup
Check this if LB Game Startup screen is showing behind the bezel at game startup
When selecting a platform, if the plugin detects an emulator that has been tested, “suggested” parameters will be shown. Your mileage may vary.
Emulator Settings
For the plugin to move/resize the emulators’ window, you will need to disable fullscreen in the emulator(s). This may be as easy as removing "-f" or "-fullscreen" from the Default Command-line Parameters (depending on the emulator).
Beyond that, of the emulators I've tested, the only one that needs to have its Default Command-line Parameters altered is SuperModel. You will need to manually set the resolution.
Start BezelLauncher Setup Select your Super Model 3 platform and Enable it Click Test and after adjusting the frame to where you want it, make note of the W(idth) and H(eight) #'s shown in the OSD. Save and Close. (Be sure to click Save on the main Setup screen to save Enabled as well.) Edit your SuperModel emulator (in LaunchBox) and set the Default Command-line Parameters to "-res=W,H" (no quotes, no spaces and replacing W & H with the #'s noted above) Example: -res=1420,1076
Bezel Images
When you run BezelLauncher Setup for the 1st time, the plugin creates subfolders for each of your eligible platforms. They are created in:
\LaunchBox\Plugins\BezelLauncher\Bezels\[platform_name]\
The platform image file needs to be in the [platform_name] folder and must be named the exact same as the platform.
\BezelLauncher\Bezels\Sony PSP\Sony PSP.png
Game-specific bezel files
Game-specific bezel folders (or files) can be named after the games ROM filename or the games Title.
Using the games Title:
If the Title has 'invalid file name characters', those characters will need to be replaced with _ (underscore). The exact same way LaunchBox does with its image files (but without the -01 suffix).
Example: Title = Disney-Pixar's Toy Story 2: Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue!
Bezel = Disney-Pixar_s Toy Story 2_ Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue!.png
NOTE: Additional Apps game Titles are (i.e.) "Play USA Version...". So the bezel would be "Play USA Version....png". Same rules apply with 'invalid file name characters'.
Invalid characters are:
< (less than) > (greater than) : (colon) " (double quote) / (forward slash) \ (backslash) | (vertical bar or pipe) ? (question mark) * (asterisk) ' (single quote) Not technically invalid (post-DOS), but consistent with LaunchBox character replacement
Storing game-specific bezels:
Option 1:
Place your game bezel images directly inside their respective \[platform_name]\ folder. Game-specific image files must be named the exact same as the games ROM file or the games Title (accounting for invalid characters).
example:
\BezelLauncher\Bezels\Sony PSP\After Burner - Black Falcon (USA) (En,Fr,Es,It,Nl) (PSP) (PSN).png
Option 2:
Place your game-specific bezel image folders under the \[platform_name]\ folder. The subfolder must be named the exact same as the games ROM file or Title (barring invalid characters). The .png and .ini files in the subfolder can be any filename. example:
\BezelLauncher\Bezels\Sony PSP\After Burner - Black Falcon (USA) (En,Fr,Es,It,Nl) (PSP) (PSN)\thisIsAnyFileName.png See Launching different game versions for information about bezel requirements for games that are combined as Additional Apps.
ScummVM
Setting up ScummVM for use with this plugin:
In LaunchBox, Edit games using ScummVM. In the ScummVM section, have both checkboxes un-checked. (Fullscreen and Aspect Correction). This cannot be done using the Bulk Edit Wizard, so will need to be done on a per-game basis. One-at-a-time.
If it's not displaying correctly with just the above, try the (optional) following:
Navigate to /LaunchBox/Third Party/SummVM/ and start ScummVM.exe. On the Graphics tab, set Graphics Mode to opengl. Leave the other 2 as default and the check box's un-checked. Click OK and Exit. ScummVM Bezel Files:
To use bezels with games using LB's integrated ScummVM, you will need to set them up manually. It will not appear in BezelLauncher Setup.
Navigate to the plugins Bezels subfolder and add your platform folder. i.e. \LaunchBox\Plugins\BezelLauncher\Bezels\ScummVM\ Add your platform default png and ini files to this folder. i.e. ScummVM.png ScummVM.ini Game specific bezels for ScummVM must be named the same as the Game Data Folder.
i.e. D:\LaunchBox\Games\ScummVM\King's Quest 1 - Quest for the Crown\[game files]
use: "King's Quest 1 - Quest for the Crown.png"
DOSBox
The integrated version of DOSBox is NOT supported by this plugin. I couldn’t get it to cooperate 100% of the time. So going with plan “B”.
To use DOSBox with this plugin, you will need to install and set up DOSBox-X.
Setting up DOSBox for use with this plugin:
Note: BezelLauncher Setup will NOT show your DOSBox platform ('MS-DOS') as an available platform. So don't bother looking for it.
Download DOSBox-X
DOSBox-X releases can be found here: https://github.com/joncampbell123/dosbox-x/releases
Download the vsbuild-win64 version. (direct link for the download file) Create a new folder under \LaunchBox\ThirdParty\ and name it DOSBox-X Extract the contents of the downloads "\bin\x64\Release\" folder into the new folder Be sure to unblock the zip file before extracting (unless you’re using 7-Zip) Configuring DOSBox-X
In Windows Explorer, navigate to \LaunchBox\ThirdParty\DOSBox-X\. Make a copy of dosbox-x.conf. Rename the copy to [something like] "BL-dosbox-x.conf" Right-click the new 'BL-dosbox-x.conf' file and select edit (Notepad++ works great for this. But any text editor (Notepad) will work) Look for the following keys and change their Values as shown: (starting on approximately line 78)
fullresolution = 1400x1080
windowresolution = 1400x1080
windowposition = 260,0
output = ttf
showmenu = false
"1400x1080" (2 locations) is the dimension of the transparent area of your bezel. Adjust as necessary.
From your MS-DOS.ini file, use [Right X]-[Left X] for the 1st value (1400) and [Right Y]-[Left Y] for the 2nd (1080)
"260,0" is the upper-left coordinate of the transparent area. Use the Left-X value for the 1st number and Left-Y for the 2nd.
Save the changes and close the editor.
Configure games to use DOSBox-X
The following assumes your MS-DOS platform games are already setup to use the integrated version of DOSBox.
In LaunchBox, select all your DOSBox games and press Ctrl+E to start the Bulk Edit Wizard. (Select 1 game in the MS-DOS platform, then press Ctrl+A to select all) On the 2nd screen select the Field Custom DOSBox Version EXE Path for Value, Browse to and select dosbox-x.exe Click Next, Next Click “Yes, I would like to make more changes” select the Field DOSBox Configuration File for Value, Browse to and select the new file you created (BL-dosbox-x.conf) Click Next. Next (again). Click "No, I would not like to make more changes"
MS-DOS Bezel Files:
This assumes your DOSBox platform is called "MS-DOS".
In the Bezels subfolder under the plugin folder, create a new folder called 'MS-DOS'. In \LaunchBox\Plugins\BezelLauncher\Bezels\MS-DOS\, add your bezel files (MS-DOS.png and MS-DOS.ini). Game specific bezels for DOSBox need to be named the same as the Game Data Folder
i.e. D:\LaunchBox\Games\MS-DOS\Cosmos Cosmic Adventure\COSMO1.EXE
use "Cosmos Cosmic Adventure.png"
.ini (configuration) Files
The .ini files contain the monitors' coordinates for placing the emulator window.
The Upper Left x,y coordinate and the Lower Right x,y coordinate
Example:
Upper Left X Coordinate=240
Upper Left Y Coordinate=100
Lower Right X Coordinate=1680
Lower Right Y Coordinate=1080
The platform ini file must be named the exact same as the platform. If copied from RocketLauncher, you may need to rename it (removing any under_scores).
i.e. \BezelLauncher\Bezels\Sony PSP\Sony PSP.ini
For game-specific ini files, if they are located in a subfolder below /[platform_name]/ (see Bezel Images, Option 2, above), they can have any filename. If they are inside the /[platform_name]/ folder (Option 1), then they must be named the exact same as the games ROM file or Title.
If a game-specific .ini file doesn’t exist, the plugin will use the games platform.ini file.
Launching different game versions
Also known as Additional Apps, when right-clicking a game and selecting Play Version, the Additional App is not required to have its own bezel files. If the Additional App doesn't have its own bezel, the plugin will look for the Default Games' bezel. If neither of those exist, it will use the platforms’ bezel.
This eliminates the need to have a separate set of bezel files for each version of the game. Useful since they most likely all use the same image. This only works for games that are Additional Apps.
Plugin Folder Structure
As always, any thoughts, views, opinions, [constructive] criticism, comments and suggestions are welcome.
790 downloads
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Rename Media Images/Videos as Rom Name or Game Name Format
By superrob3000
A plugin to allow you to switch between ROM name format and Game name format for your media files.
Installation:
Download RenameMediaToRomNames.dll to your PC. Close LaunchBox/BigBox and copy the dll file to your LaunchBox/Plugins directory. It is highly recommended that you make a backup of your LaunchBox/Images and LaunchBox/Videos folders prior to using this plugin.
Renaming game media for entire platforms:
1. Select "Rename Media To ROM or Game Names" from the Tools dropdown in LaunchBox.
2. Select the platform (or platforms) whose game media you want to rename.
3. Choose which format you want to rename the media to (ROM name format or Game name format).
4. Click Start.
Renaming media for individual games:
1. In LaunchBox, select the game or multiple games whose media you want to rename.
2. Right click and select "Rename Media To ROM or Game Names" from the game menu.
3. Choose which format you want to rename the media to (ROM name format or Game name format).
4. Click Start.
Renaming manuals: (new in version 2.0)
To rename game manuals, click the "Include Game Manuals" checkbox prior to hitting the Start button.
FAQs:
Q. Why would anyone want to use this?
A. I actually don't know, but I wrote it because some people on the forums requested it. So if you find this plugin useful please let us know why in the comments 😄.
789 downloads
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LaunchBox Multi Monitor and BigBox +3rd monitor plugin
By JoeViking245
LaunchBox Multi Monitor and BigBox +3rd monitor plugin
This plugin adds support for 2nd (and 3rd) monitors in LaunchBox to display game images while navigating your collections. If you have LaunchBox version 13.1 or newer, Platform, Platform Category or Playlist images will be displayed when making a selection on the left navigation pane.
