kurzih

Does it matter if the spine is uploaded vertically or horizontally on the database? There's kind of tons of spines already online, but they are marked as "banner" - would be easy to change their image types unless horizontal is out of the question?

Indeed. Rules are rules and everyone should follow them. Unfortunately someone just moments ago tried to replace a HQ Super Famicom scan with a "scratch fix", instead of uploading it separately as a reconstruction. Although this example has minor(ish) changes, there has been other major edits I've seen replacing authentic images, especially in the SNES section: https://gamesdb.launchbox-app.com/games/images/22456 (I don't know if the cover has been replaced already by this "fix", lets hope moderators are awake and follow the rules) On the left the original scan with a scratch, on the right a (poor) fix attempt using blur effect (click the image for full-size). If the original image is replaced by a random person's edit (and this edit actually stands out more than the scratch to be honest), which image can you then choose from? You can't with that kind of selfish behavior. I doubt this is what the developers had in mind when they gave us the different image types and database guidelines/rules, right @Jason Carr? And why the blurring on the blue background/corner? I could find and show hundreds of example even worse than this, but frankly I will not use more of my time on this "replace & destroy" issue. Thank you for reading anyway! 😅

Some of you have already have heard my opinion about this. In most parts I support Retrofrogg's and many others views - we like the way things looked originally as close as possible, we used to be the kids playing those games back in the days. For me it's really disturbing to see the traces of edits and unfortunately I can spot them quite easily. The best reconstruction in my opinion would be one that you can't spot the changes. Worst of all are those AI enhanced images that boost image size and put some super-weird filter (waifu2x or whatever) that look horrible up-close, especially with text elements. I also think that "paint bucketing", for example a reflective golden/silver box with a monochromatic color is bad. But it gets really bad if you then overwrite the original image that was previously uploaded and accepted to the database: For me the main issue is a small number of persons taking away the choice of the Launchbox users of what image they can choose from when someone replaces a really good (scanned or not) image with a clearly reconstructed image - just because of the thought of it being the "default" image on the online database. That feels like an ego issue that should have no place here. Those different image types are there for users to choose from. In your own Launchbox you can choose reconstructed images as the main image with image priorities if you like so. You shouldn't have the right to choose what other can have when you overwrite different image types on the online database. Sure, there are images, scanned images for example - or even worse, photographed images (with flash, reflections of the photographer) that are of poor quality. But what stops anyone for getting a better source for the image that is still authentic? I've done that countless times. In most cases you save a tone of time searching or producing (scanning?) a better image, than trying to fix it on a image edit software. Not too long ago I uploaded a few super-high-quality, good looking Famicom scans. Unsurprisingly a few weeks later someone "had" to REPLACE those good scans with those personal edits. Not bothering to upload it separately as a reconstructed image (SNES and NES platforms for some reasons are targets for reconstructions overwriting scanned images as soon as one emerges). That kind of behavior doesn't motivate uploading good quality, authentic images. In the other hand, there are a persons doing it respectfully the right way, for example in the Amiga section, kindly uploading the work as reconstructions to others who enjoy that alternative. Sadly I've lost interest in using the online database for updating my media and also uploading there as much as I did before. I'm just trying to protect what I have now locally and I'm super happy to have at least 99% of authentic (old school) and official source material (games of today) as good quality as I can and as Faeran said, as close to the original experience as possible, whether it's a scan or not.

Hi, this has happened before. For some reason the Games Database latest changes are not downloading into Launchbox. They usually are available after 24 hrs at least. For example I've added these missing games days ago, but are still not showing up: https://gamesdb.launchbox-app.com/games/details/167794 https://gamesdb.launchbox-app.com/games/details/167795 Could you please check and fix, thank you!

Isn't there really any way to send a Adobe Reader command line for viewing PDF manuals in BigBox? Like /A "pagemode=FullScreen" (without adding PDFs as apps/roms and using Adobe Viewer as an "emulator"). Fullscreen is the only setting that cannot be set as default within Adobe Reader, the rest is easy (two-page view, single view for cover, fit screen in Fullscreen etc.).

Yes, there is huge potential to make the online database better (in both logic, content and reliability), it hasn't had any major changes for years. I really hope someone will take over it's development to have a shiny "2.0" out of it. A long time ago I also tried to ask about the idea of commercial/official game version separation vs. hacks, translations etc. it didn't get any push though... more of an inconvenient idea having multiple entries/databases for basically the same "base" game.

This has been an issue when a duplicate game has been replaced in the database by a completely different game (because the deletion doesn't seem to always work the first try on the online database): For example I had a DS game, which was eventually a regional duplicate. The same ID it had used was replaced with a game that had nothing to do with that platform, but it had some media files that my entry didn't have. Then when I updated media/metadata it downloaded the "missing" media files. Then the entry was a mix and mash of the media I already had and the media I didn't have but was for the wrong game (that's how I realized I had a regional duplicate and had to re-search for the correct entry and delete the wrong media files). I would prefer that no one would replace those games that don't seem to delete, with a game not in the database yet - they WILL delete eventually. It's more problematic to have ID's that completely change content than a duplicate than just flows around in the online database (as long as it's renamed as a duplicate or something - so it will not scrape as it shouldn't).

Thank you C-Beats! I think Launchbox has progressed immensely during the years. This is the first time I'm reverting (for now). Demanding customer, eh? 😁 Here's what I captured from my post above: Note, this visual issue is on 13.0, not 12.6 It has this weird fat-thin effect (box-dvd) even if the games are higher than wider. And is that correct that the 3D model doesn