With BigBox, you already have use of a 2nd display (marquee monitor) for displaying images. For those who have a pinball-cab (or a fancy desktop setup) with 3 displays, this plugin will allow you display an image on the 3rd monitor while navigating BigBox.
Some details:
- The image displayed changes based on the Platform, Platform Category, Playlist or game you are viewing for both BigBox and LaunchBox.
- To view Platform, Platform Category and Playlist images in LaunchBox, LaunchBox version 13.6 is required. BigBox will work with any version.
- When a game is launched, the image(s) will be hidden and then reappear after exiting the game. (default)
- Optionally (new v1.1.0), you can select Keep image(s) visible during gameplay.
The exception is Steam games that are launched via "steam://rungameid/xxxxxx". Their images will not stay visible nor reappear.
- You set the default image type (i.e. Box-Front) to use for all games. Or you can set individual image types to use on a per Platform basis (new v1.1.2).
Q&A:
Why would I want to display an image on a 3rd monitor? Because you can. What image would I put on a 3rd monitor? That's entirely up to you. You can choose from pretty much any image type in your collection. Can it display a video on the 3rd (or 2nd-or-3rd in LB) monitor? No. Can it show a pdf file on the extra monitor? No. Can it display 3D models for boxes? Yes (new v 1.2.0)
Installing:
Download the plugin zip file. Right-click the zip file, select Properties and check Unblock (if present). Click OK.
(With LaunchBox/BigBox not running,) Open the zip file and extract the included folder into your /LaunchBox/Plugins/ folder.
Setting up:
Start LaunchBox.
Click Tools, MultiMonitor Setup
Monitor Configuration:
Select which monitor # you want the images displayed on from the pull-down list. Click Identify Displays to confirm which monitor corresponds with which monitor number. Toggle On or Off to see images on the respective monitors. (v1.1.0) If you wish to keep the images up during gameplay, check Keep image(s) visible during gameplay. (v1.1.1) In LaunchBox, if images aren’t displaying correctly on you marquee monitor, check Stretch images to fill screen (LB 2nd only). This only works on LaunchBox 2nd monitor.
Image Selection:
Select the default image type you want displayed based on which View you're in. Default Game Images: BigBox 3rd Monitor and LaunchBox 2nd Monitor use the "Game View (BB 3rd/LB 2nd)" image. LaunchBox 3rd monitor uses the "Game View (LB 3rd monitor)" image. The image selection *Game Controls looks for game-specific images in your "/Images/platform_name/Arcade - Controls Information/" folder. In LaunchBox, if LaunchBox 3rd Monitor is turned off and the Game View 2nd monitor image doesn’t exist, it will attempt to use the Game View 3rd monitor image. In BigBox, if the Game View 2nd monitor image doesn’t exist, it will attempt to the Game View 3rd monitor image. Set custom game image per Platform (new v1.1.2) Pretty self-explanatory. Click Save after you're done making changes.
Custom Folder: (new v 1.2.0)
You can use a Custom Folder to search for game images. This will search for game images in /your_Custom_Folder/game_platform/game.png
Select *Custom Folder as the Default Game Image, then click Set Custom Folder to set your folder.
Image* files can be named the same as:
games' Title**
ROM filename
games' LaunchBox Database Id #
games' Platform***
*Image file names with suffix -xx (i.e. myImage-01.png) are OK (aka. copy/paste from existing LaunchBox Images). However, the plugin will ONLY ever use one of the images if you have multiple. i.e. myImage-01.png and myImage-02.png
**Game images using its Title must have invalid characters replace with _ (underscore). See Invalid Characters below.
Most common is when the Title has a : (colon).
Example: Title = Disney-Pixar's Toy Story 2: Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue!
image = Disney-Pixar_s Toy Story 2_ Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue!.png
***If a game specific image can't be found, the plugin will look for an image named after the games platform in the Custom Folder. NOT inside the platform folder. i.e. /your_Custom_Folder/game_platform.png
Invalid Characters below
Other Notes:
LaunchBox:
Platform/Category/Playlist images will only be displayed if using LaunchBox version 13.6 or newer.
BigBox:
Changes to image selections etc. can only be made in LaunchBox through Tools, MultiMonitor Setup.
General:
If after making changes in MultiMonitor Setup (AND clicking Save) images aren't displaying or there's some other plugin issue, try restarting LaunchBox.
Disclaimer:
This has only been tested on a 2-monitor setup. Neither of which were marquee monitors. So..... Good luck!
As always, comments, suggestions and requests are welcomed and encouraged.
470 downloads
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Fuzzy Media Name Cleanup
By superrob3000
A plugin to help restore missing media files when updating to LaunchBox 13.14+.
LaunchBox versions 13.14 and higher use a stricter naming convention for media files than previous versions. As a result you might find that you have many missing media files after updating. If you are in that situation, you can do the following:
First make a backup copy of your Images and Videos folders just to be safe. Temporarily revert to LaunchBox version 13.12 by closing LaunchBox/BigBox and running LaunchBox/Updates/LaunchBox-13.12-Setup.exe Start LaunchBox and open the plugin (Tools->"Fixup Fuzzy Media Names" to run it for all games in a platform or if you want to run it for an individual game then right-click the game and select "Fixup Fuzzy Media Names"). Follow the on-screen instructions to start the fixup process (you can choose between rom name format or game title format). Revert back to LaunchBox version 13.14 (or higher) by closing LaunchBox/BigBox and running LaunchBox/Updates/LaunchBox-13.14-Setup.exe LaunchBox versions 13.14 and higher should now recognize the media. The list of media files that had to be renamed can be found in LaunchBox/Logs/FuzzyNamingFixupLog.txt
Can't promise this will fix every case but it should fix most cases of missing media caused by the 13.14 update.
Installation:
Copy FuzzyWuzzyNamingFixup.dll to your LaunchBox/Plugins folder.
68 downloads
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Find the Games your Collection is Missing
By christhed
About the Tool
It finds the top 100 games that are not already in your collection by scraping the XML files in your Data/Platforms folder and comparing it to the Launchbox database
How to use it
Select your Data/Platforms folder. The tool will look stuck for a couple of seconds (about 10-15 for me) but a message will pop up to confirm if it was successful.
So what's the point?
It outputs a .xlsx file containing the top 100 games that are missing from your library. It is meant to be used to find games to add to your library. The weighted score is score from 0-5 given to every game based on the user rating and the number of user votes.
I still plan to work on it a bit and I'd love some feedback if it's something you'd be interested in using! I mainly use it as a little project to teach myself coding
I know the size is a bit ridiculous for what it does, i'm trying to make it a bit lighter
359 downloads
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community COLORFUL resources
By viking
# WHAT IS COLORFUL?
COLORFUL is a complete and coherent high quality graphic set, around a unique design. Made with love in France. I hope you like it ! ?
Here are planned development axes:
OFFICIAL COLORFUL ASSET :
COLORFUL Theme : The main hub, a unique interface for BigBox. Design by me, coded by @faeran COLORFUL Platform Video : Complete 4K video set, with a unique design. COLORFUL Source : To involve the community in the platform video creation. COLORFUL BigBox Startup Video : custom video to match the general design. COLORFUL Hardware Media PNG (1x1) : Taken from my videos, the 1x1 PNG set. (new) COLORFUL Startup Theme : (soon) COLORFUL Pause Theme : (soon) RECOMMENDED COMMUNITY ASSET :
Redrawn Platform ClearLogo by @Dan Patrick Colorful "Playlist" PNG set by @Klopjero Colorful custom theme for Android by @Bawnanable Platform Funtech Super A'can & Platform Arcade Kaneko by @evo1man Alternative Colorful Platform ClearLogo Set by @soqueroeu Alternative Startup Theme (Minimal-Colorful) by @Palada Recommended SoundPack with Steam Deck UI by @Phox
# WANT TO CREATE VIDEO? YOU ARE IN THE RIGHT PLACE!
On this page we are talking about COLORFUL RESOURCES.
Have you considered creating a new Platform/Category/Playlist video for Colorful? This is the place to be! Done, by and for the community.
You will find below my guideline and quick tutorial. If you are tempted by the adventure, please respect the rules below! Thx !!
# READY FOR ADVENTURE? FOLLOW THE GUIDE!
Before we start going into the technique, let's set up some basics on how we're going to do it.
The idea is not to make me a tyrant, but to keep an overall coherence of design, style and to centralize uploads/downloads on a single page.
The basic principles :
On this Resources Page, you will find: 1 archive = 1 platform sources. (From me or from you) On the Platform Video Page, you will find: 1 file = 1 video. (From me or from you) Here are the rules to follow:
ONLY use this forum thread for ALL that concerns the video creation. Form start to finish. Please, not used the comment section below. Announced on what platform(s) you want to work. (New or rebuild) Post your work in progress! This is very important, to have feedback from community and me. Follow the guideline below. There can be several videos from the same platform. I will add your credits. But keep the same background color please, for theme integration. Don't be susceptible if we make comments. ? At the end, send me your video and source files. I will upload them to the corresponding pages, with your credits. Here, I will act as a moderator. The goal of all these rules is to keep the set consistent, allow the community to take part in creation and centralize everything for ease of use.
About software, I used Photoshop and After Effect in their old version (CS6) and without any plugin, to maximize compatibility with your systems.
You can use other software of course, but try not to use plugins.
# GUIDELINES?
I created these guidelines, based on my experience with NOSTALGIA.
They have a whole purpose and I ask you to respect them.
Here is the principle:
You can find these construction lines, as guides, in the Photoshop (.PSD) files, in each Platform archive.
The goal is to let the design breathe, while allowing great versatility of use. Whether in full screen, in 4:3 or 1:1, this video set remains usable.
I have created a theme around this set, but I hope it will not be the only one! A word for the wise ...
# WHAT ARE THE STEPS ?
Briefly, the steps I follow for each video.
Find photo sources for each element of the montage. I try to put the credits in each archive. Carry out the editing in Photoshop, keeping a layer structure common to each platform. From Photoshop, save each layer group in separate PNG files. Find a Gameplay video (EmuMovies for most) and the boot section (Youtube for most) Go to After Effect, gather everything in 4K and render a "master" video file. (understand heavy one) Use VidCoder to make my different outputs (4K h264 / 4K h265 / HD h264) and size compression. <UPDATE> A quick word for the arcade cabinet:
It's too hard to find good photo sources. So I made them all in full 3D (CGI).
If you have the knowledge, go there! Otherwise, I create my renderings so that they can be edited in Photoshop. ?
# IN DETAIL, PHOTOSHOP ?
I'm not going to do a beginner tutorial for Photoshop. Here's how I sort my slaps.
It would be good to respect this nomenclature, always to maintain consistency.
And post on this forum thread your work in progress !
Once the editing is finalized, I export these slaps in 4 PNG files, to go under After Effect. (see text in the left column above)
Why in PNG and not directly use the PSD? Because I noticed "more file corruption with the PSD. In the context of exchange with the community, the PNG is much more universal for people not using the Adobe suite.
# IN DETAIL, AFTER EFFECT ?
Here it is more difficult to explain yourself with words or pictures.
But here is the basic principle:
The Mask Layer will be used for the Gameplay video.
And post on this forum thread your work in progress !
I let you open the files to better understand. If the need arises, I will come and fill this part.
# IN DETAIL, VIDCODER ? (update aug 23, 2022)
To optimize the size of the videos and multiply the formats, I use the free and open-source VIDCODER. (also on Microsoft Store)
It is rather simple, allows batch processing, and as there are finally few "moving" elements in my videos, the optimization is pretty good.
I created and tested 3 profiles that you can import and use. Here they are : VidCoder_Viking_Setting_Update.zip
# AT THE END, SHARING !
Once finished, send me the files directly:
Video in the 3 export formats from VidCoder. Your source archive, trying to keep the same structure as mine. I take care of the conformation of the names, the addition of the credit, and the upload on the right pages.
Thank you in advance !
# SPECIAL THANKS :
@Jason Carr for his hard work on LaunchBox/BigBox! To all Patreon guys! A GIANT THANKS to all of you!!! ? The whote community for yout support! # SOURCES - COPYRIGHT :
Each brand of hardware and software here represented as a tribute. Emumovies for (most) gameplay videos The Vanamo Online Game Museum for (most) photos. If special credit, see .TXT file in the corresponding source archive. (soon) # PLATFORM COVERED / CREDITBOARD :
See video release post for more details !
22,394 downloads
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TV Series Scraper
By skizzosjt
Thank you for checking out TV Series Scraper! This tool will give LaunchBox and Big Box users the ability to easily add TV episodes to their library.
This is an AHK script written in V1 syntax and uses TMDB (The Movie Database) as its source for metadata and images
Users will be required to supply their own API key from https://www.themoviedb.org/ which is 100% free of charge and only takes the time needed to sign up creating a user name, and requesting an API key from within your user profile.
Within the .7z file there is a .ahk version and a .exe version. Both will operate exactly the same! If you are not familiar with setting up AHK then please use the .exe version.
#WHAT IT DOES#
-It will edit your PLATFORM XML file accordingly to add all data into LaunchBox and download both SEASON and EPISODE specific images
-SORT TITLE will be applied in the format of "TV SERIES SXXEXX EPISODE TITLE" to organize all series episodes together in proper sequential order
-SEASON specific images are saved into the platform's BOX - FRONT directory
-EPISODE specific images are saved into the platforms SCREENSHOT - GAMEPLAY directory
-METADATA applied will be the following:
Series title (within sort title) Series genre(s) Series network(s) Sort Title (in the format of SERIES TITLE SXXEXX EPISODE TITLE) Season number (within sort title) Episode number (within sort title) Episode title Episode overview Episode air date Episode Run Time (*only if custom field was added - see notes below)
#HOW TO USE#
-Import your video files into your platform
-Without editing these entries, close LaunchBox
-Open LaunchBox again, and now BULK EDIT the entries as follows
Edit the SERIES field with the TV SERIES NAME Edit the RELEASE DATE field with ANY DATE Optional but recommended Add a CUSTOM FIELD by doing the following Edit a SINGLE ENTRY Go to CUSTOM FIELDS tab Add a custom field name called "Run Time" Enter any value into the value field, for ex: "20" Custom fields only save if a value is assigned to at least a single entry Now BULK EDIT all entries again to edit the custom field "Run Time". Enter any value into the field -Close LaunchBox
-Open TV Series Scraper
-If this is your first launch, you must go to API KEYS tab and enter in your TMDB API KEY!
-On the TMBD tab, enter the TV SERIES into TV SERIES field
-Select the specific platform XML file using the BROWSE button
-Then click the SEARCH button
You will be prompted if the search result is correct or if you want to see the next result -Once you select a result all matching entries in your LaunchBox library will be populated into the EPISODES LIST drop down
This is to review if all of your episodes are in proper sequential order -Also once a search result is selected, if the TV series has additional "episode groups" then you will be able to change EPISODE GROUP TYPE to "Alternative" and then select the EPISODE GROUP NAME of your choice
-Once you are ready with your settings, click SCRAPE to begin the process!
#SETTINGS & FEATURES#
TMDB Tab
SKIP SPECIALS checkbox will do just that. If a TV series has specials, as in, episodes that do not correlate to any particular season, these can be skipped over if the checkbox is enabled EPISODE LIST is to review if your episodes are all in proper sequential order. If they are, you are free to pick either image naming format. ENTRY TITLE, or FILE NAME. If your episodes are NOT in proper sequential order, then you should ONLY use ENTRY TITLE. If FILE NAME is used and your episodes are not in sequential order, then images will not be assigned to the proper entry! Batch File Rename Tab (see below for details)
API Keys Tab
Go to this tab to enter in your TMDB API key. The script will NOT function without this key! Settings Tab
Search settings All of these settings will use different logic on how to match to your entries file name. Choose the one(s) that best fit your files naming scheme Each checkbox will display a tool tip to give an example of what it is using Use first search result will bypass the message prompt so the user can confirm they have the right series. Exact match only checkbox is the strictest search method and requires finding the SERIES TITLE, the SEASON AND EPISODE NUMBER, and the EPISODE NAME in your entries file name. This search method is ALWAYS enabled as the default but when this checkbox is enabled, all additional fallback search options are DISABLED Image settings ENTRY TITLE will name all images as the entries title (episode title) FILE NAME will name all images as the entries file name. Do NOT use this setting if your episode list is not completely in proper sequential order since images will not end up being named correctly Download first image found is permanently enabled. Potential improvement for future revision is to give users ability to choose additional images should they exist Additional Notes
If you choose to add multiple TV series to a single platform then it is recommended to NOT use the "Season # & episode #" search option (SXXEXX). This is due to it will only need to find for ex "S09E10" in a file name and will likely result in applying metadata and images for TV series "A" to a TV series "B" entry! This is the the "loosest" search setting as it has nothing specific to the TV series title, or to the individual episode title. Going off the above note, if all your TV series are separated into their own individual platforms, then using the "Season # & episode #" search option is very reliable assuming your file names have SXXEXX in them If you are having issues with getting good matches even with various search settings then you should utilize the Batch File Renamer to get your file's names better suited! SPECIALS, as in episodes that do not correlate to any specific season, will be considered part of "season 0" and given a sort title in LaunchBox as "SERIES TITLE S00EXX EPISODE TITLE" If you want to provide SEASON SPECIFIC images rather than have them downloaded from TMDB then place your image files into the "Images To Duplicate" folder prior to scraping. Images must be named in the following format: SERIES TITLE SXX For ex: Image file name "Archer S05.png" will be applied to every episode of Archer from its fifth season
#BATCH FILE RENAMER#
-This tool will batch rename files to the following format: SERIES TITLE SXXEXX EPISODE TITLE
-Having files named like this will guarantee good matches with even the strictest default setting of Exact match only!
-This tool will only rename files on a per season basis. For ex, if a TV series has 10 seasons and you want them all renamed, you will need to run this batch file rename 10 separate times
-The files in the selected directory MUST be in PROPER SEQUENTIAL ORDER! However, they can be named LITERALLY ANYTHING!
-What the batch file renamer does is take the first file found and gives it the name of the first episode for the series and season you entered. It then takes the second file found and gives it the second episodes name. Then it takes the third file found and gives it the third episodes name....and so on.
-To use do the following:
Enter the TV SERIES into the TV SERIES field Enter the SEASON NUMBER into the SEASON NUMBER field Enter your files FILE EXTENSION into the FILE EXTENSION field Select the directory which you want to batch rename files using the BROWSE button Click the SEARCH button You will be prompted if the correct search result came up. Once the proper search result is selected you can then select an ALTERNATIVE EPISODE GROUP should you want to use one, if the series has more than just the default episode group. With all fields filled in as desired, click the RENAME button. Your files will be renamed accordingly in just seconds! -CAUTION IS ADVISED! Back up your files first! There is no undo button associated with this action should you make a mistake
#GETTING TMDB API KEY#
-Once you have logged into your TMDB account you can click on your user name icon in the top right corner. In the pop-up menu click on "Edit Profile".
-In the left hand list click on API which will be near the bottom of the list
-Here you will be able to request and retrieve your own API key
#THANK YOU#
@Whatscheiser worked as a beta tester for v2.0 and their feedback was critical to making the tool better! Your time and efforts are much appreciated!
#EXAMPLE IMAGES#
Example for use in Big Box
#EXAMPLE VIDEO#
Showing the setup process to import and scrape for an entire season in just a few minutes!
Please note video editing took place during the scrape progress so the video could be shortened
TV Series Scraper Tutorial.mp4
#SUPPORT#
Please keep all questions and requests for help in the main discussion and support thread rather than this file download thread.
If you need any support, please click the "GET SUPPORT" button at the top of this page!
167 downloads
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Bulk Remove Custom Fields
By JoeViking245
Bulk clear Custom Fields Values or remove the Custom Field entirely from LaunchBox.
Inspired in part by this BitBucket ticket (and the rest out of boredom)
https://bitbucket.org/jasondavidcarr/launchbox/issues/8475/mass-delete-remove-custom-fields
Notes about Custom Fields:
Custom Fileds are comprised of a Name and a Value. When you edit a game and look in the Custom Fields section, every Custom Field [Name] in your entire LaunchBox collection will be available. Whether a Value is assigned to it for that game, or not.
Only Custom Fields that have a Value assigned to it somewhere in your LaunchBox collection will actually exist.
aka, if you're seeing a Custom Field Name, something somewhere in your collection has a Value assigned to it.
Installing:
Download and unblock the zip file. Copy the contents of the zip into /LaunchBox/Plugins/ i.e. D:\LauncBox\Plugins\BulkRemoveCustomFields\BulkRemoveCustomFields.dll
How to use:
Start LaunchBox, click Tools and select Bulk Remove Custom Fields
Select a Platform to get a list of all Custom Fields [that have an associated Value] for that platform.
Or check Select All to get a list of all Custom Fields from all Platforms.
Example #1:
To remove all Custom Fields whose Name is "Has Bezel" and their Value is "yes" (lowercase "y")
Check Show All [to show ALL distinct Custom Field Names and Values]
Check the box next to "Has Bezel" "yes"
Click Delete Selected
Example #2:
To remove all Custom Fields whose Name is "Has Bezel", regardless of their Value
Un-Check Show All [to show ONLY the Custom Field Name]
Check the box next to "Has Bezel"
Click Delete Selected
To remove a Custom Field entirely from LaunchBox, check Select All and follow Example #2.
Options:
Select All
Show all Custom Fields for every Platform
Show All
Show Custom Fields Names and Values
CAUTION: If you click Delete Selected and then click Yes, those selected are now GONE!
Reprise: If you had LaunchBox's Automatic Backup feature enabled, you can use the Restore Data Backup to bring them back.
Q: Why is it listing the same Custom Field more than once?
A: It's not. Custom Fields are CasE sENsiTiVe. A Custom Field with the Name Saves High Scores is different from Saves high scores. Same goes for Custom Field Values. True is not the same as true.
59 downloads
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Startup Screen Load Delay: greater than 30 seconds
By JoeViking245
Breaking the 30 second Startup Load Delay barrier.
Description:
This plugin allows you to set the Startup Screen load delay time to greater than 30 seconds.
You can set it for a single game, multiple games (in bulk) or per emulator.
Installing:
With LaunchBox not running, download and unblock the zip file.
Copy the contents of the file to /LaunchBox/Plugins/
i.e. D:\LaunchBox\Plugins\StartupScreenTime\StartupScreenTime.dll
Using:
Single game - Right-click a game and select Custom Startup Screen Time
Check Override and Use Startup Screen
Set the Delay Amount to the desired duration.
Click OK to save the changes.
Multiple games - Select multiple games
Right-click and select Custom Startup Screen Time
Check Override and Use Startup Screen
Set the Delay Amount to the desired duration.
Click OK to save the changes.
An emulator - Click Tools and select Emulator Custom StartupScreen Time
Select an emulator
Check Use Startup Screen
Set the Delay Amount to the desired duration.
Click OK to save the changes.
Limitations:
- Max load delay time is 5 minutes (300 seconds)
- This WILL NOT fix issues with games/emulators that use a 'loader' to start a game.
The Startup Screen will still go away after the launched executable exits.
Here's showing a games' load delay time set to 3 minutes and 12 seconds.
70 downloads
- startup screen
- loading screen
- (and 1 more)
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LaunchBox Launcher
By ddraig
A launcher extension for LaunchBox, allowing easier autobooting / launching of individual roms for older 8 bit systems. It will also allow you to define different behaviour for a platform, based on the file extension, which is something LaunchBox is a bit lacking in.
The program file to run is defined using a custom field named "program" in Launchbox, this is stored against each individual rom. If a rom is not supplied then a default autoboot script may be run, for some systems this is all that is required, but some systems rely on the name of a program to run automatically (for example the Acorn Atom).
The launcher is currently set up for Mame, but it can be defined to run other emulators through the XML configuration.
Note this is currently very much beta software, I've coded it for my own use but realised it may actually be useful for someone else. This is my first real attempt at writing anything in PowerShell, so it may be a bit rough and ready. You'll probably need to change some XML files to make it work for your situation, it's probably worth looking at the Github Repository I've set up; this does have a basic readme explaining how it works.
Github Repository: https://github.com/jonesthesoftware/LaunchBoxLauncher
At the moment it defines boot sequences for Acorn Atom, Acorn Electron, BBC Micro, Amstrad CPC, and Dragon computers using Mame. I will be adding more options at a later date, more than happy for anyone else to add to the functionality / define boot sequences (it's distributed on a very unrestrictive MIT license).
21 downloads
(0 reviews)0 comments
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Big Box Auto Play
By Fry
https://bigboxautoplay.readthedocs.io/en/latest/index.html
BigBoxAutoPlay
BigBoxAutoPlay is a plug-in for BigBox that can automatically launch into a game when BigBox starts up
Installation
Download the latest version of the plugin Copy BigBoxAutoPlay.dll and Prism.dll into the LaunchBox\Plugins folder
Settings
A new menu item is added to LaunchBox under Tools > Configure BigBox AutoPlay.
Enable
Check the box to automatically play a game when BigBox starts. Uncheck the box to disable the auto-play plugin.
Select game
Check the box to have launch box select the game in the UI before launching it. This should allow the marquee to display properly for the selected game.
Only favorites
Check the box to filter the randomly selected game to only include favorites
Hidden games
Check the box to include hidden games
Broken games
Check the box to include broken games
Platform
Optional. To filter the randomly selected game to only games in the selected platform.
Playlist
Optional. To filter the randomly selected game to only games in the selected playlist.
Game
Optional. To specify a specific game to auto-play. This list is filtered based on the selected platform and/or playlist.
Delay
Specify the number of seconds to delay before launching the game. When a startup video is used with BigBox, this delay can help the auto played game from launching behind BigBox by giving BigBox a chance to fully initialize before launching the game.
Link to GitHub repo
https://github.com/AtomFry/BigBoxAutoPlay
139 downloads
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MAME Software Lists Import Tool - plugin
By JoeViking245
Use this plugin to filter and import MAME Software Lists into LaunchBox.
New - version 6.0
Requires LaunchBox 13.3 or newer* Slightly different look. Same old features. A lot of (behind the scenes) code improvement. This update has been rewritten in .NET 6.0 to “keep up with the times”. *If you’re using LaunchBox version 13.2 or older, download version 4.5 of the plugin.
(For now, at least) v4.5 will still work with LaunchBox 13.3 and newer.
Features:
Import MAME Console/Computer ROMs into a new or existing Platform Import clones as Additional Apps, separately or not at all (Option) Skip Prototypes (Option) Skip Non-Supported ROMs Adds the Platform and Command-line Parameter to the selected MAME emulator (ex. Atari 2600 a2600 -cart) (Option) Copy ROMs to a new folder during importing Imported games tagged as not supported by MAME will be marked as "Broken". (Option) Import only games that exist in your ROMs Source Folder (Option) Ignore games that only have a Title change (when updating) Version information found inside parenthesis in a Games Title will be added to the games "Version" (metadata)
Audit Feature: Compare your existing softlist console/Platform against the MAME hash.xml.
Will cross check Title and Rom names.
- Select the respective hash.xml and Platform
- Click Audit (last page)
- Any differences along with a brief description will be shown.
- Option to select files (if any) and have them removed from your LaunchBox Platform.
- Will check main Titles as well as Additional Apps (if you imported them that way).
This does NOT check rom integrity. That's between you and Clrmamepro (or related utility).
What's needed:
(1) dll file included in the zip. MAME Software List hash files (located in the "hash" sub folder of your Mame's main folder) MAME Software List ROMs* and BIOS files (only if you want to actually play them) *The rom set needs to be either a Split set or a Non-Merged set for a full import If you plan to not import clones, any type set will work.
What it won't do:
Filter/Sort by Region (it's a MAME hash file limitation) Determine if/what BIOS files are needed Import Metadata and Media (just use the built in LaunchBox Tool) To remove extra information from the games titles [Example "(Jpn)"], select Yes, download and replace all existing metadata and media when running the tool.)
How to:
- Copy the "ImportMameSoftwareLists" folder from the zip file to your ..\LaunchBox\Plugins folder.
- Navigate to that folder and unblock the .dll file. (Right click, Properties, and click Unblock)
- Start LaunchBox. Click on "Tools" and select "Import MAME Software Lists".
- Navigate through the wizard.
- After running the plugin, right-click your new platform and select Edit. Set Scrape-as to whatever your platform is and save.
Notes:
ROM Folder Locations (screen): The Destination Folder is required even if you don't plan to copy the files. It's needed to set up the Application Path for the ROMs when Importing.
Copy and/or Import (screen): To add Version info (if it exists in the Games Title) to an existing console (Platform), run the plugin and DO NOT CHECK Ignore games that only have a Title change (when updating)
Selecting an emulator:
The main intent of this plugin is to import consoles and computers using MAME softlist ROMs and set the games "proper" Title and application path. It will also attempt to add the appropriate Command-line Parameter for the platform in MAME’s Associated Platforms.
If you prefer to use an emulator that can load MAME ROMs other than MAME (or a variant there-of), go for it. It’s recommended to select MAME while using the importer, and then change the Default Emulator when done importing.
You can select the 'other' emulator in the plugin, and it will be set as the default for the platform. But it will also have the default command line parameters for the associated platform set using MAME parameters. So be sure to adjust as necessary.
Importing:
(optional) "Import games that only exist in the ROMs Source Folder"
If using a Merged softlist set, clones will not get imported using this option. But if you have a curated Split set, this can be handy.
(optional) "Ignore games that only have a Title change (when updating)"
If you manually renamed your game titles, check this box.
Updating:
If you’ve updated your MAME emulator and MAME softlist ROMs, simply run the importer and point to the updated hash file and select your existing platform.
When updating, this plugin will NOT remove any games from your collection that MAME has removed from the hash file(s). You can use Audit to compare your collection to the MAME hash file and manually remove games from your collection that don't exist in the hash file (if you so desire).
Downloading Metadata:
After running the plugin, right-click your new platform and select Edit. Set Scrape-as to whatever your platform is and save.
When downloading metadata and Media, choose "Yes, download and replace all existing metadata and media". This will remove the Version info from the games Title.
After updating the metadata, if some, but not all games got updated, restart LaunchBox and try the bulk metadata downloader again.
Auditing:
When auditing, if a game originally had the version info in its Title and you have ran the Download Metadata and Media wizard selecting "Yes, download and replace all existing metadata and media", you WILL see games marked as Missing.
* MESS xml *
Other Notes: (things I've learned)
- Software List folder/file locations:
- *Associated Platform Command line parameters
- MAME and CDROMS
2,878 downloads
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Disable UAC Plugin
By Nixx
I have a lot of Pre-Win 7 games that need admin rights to run.
So i've made up this dirty solution. Basically, with this plugin, when you run an exe game with launchbox it will lower UAC for 10 sec. That way, launchbox can launch games that need elevated privilege without running as admin itself.
Be aware, this is not something secure !
You end up with a scheduled task that anybody can run that temporary remove UAC !
But if that's something that bother you and the only alternative that was on your mind was removing the UAC entirely, well, remove it for 10 sec is better than having it off.
How to use the plugin :
It's bundled with an exe : UACTemporaryDisable.exe, run it as admin it will generate a task called TempDisableUAC. If you move the file, you will have to rerun it as admin.
Source code is here if you want to compile it yourself : https://github.com/nixxou/UACTemporaryDisable
Plugin source here : https://github.com/nixxou/DisableUACPlugin
Once it's done, the plugin should work (basically, just run the the task and wait until "Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System\ConsentPromptBehaviorAdmin" go to 0)
34 downloads
(0 reviews)0 comments
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BezelMaster : Use your bezel in standalone emulator and improve bezel game matching
By Nixx
So, this addon do two things, first it improve bezel matching, i will go in detail later, but to make it simple you will probably have a lot of game that had default bezel that will now show game specific bezel.
Second, if you launch a game on a standalone emulator, it will get the bezel from retroarch and copy it into reshade-shaders\Textures\bezel.png in your emulator folder, so you can use the game specific bezel with it.
Outside reshade, if you have your bezel working with retroarch, nothing to configure, it will just work.
Some pic (screen ratio can be a little off since i wanted to take the screenshot windowed) :
So, how to install ?
Step 1 - Make sure your bezel works with Retroarch within launchbox.
Step 2 - Install Reshade on your game emulator : https://reshade.me/
Pro tip, the last canari version of citra now support Vulkan backend, it make it easier to work with reshade.
Step 3 : Install a shader that can use this bezel.png.
Two solution : You can use the "Hud_Tech.fx" file insiide the zip, move it to reshade-shaders\Shaders and activate the shader.
Or you can use the shader Layer.fx
Activate the Hud_Tech module (code is not from me, got it from : https://reshade.me/forum/shader-presentation/3504-hud-image-overlay-shader )
Feel free to improve it.
How does the improved bezel matching works ?
For the Bezel project in retroarch, you have to use a name that strictly use the same as the config file registered for the bezel, often the nointro NTSC version.
So, i added two things, first, if it don't find a specialized bezel, it will look for your other game with the same Launchbox Database id and check if for those you have a bezel. (usefull for exemple when you have both the original rom and a modded one)
Second, i toke the time to register in a json file a long list that match launchbox id to the bezel config file, so if your game file don't match, it will use that to try to get a match.
Extra tip :
Use the official app to update your bezel, the launchbox one don't works well for me : https://github.com/thebezelproject/BezelProject-Windows
If you need the source : https://github.com/nixxou/BezelMaster/
161 downloads
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GameBase database Importer
By JoeViking245
GameBase database Importer
Import games and metadata from GameBase database file(s) into LaunchBox.
Based on information in your GameBase database file(s), this plugin will:
Create a new Platform Add games to the new Platform Add game “Extras” as Additional Applications Add available information to each game: Metadata Title Release Date Genre Developer Play Mode Max Players Platform Publisher Favorite (check box) Media Game Manual Path Image Game Screenshot Launching Full Application Path to files
If you’re not familiar with GameBase, you can check it out here: https://www.bu22.com Also check out their forums for more complete and updated databases.
Installing the plugin
Download the plugin Unblock “ImportGameBase.zip” by right clicking the file and checking “Unblock” and clicking “OK” Open the zip file and copy the folder (containing 3 files) into /LaunchBox/Plugins/ (For those who braved testing the beta release, delete that copy of the plugin first.)
Using the plugin*
Start LaunchBox Select Tools, Import GameBase Click Browse and navigate to your GameBase database folder and select the database file (i.e. “Amstrad CPC.mdb”) Click Convert to xml (may take a couple seconds) (Optional) rename the Platform to be added (Optional, but recommended) Select an emulator to use with the games being imported** Click Import to LB Once you’ve clicked Import, you’re stuck until it’s done importing! This will 1st import the games and Extras into the Platform then copy Screenshot images (if they exist) When importing, DO NOT attempt to multi-task in LaunchBox!! Just sit back and let it do its thing. Once it’s done, close the plugin window. * If you plan to use an emulator already setup in GameBase, setup the “GBLaunch” emulator in LaunchBox BEFORE running the plugin. (See Using GameBase Emulators below).
Some kind of important stuff:
You need to have your own GameBase database file(s), ROMs, images and manuals. You need to have your databases setup in GameBase BEFORE attempting to import. Namely setting up the Paths to the ROMs, Screenshots and Extras. To make use of the emulators through GameBase, those need to be already setup AND working. You can only import into a new Platform. The Platform will not be setup to “Scrape As...”, so you’ll need to set that yourself for when you use LaunchBox to import images***. If a database you plan to import into LaunchBox doesn’t work in GameBase, it WILL NOT magically work in LaunchBox. No files will be moved, copied (except Screenshots***) or altered in your existing GameBase installation folder(s). All games and Extras imported will point to their current location in your GameBase directory.
**Setting up an emulator
Since GameBase pretty much sets up the emulators for you through exhaustive scripts they’ve created, it makes sense to use those. This is easily done by using GBLauncher.exe (included with GameBase). However to access game ROMs that are located in game “Extras”, you’ll need to have GBLauncher2.exe.
The other option is to setup and use your own emulator in LaunchBox. Example: RetroArch for SuperNESBase.
Using GameBase Emulators
You need to add 2 files to your GameBase root folder. GBLauncher2.exe and GBLaunch.ahk.
Download and unzip GBLauncher2.exe and place it in your GameBase root folder. “Unblock” the file the same way as in step 2 - Installing the plugin. You can download it from here: http://www.gb64.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5653. UPDATE Oct. 22, 2023 The file in the above link appears to now be corrupt (bad CRC). An archived version of the file can be found here. Thanks @GreatGuy for the heads up! Copy (or move) GBLaunch.ahk (included with the plugin) into your GameBase root folder. In LaunchBox,
1. Click Tools, Manage, Emulators…
2. Click Add
3. Give it an Emulator Name: Example: GBLaunch (But can be any name you want)
4. In Application Path: Click Browse and navigate to /LaunchBox/ThirdParty/AutoHotkey/ and select AutoHotkey.exe
5. In Default Command-Line Parameters:, type in GBLaunch.ahk
6. Now go to Associated Platforms and select an existing Platform (i.e. Atari 2600). It doesn’t matter which one. But DO NOT check Default Emulator!! You can also just type in a name like “airplane”. It doesn’t matter, as long as something is in there.
7. Click OK to save and exit.
When you run the plugin, check Use Existing Emulator. "GBLaunch" (or whatever you ended up naming it in step #3) will automatically be selected.
Using your own Emulator(s)
These do not necessarily need to be setup in LaunchBox prior to importing.
If using emulators you already have setup in LaunchBox, in the plugin, check Use Existing Emulator and select it from the dropdown list. This will automatically assign the Associated Platform to that emulator and set it as the Default Emulator for this platform.
In either case, you may need to edit the emulator and assign any Default Command-Line Parameters: and in the case of RetroArch, you will need to assign the Core and Extra Command-Line Parameters (if needed).
***GameBase Images
The only game images this plugin will touch are game Screenshots. The available Screenshots will be copied into the Platforms’ "Screenshot - Gameplay" folder.
Any other images (box art, flyers etc.) that a database may have will not be handled by this plugin in any way, shape or form. These other images are stored too inconsistently among the various databases with respect to the folders they reside in.
To add other images from the database into LaunchBox, you’ll need to copy them from the respective database folder to the corresponding LaunchBox/Images folder.
For example, Box – Front images (as LaunchBox sees them) would come from:
Vic20_v03 \Extras\Cover\Cart Box\Front\
Amiga 2.3 \Extras\Cover Scans\[letter or number]\
SuperNESBase \Extras\Boxart - Front\[country]\[letter or number]\
…and copied into /LaunchBox/Images/platform_name/Box – Front/
(It’s recommended you close LaunchBox prior to copying the images)
Disclaimer
I don’t use GameBase myself. I only know how to get the database to Import into LaunchBox. So that part I know works. 😎
If you need any help getting GameBase setup with databases and emulators they use, or setting up your own emulator(s) in LaunchBox for use with the database ROMs, ask somewhere else. These go far beyond the scope of this plugin and my personal knowledgebase.
Only a select few databases have been tested. So I imagine some refinements will need to be made to accommodate other databases. Accommodations considered will be in the form of ROMs that are listed as a games “Extras”. Examples: Extras using “WHDLoad” in Amiga 2.3. And “TAP” and “Cart” in Vic20_v03.
Special Thanks
Huge thanks goes to @dillonm for all your time and patience. Dillon was instrumental in teaching me how GameBase works and without hesitation, took time to do testing, retesting and testing once again. Without Dillon’s guidance, contributions and willingness to help, this plugin would still be sitting in beta collecting dust. Thanks Dillon!!
As always, any and all comments and suggestions are welcomed. All reasonable requests (‘reasonable’ as determined by management) will be considered.
404 downloads
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LinkToSSD
By Nixx
It's a side project, no fully tested, done quickly while on vacation.
So, at home, i have all my windows games manually installed on my H drive, it's a slow HDD drive. I added them one by one in launchbox.
Now, for some games, especially recent one, running them from a slow hdd is not great. But for organisation purpose, i prefer to keep them all here.
So, with this plugin, i can set some path on my nvme drive and ssd, and with a click in launchbox, it will copy the game to the SSD, rename the original folder adding ".original" at the end of the folder name and make a junction link from my ssd to the original folder.
On restore, if needed, you have the choice to just restore the original folder, or replicate files change (like if some files where added, removed or modified while the game is on your ssd).
That way, all my games are stored one one folder in one drive, if i plan to play an heavy game seriously, i can speed it up by moving it to a quicker drive and link it back.
Note :
- You need launchbox >= 13.5
- The plugin will use your game "Root Folder" as registered in launchbox, so if you manually add a game with an application path like : F:/game/SuperFPS/bin/superfps.exe the default "Root Folder" in launchbox will be "F:/game/SuperFPS/bin", in that case, be sure to edit your Root Folder to "F:/game/SuperFPS"
25 downloads
(0 reviews)0 comments
Submitted
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SteamLauncher
By Lahma
SteamLauncher
A LaunchBox plugin designed to allow roms/emulators to easily be launched with Steam, directly from the LaunchBox/BigBox interface, without any complicated setup or technical know-how. Simply enable SteamLauncher and all LaunchBox/BigBox game/rom launches will be intercepted and launched via Steam. This will provide access to the Steam overlay, custom controller configurations, and will display the game/rom your are currently playing to any of your Steam friends.
Features
Here are a few of the features provided by SteamLauncher:
Allow LaunchBox to do what its good at - be the sole organizer and maintainer of your rom/game collection, without having to duplicate its functionality in Steam (something it was not designed for).
Keep the Steam library clean and uncluttered by hundreds of emulator/rom shortcuts.
Get all of the benefits of Steam's excellent overlay system while playing any rom or emulator.
Take advantage of Steam's infinitely customizable controller configuration (bindings) for both the Steam Controller and nearly all other DirectInput/XInput controllers.
Use per-rom/per-emulator/per-game controller configurations that are automatically remembered between gaming sessions (without having to create convoluted Steam shortcuts for every rom).
Bypass or improve upon many emulators' extremely limited controller bindings and hotkey options.
Share the game/rom currently being played with Steam friends (ex: JohnDoe is currently playing 'Super Metroid (SNES)').
Requirements
.NET Core 3.1 Steam for Windows LaunchBox/BigBox Getting Started
Installation
Download the latest plugin release from the LaunchBox forum plugin download page. This GitHub repository is meant as more of a resource for developers. While test builds and other pre-release packages may occassionally be posted on GitHub, the latest public release builds will always be posted on the LaunchBox forum plugin download page first:
LaunchBox Plugin Download: https://forums.launchbox-app.com/files/file/972-steamlauncher/
Extract the 'SteamLauncher' directory from the compressed package into your LaunchBox plugins directory.
Example: If LaunchBox is located at 'C:\LaunchBox', you would copy the 'SteamLauncher' directory to 'C:\LaunchBox\Plugins'. This would result in 'SteamLauncher.dll' and any additional files being inside the directory 'C:\LaunchBox\Plugins\SteamLauncher'.
How to Use
Note: Obviously, Steam must be running to launch games via Steam so one can either manually start Steam before opening LaunchBox/BigBox or SteamLauncher will automatically launch Steam when needed.
To launch a game/rom/emulator in LaunchBox/BigBox via Steam:
Ensure SteamLauncher is enabled by using 1 of the 2 following methods:
Selecting the 'Tools' menu item and clicking 'Use SteamLauncher'. When SteamLauncher is enabled the menu item will be labeled '(ON)'. This menu item can also be found in BigBox.
Selecting the 'Tools' menu item and clicking 'SteamLauncher Settings', resulting in the SteamLauncher settings dialog being displayed. By then checking the checkbox labeled 'Enable SteamLauncher' and clicking the 'Save' button, SteamLauncher will be enabled. The SteamLauncher settings dialog cannot be accessed in BigBox.
Once SteamLauncher is enabled, all games/roms/emulators will be intercepted by SteamLauncher and launched through Steam. Customize Platform Names
When games/roms are launched with SteamLauncher enabled, the title and platform of the game/rom will be displayed in one's Steam status in the format of: 'Game Title (Platform Name)'.
Example: Super Mario Bros. (Nintendo Entertainment System)
Friends on Steam will see this title in one's status whenever a particular game/rom is being played. If desired, the platform name displayed can be customized. For example, the platform 'Nintendo Entertainment System' can be changed to 'NES'. This customization can be performed by navigating to the 'Platform Names' tab in the SteamLauncher settings dialog.
Note: To entirely omit a platform name from one's Steam status, leave the 'Custom Platform Name' entry blank (as seen in the 'Windows' entry in the screenshot below).
Selective Use
The 'Selective Use' feature allows one to precisely customize the circumstances under which SteamLauncher will be enabled/disabled. The settings for this feature can be found in the 'Selective Use' tab in the SteamLauncher settings dialog.
Filter Mode
'Filter Mode' defines how the entries in the 'Filter List' will be applied.
Blacklist: SteamLauncher will always be enabled except when a matching filter is found. Whitelist: SteamLauncher will always be disabled except when a matching filter is found. Off: Disable the 'Selective Use' feature entirely. Filters List
The 'Filters List' is a list of user defined filters that control when SteamLauncher will be enabled/disabled.
Enable: This checkbox must be checked for a particular filter list entry to be enabled. If not checked, it will be completely ignored. Description: Used purely as a means of helping the user describe what the filter list entry does. It is entirely optional and has no impact on the actual functionality of the entry. Filter String: This is the string which is matched against the target 'Filter Type', dictating whether or not this entry matches a particular game title, platform name, etc. The filter string is not case sensitive and it supports 2 types of wildcards: '*' Wilcard: matches one or more of any character. '?' Wildcard: matches any single character. Filter Type: Dicates what field the 'Filter String' is compared against. The 'Filter Type' options are: Game Title: Title of the game or rom (ex: Celeste, Super Mario World, Donkey Kong Country, etc). Platform Name: Name of the platform (ex: Windows, Nintendo 64, Sony Playstation, etc). Emulator Title: Title of the emulator (ex: Retroarch, Dolphin, Cemu, etc). Exe Path: The path of the game or emulator EXE file (ex: 'C:\PC_Games\GOG\*', 'D:\*', '*\DOSBox\*', etc). Additional Application Name: Name of an 'Additional App' (a LaunchBox feature which allows you to specify additional commands to run for a game). Status: A field in LaunchBox's metadata for games (right click game, 'Edit' -> 'Edit Metadata') which specifies what platform/launcher/store a game was imported from (ex: '*Xbox*', '*Microsoft Store*', '*GOG*', etc). Ignore Custom Fields: Enabling this feature causes SteamLauncher to ignore all 'SLEnabled' custom field entries. What are 'SLEnabled' custom field entries? Right click on a game in LaunchBox, click 'Edit' -> 'Edit Metadata', and then select the 'Custom Fields' menu item. By adding a new entry named 'SLEnabled' and setting its value to '1' or '0', SteamLauncher can be made to always be enabled for this game (1) or always be disabled for this game (0). This custom field value will always take precedent over all other filtering features (filter strings, filter modes, etc). The only exception to this is when 'Ignore Custom Fields' is enabled (which will cause all 'SLEnabled' custom field entries to be ignored).
VTables 'Automatic Online Updates'
'Automatic Online Updates' of vtables definitions can be enabled/disabled in the 'Miscellaneous' tab of the SteamLauncher settings dialog. For SteamLauncher to properly work it has to access internal Steam features that are not meant to be accessed by developers outside of Valve. To access these undocumented, unexported functions, SteamLauncher uses a set of definitions which define what these functions are, their function signatures (their parameters, return values, and how to call them), and where to find them within the Steam client DLL. These definitions can change whenever Valve releases a new Steam update and if they change significantly, they can cause SteamLauncher to stop working correctly. In order for SteamLauncher to continue working properly, without the author manually patching the plugin and releasing a new SteamLauncher update every time this happens, an online database was created that can be updated when one of these changes happens, allowing SteamLauncher to continue functioning normally. If 'Automatic Online Updates' is enabled, SteamLauncher will automatically check for new updates every time LaunchBox/BigBox is launched. If new definitions are available, it will silently update and continue working normally. If automatic updates are not enabled, one can manually check for new updates by clicking the 'Force Update' button.
Support
If you have ANY problems with the plugin, I want to know about them. If you need help with any technical issue (see 'Logs'), want to suggest a new feature (I'm very open to any ideas), just want to chat, or anything else related to the plugin, visit the support thread at the link below. I am also available to chat on Steam for any urgent issues or if more direct help is needed.
Plugin Support Thread: https://forums.launchbox-app.com/topic/43142-steamlauncher/
Logs
To provide help with any technical problems or to investigate a bug, I will need a copy of the debug log that is generated whenever 'Log Level' is set to 'Verbose'. To enable and collect 'Verbose' debug logs, do the following:
Open the SteamLauncher settings dialog.
Click the dropdown box under 'Log Level' and select 'Verbose'.
Click the 'Save' button.
Restart LaunchBox/BigBox.
Now simply repeat whatever behavior was causing the issue and/or bug, and after you're sure you've replicated the behavior, close LaunchBox/BigBox.
Look inside of the SteamLauncher directory for a file named 'debug.log' (there may be more than one sequentially named log file if there was an enormous amount of output but this is unlikely if verbose logging was turned on just briefly).
Open this 'debug.log' file in a text editor, copy its entire contents, and paste/upload it to pastebin.com.
In the SteamLauncher support thread, provide the PasteBin URL, the details of the problem you encountered, and the particulars of your setup (Windows version, 32-bit or 64-bit, LaunchBox version, Steam version, SteamLauncher plugin version, etc). The more information the better.
Contact Information
Alias: Lahma
Email: lahma0@gmail.com
Steam Alias: lahma0
Friend me on Steam: You can click on my alias above or you can copy/paste the following URL into your address bar:
steam://friends/add/76561198237461630
GitHub Project URL: https://github.com/lahma0/SteamLauncher
LaunchBox Community Forums Profile: https://forums.launchbox-app.com/profile/89710-lahma/
Plugin Support Thread: https://forums.launchbox-app.com/topic/43142-steamlauncher/
Credits
ChippiHeppu: Logo
m4dengi: steamclient_tracker (unfortunately, no longer updated)
cammelspit: Help with developing the idea and direction for the project
Nielk1: Initial inspiration for the project and just a talented programmer to bounce ideas off of
Helpful members of the LaunchBox community: The_Keeper86, JedExodus, FromLostDays, HTPCei, Corgana, Benuno, Neil9000 (sorry for anyone I'm forgetting)
Known Issues
MAME Compatibility Fix
It has been observed that MAME crashes when launched through a non-Steam shortcut. This problem is not directly related to SteamLauncher, but since SteamLauncher relies on non-Steam shortcuts, launching MAME via SteamLauncher was no longer working. After a lot of investigation and tinkering by some dedicated users on the LaunchBox forums (cammelspit and JedExodus), a fix was eventually found for the issue. Whether launching MAME directly via a non-Steam shortcut or via SteamLauncher using LaunchBox/BigBox, the fix is simply to modify the launch parameters to include the following:
-joystickprovider xinput -keyboardprovider win32 If one of these parameters already exists when modifying MAME within LaunchBox, you will obviously need to replace it (don't just add a 2nd instance of '-joystickprovider' or '-keyboardprovider'). You can safely ignore any popups/warnings that LaunchBox displays about pause screen compatibility.
Legal Stuff
©2022 Valve Corporation. Steam and the Steam logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Valve Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.
2,805 downloads
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Bulk Add/Remove Additional Applications
By JoeViking245
Thanks to the new (since v13.5) plugin feature that supports menu nesting, 2 plugins have been combined into 1.
(Bulk) Add Additional Applications - https://forums.launchbox-app.com/files/file/2866-bulk-add-additional-applications/
(Bulk) Remove Additional Applications - https://forums.launchbox-app.com/files/file/2980-bulk-remove-additional-applications/
These combined plugins have both been overhauled both functionally and visually to 'keep up with the times' and have a smaller footprint plus added features.
This plugin Requires LaunchBox v13.5 (or newer)
If you haven't updated to LaunchBox v13.5 (or newer), you really should. But until then, the original versions of the plugins (for now) still work. (see links above)
Installing:
After downloading the file, open the zip file and copy the contents into \LaunchBox\Plugins\
i.e. D:\LaunchBox\Plugins\BulkAddRemoveAdditionalApps\BulkAddRemoveAdditionalApps.dll
If you didn't use 7Zip to extract the contents,
Navigate to the plugin folder and right-click the file. Select 'Properties' Click "Unblock" and then click OK. If switching to this plugin from either of its predecessors, be sure to remove the older version(s) from your 'Plugins' folder.
Using:
Select one or more games Right-click on one of the selected games Select Bulk Add/Remove Additional Apps to expand 2 more options Select either: Bulk Add Additional Apps Bulk Remove Additional Apps
Bulk Add Additional Apps
The intent of this is to add the same Additional Application to more than one game, all in one shot.
It can also be used to add an Additional App to a single without having Edit the game.
What's new:
UI completely overhauled for that 'modern look' Removed restriction requiring multiple games be selected aka: You can now add an Additional App directly to a single game without having to Edit the game NEW Feature: Add %romfile% to the Command-Line Parameters to insert the "full\path\to\ROM\file.ext" (including quotes) when saved Option: Remove quotes Option: Remove file extension and folder path Tip: press Ctrl+R to insert %romfile% Bonus Feature: Add %title% to insert the games full Title Add %platform% to insert the games platform Name Tip: press Crtl+T or Ctrl+P to insert these (respectively) Hint: You may want to enclose these in quotes if they consist of more than 1 word %platform% = Atari 2600 "%platform%" = "Atari 2600" Huge Thanks to @Headrush69 for the idea of adding the %romfile% option!!! (%title% and %platform% was also his.)
Bulk Remove Additional Apps
The intent of this plugin is to Remove the same* Additional Application for all games in a given Platform, all at one time.
*Same is determined by the Additional Applications Application Name and Application Path. If they match exactly, they are the ‘same’.
Why use this?
Quite possibly you used Bulk Add Additional Apps and you clicked “OK” before realizing you forgot to add in the Command-Line Parameters, or the Additional App is simply not needed anymore.
Using:
When opening, the plugin will default to the selected games' Platform. You can select a different platform using the dropdown box.
By default, the plugin will 'combine' all Additional Apps that have the exact same Application Name AND Application Path, and only display one of those.
When you remove that "one", all occurrences (having the same Name and App Path) will be removed. Regardless of Command-Line parameters.
To separate these out by Command-Line parameters, check Split By Command-line.
Once you click Remove, there's no going back.
Some icons by Yusuke Kamiyamane
680 downloads
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MouseHideAndLock2
By Nixx
https://github.com/nixxou/MouseHideAndLock2
It's a rewritten version of my plugin MouseHideAndLock, while using the original one, i got some issues & crash that's why i did an other version.
Also, i'm not using startup screen and since disabling mouse requiere startup screen enabled, this plugin is useful for me.
So, in the configuration file, you got something like this :
You can select the configuration for each platform & emulator.
Hide Cursor : Will hide the cursor once the game is launched.
Show Cursor On Move : You need to also have Hide Cursor checked for this to work, with this option enabled, moving your mouse will show up the cursor, it's only hidden when it's not moving.
Lock Cursor : Will lock your cursor on your main monitor, if you press Shift while moving the cursor, you will be able to go to other screen.
59 downloads
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IsoEnablerForRPCS3
By Nixx
It's basic as it get, and there is probably ton of similar tools around but mine is really "fire & forget"
So, you extract the archive somewhere, you execute IsoEnablerForRPCS3.exe to register it and that's it.
There is no launcher, no menu, nothing, if you want to unregister, you click again on IsoEnablerForRPCS3.exe
To use it ? You just use rpcs3.exe as usual, except that now, if you use an iso as an argument, it will just work (mounting the iso thought powershell)
Works only with decrypted iso.
I make mine from jbfolder with makeps3iso. ( https://github.com/bucanero/ps3iso-utils/tree/master )
Also, not included in this release, but i package updates DLC and rap files inside a folder called UPDATES_AND_DLC that i put inside my iso file, dlc package have name that start with "DLC--".
I'm telling this because i plan to add an option to auto install updates & dlc in a future rlz.
Not compatible with BigBoxProfile because it use the same trick to hijack the process, (i will update BBProfile it to include that as a module)
80 downloads
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StreamIsoToPS3
By Nixx
I own a jailbreaked PS3, i mostly use rpcs3 from launchbox, but sometime, i want to launch a game on my real ps3.
With this tool, i can select the game from launchbox and make it run on my ps3.
You need WMan Mod, go to http://yourps3ip/setup.ps3/sman.ps3 and add your PC IP as PS3NETSRV#1
StreamIsoToPS3.exe <IsoFile> <PS3IP>
18 downloads
(0 reviews)0 comments
Submitted
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BigBoxProfile
By Nixx
BigBoxProfile is an app that allows you to alter how Launchbox/BigBox and each of the emulators works, adding a profile system and tons of features that allow you to alter/customize how emulators work.
What is BigBoxProfile ?
This app is made of two parts that work together but can be used independently.
1- There is a part that alters how Launchbox/BigBox works and add a new command line parameter “--profile=” that will trigger users' configured settings.
It allow you to bind a specific monitor, sound card for a profile or even use a specifics launchbox profile settings (for example make a bigbox profile that only show some of the platform/playlists)
2- The other part allow you to alter how emulators works, change the command line that they receive on the fly and do tons of stuff (change monitor settings, execute ahk code, use fallback path for rom, copy rom from distant path to local drive or ramdisk, extract archive, executes pre/post command lines, including command line as admin, force the game to be run as admin …)
How does it works ?
The app makes extensive use of a hidden feature of windows called the “Image File Execution” injection.
If you edit the registry at “HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\” you can register a key with the name of an executable to target and an app that will replace it.
So, in my case, it create this kind of keys :
That way, when you launch an executable called BigBox.exe, instead of launching it, it will call BigboxProfile.exe. My app will do actions and call bigbox (or launchbox) itself.
So, it’s like an exe wrapper, but from an user standpoint, it’s invisible.
As for emulator, it works the same, once a emulator exe is registered inside BigboxProfile the app will register a registry key to hijack it, do some user configured actions and then launch it.
I’ve written modules that you can chain and order the way you want.
Technically each module have 3 functions, ExecuteBefore, ExecuteAfter and AlterCommandLine
If you chain Module1, Module2, Module3, it will do something like that when you launch the emulator :
Execute ExecuteBefore for module 1, 2, 3.
Pass the command line to module1 and alter it with the AlterCommandLine, then pass it to module2, and then pass it to module3, launch the game with the altered command line.
On game close, execute ExecuteAfter on module 3, 2, 1.
There is a slight subtlety when using launchbox auto-generated m3u for multidisc, but i will get to that later.
I- Altering BigBox / Launchbox
Ok, so first you can create BigBoxProfile Profiles
Beware, here i’m talking about profile for BigBoxProfile (my app), it’s not related to Launchbox/BigBox settings (xml files inside the Launchbox/Data folder).
You can actually alter how and witch xml files launchbox will use with a specific BigboxUtils program, but i will get to that point later.
So BigBoxUtils is shipped with a “default” profile, you can add as many as you want. For example, you can add a profile called “tv” when you plan to use your BigBox on your TV
Once a profile is made, you can call launchbox/bigbox to use this profile when you add –profile=<profilename> to the command line. Like BigBox.exe –profile=tv
This use case is actually what made me code this app. I use bigbox on a computer that’s plugged to both my PC monitor in my room, and to my TV on the living room. I play mostly on my PC monitor, but i wanted to also be able to launch BigBox on my tv from a simple shortcut.
The basic options for a BigBox Profile are here :
Monitor Priority
Set the monitor on witch BigBox (and eventually Launchbox if click on the checkbox) will launch.
It change the monitor option in BigBoxSettings.xml before Bigbox start. (And for launchbox, it will try to move the window)
By default it use as default “main”, and myself, i only use that.
Main means “Main Display”, it’s a primary monitor, the one with that checkbox enabled :
So, with the option set a Main, you are sure that you will not encounter weird Bigbox bug when the monitor change, it will always use the primary one, and if you change the primary Bigbox will launch on it, that’s really handy.
But you can also specify an other display if you want.
I actually wanted to show the real monitor name alongside DISPLAYX, but i ran into technical limitations.
Use Monitor Disposition :
So, here is the game changer, here you can register and set monitor layout.
It actually use code from this excellent software : https://sourceforge.net/projects/monitorswitcher/
But it’s slightly altered to also manage DPI change/restoration.
So, if i go back to my exemple with my TV profile, i will register a monitor layout where my TV is set as main monitor and since my monitor priority is set as main, when i launch bigbox.exe –profile=tv, it set my TV as main display, launch bigbox on it, and once bigbox is close it will restore my usual monitor layout.
As a side note, on the last version of the app, in the bottom of the main form, i added a quick combo list : Quick Monitor Disposition Switch. You can use that to manually switch between saved monitor layouts.
Set Primary SoundCard :
It’s straightforward, once set, it will change the main playback device.
Like with my tv profile, i will force the sound to use the TV HDMI.
Use Specific Launchbox Data profile :
It’s an hidden and experimental feature, please backup your data LaunchBox\Data before !!!
So, with this features you can use a copy of some or all xml files of the Launchbox/Data folder for a BigBoxProfile.
Restriction : It use hardlinks, so that only works if Launchbox/BigBox is used on a NTFS drive, not gonna work if launchbox is used from a network drive.
Like, let says that for some reason, you want a custom InputBindings.xml for your tv profile.
You create a folder called “Profile_tv” and put a copy of InputBindings.xml inside and that’s it.
Now when you launch bigbox, if you use –profile=tv, it will replace the InputBindings.xml with that one.
Now, to go on a more practical use case, if you create a folder inside Profile_tv called Platforms and you put only a copy of Nintendo 64.xml from your original Platforms folder, if you launch with –profile=tv, you will see that’s now it only show the N64 platform.
Same goes with the Playlists folder.
As a side note, if your end goal is to do something like kid profile with a subset of platform and playlist, instead of copy the original files, you should hardlink them (mklink /H linkName target) so in the future, if you change something in the Plateform/Playlist, the change will apply to your kid profile too.
II - Emulator Hijacking
So, if you didn’t do it yet, to understand how it works, you should read the explanation at the start of my documents.
So, basically, you can add modules and order them, when you launch the app, it will do the action of all module, one by one, altering the command line if needed and pass it to the next module until it launch the emulator.
A simple (and totally useless) exemple :
With this configuration, i chain 4 modules, a Prefix, a Replace and two Suffix.
You can play with the Exemple Command IN Textbox to get an idea of how the command line would be impacted.
Once saved, if i use a cmd prompt and execute :
CalculatorApp.exe "C:\MyRomDir\MyRom.bin"
It will go to the first Prefix module and add a -f before, so the second module Replace will receive as input :
CalculatorApp.exe -f "C:\MyRomDir\MyRom.bin"
This module will replace .bin with .rom so the next module will receive :
CalculatorApp.exe -f "C:\MyRomDir\MyRom.rom"
It will add -extraarg so the last module receive :
CalculatorApp.exe -f "C:\MyRomDir\MyRom.bin" -extraarg.
And since the filter condition match and the command line contains -extraarg, it will add -otherarg.
So, bigboxProfile will execute :
CalculatorApp.exe -f C:\MyRomDir\MyRom.rom -extraarg -otherarg
If you want some more real exemple, that whati’m currently using for retroarch and tecknoparrot :
Quick Module list review :
Prefix : Add some argument before the rest of the command line
Suffix : The same, but after the rest of the command line
Replace : Replace something in the command line, support regex
ChangeExe : change the target Exe
FixRetroarchMonitor : Will force Retroarch to use main monitor
FixMameMonitor : Will force Mame to use the main monitor
UseFileContent : Let say you run emulator.exe “D:/ps3/metalgearsolid.txt” and inside this text file you have D:/ps3/metagear/eboot.bin, it will execute emulator.exe “D:/ps3/metagear/eboot.bin”
ChangeRomPath : You can do stuff like, if the file is not on your hard disk anymore, use another path (your NAS for exemple)
CopyFile : You can run something like emulator.exe “\\nas\mygame.bin” and it will copy the file locally before launching. Support Ramdisk and show a progress bar. Great for games stored on cloud like Google Drive.
ChangeDisposition : Use a specific monitor layout
FakeFullScreen : Turn a windowed windows into a fake full screen, removing borders and maximize.
RunAsAdminTask : Execute the emulator.exe as admin.
ExecutePrePostCmdAsAdmin : Execute extra command as admin before and after the emulator launch (like for example, start and stop DS4Windows)
ExecuteAHK : Make your own custom module in AHK
RomExtractor : Show a GUI to choose and extract a game inside an archive that contains multiple versions of the same rom.
About Launchbox Auto-Generated M3U :
There is a special case when BigBoxProfile receive a m3u generated by launchbox (like for Multi-Disc games)
In the command that will be received by nearly all modules, the m3u file will be replaced by the first file in the m3u. Module then will not be allowed to alter the file path in the command line (but they can still alter the rest of the command line, just not the file argument.
Why this design choice ? Because often, you will do stuff like filter on specific rom path, so that way, even when you use a launchbox auto-generated m3u, if you have a trigger on let say D:/roms/n64, that will still trigger it.
Also, there is two modules that will behave differently, CopyFile and ChangeRomPath.
They will run for each element in the m3u.
Modules Deep Dive :
Prefix :
Add some argument before the rest of the command line
You can use a filter to only do that if the cmd line contain something
Suffix : The same thing but as Suffix
Replace :
The thing to not here is that Replace support Regex, the format is similar than those used for Notepad++
ChangeExe :
Nothing to say here, it change the exe, i should add a filter condition when i have some free time
UseFileContents :
Let say you run emulator.exe “D:/ps3/metalgearsolid.txt” and inside this text file you have D:/ps3/metagear/eboot.bin, it will execute emulator.exe “D:/ps3/metagear/eboot.bin”
You can use relative path inside the file too, and use one of the two option in the radiobox
ChangeRomPath
Ok, so this one is a little more tricky. It will trigger when you launch a file as argument to your emulator that match path to replace.
You have two side : Hight Priority Path and Low Priority Path.
Hight Priority path is when you have an extra copy of your file on a quicker drive. Like you launch emulator.exe D:/rom/plateform/mygame.bin , D:/ is a slow hdd mecanical drive.
If you have set C:/rom/ as Hight priority path and C:/rom/plateform/mygame.bin exist, it will use this one instead and your final command line will be
emulator.exe C:/rom/plateform/mygame.bin
Low Priority Path is triggered when the file passed as argument does not exist
Like if i remove the file D:\rom\mygame.bin and i launch
emulator.exe D:/rom/plateform/mygame.bin
Since, the file does not exist, it will search in my low priority path if Z:\home\mehdi\coffre\sf_POOL_JEUX\Roms\mygame.bin exist, and if yes, it will launch
emulator.exe Z:\home\mehdi\coffre\sf_POOL_JEUX\Roms\mygame.bin
Side note : By default, launchbox does not allow you to launch games where the file is missing, you get :
To solve that issue, you can use this addon here :
https://forums.launchbox-app.com/topic/74181-bypass-rom-path-verification-before-launch/#comment-438354
CopyFile :
You can view a demo here where is use ChangeRomPath to point the file to my cloud drive if the file is missing, and then CopyFile to copy from Gdrive to my local storage before launching the game :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KI64EIPFmxk
Note : It does support Ramdisk if you don’t want to keep the file and preserve your ssd.
For that you need to install this app : http://www.ltr-data.se/files/imdiskinst.exe
ChangeDisposition :
Use a specific monitor layout
Note : the button to create new screen disposition do not work, to create disposition, use the option on the main window config.
Btw, here you have an use case i do regularly, when i want to apply a filter for a bunch of games, instead to use a filter with the rom name inside, i use a new argument (here –2k) and then i add this extra argument in launchbox
This changeDisposition feature is really handy with tecknoparrot when you have game that can be very picky with monitor framerate and resolution.
FakeFullScreen
Turn a windowed windows into a fake full screen, removing borders and maximize.
It only support search by executable name, you can use emulator.exe, but you can also set one or search in the command line by regex. (i do that because i have a case of instead using the emulator.exe directly i use an application wrapper that do something like launcher.exe emulator.exe argos. )
Timeout is the time to wait for the application.
RunTaskAsAdmin :
I have a few games on tecknoparrot that actually requiere admins rights to be launch. And since launchbox/bigbox is launched without thoses rights, i have an issue and i don’t want to be bother by UAC prompt.
So, how does it works ? When the condition to launch as admin is fufill, it will register a shreduled task (only asking once with UAC).
In my exemple, instead of triggering by some element in the command line, i check into the file passed in the command line if it contain a specific string.
ExecutePrePostCmdAsAdmin
Execute extra command as admin before and after the emulator launch (like for example, start and stop DS4Windows)
ExecuteAHK
This one is tricky, it’s for power users. It allow you to make custom module in AHK.
Execute Before is the code that will execute before emulator launch,
Execute After will execute on emulator close.
And in Modify command line you can alter an array variable called Args
Modify Command Line Exemple only only apply to the exemple command line, so it’s used only for test.
With this module you can create stuff like append specific config if you are remote playing and do a lot of stuff.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxezepuAkLI
RomExtractor
So, i’m using the Hackset with 8bits/16 bits era consoles. Instead of using roms, i have archives filled with alternative versions of the same game.
So, it’s vital for me to have a way to select and launch a game within the archive. As of today, i was using the awesome plugin ArchiveCacheManager ( https://github.com/fraganator/archive-cache-manager ) but i wanted something more suited for my own need, and be able to chain it at the end of my module list.
Also, since BigBoxUtils is a third party application and not a plugin, that allow me to use it outside launchbox/bigbox and do not fear that a future update would break the plugin.
So, if you used ArchiveCacheManager before, this module is straightforward. Some of the feature of ArchiveCacheManager are missing, it only manage archives (zip, rar, 7z), not iso, chd and don’t have a batch extract feature.
On the other side, it have a few features and supports the metadata files packed with the Hackset. (you should put them either in a metadata subfolder on the Bigbox profile install dir or on the parent directory of your rom files)
So, the config :
If you set a max size of the Cache Dir, oldest files inside will be removed if the total size go over the threshold.
You can set multiple priority profile
SmartExtract is similar than ArchiveCacheManager, if a file contains only files with extensions that match the standalone rom extensions and the metadata extensions, when you select a file to extract, it only extract this one. If SmartExtract is not enabled or the archive contains files with unknow extensions, it will extract the whole archive.
If ImDisk is installed, you can use ramdisk to receive the extracted rom file.
The priority list allow you to automatically select witch file should be extracted by default.
On execute, you will see a windows like that :
The file selected by default will be either the first one that match a priority rule or the last played files. It also feature a short list of games (Your favorites games, up to 5 games that match your priority rules and up to 5 last games played)
It does support gamepad, but only Xinput on controller 1.
If you press F1 and have metadata files, you will see something like that allow you to browse the whole archive and show the metadata files.
If you press F2, you will have a desktop version that go a little deeper.
Note : if you use the muppen core or Project64 V3, it will also manage htc/hts texture for N64.
Yellow star is the file that is the first to match one of your priority list.
Blue star are other files (up to 5) that match your priority list
Red star are files that you set as favorite
If the file name is written in dark red, it’s because you launched them recently.
Right click menu allow some extra stuff :
You can filter roms, set favorite, Copy/paste savestate across roms (only for retroarch) and extract them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3SGPnVr8SU
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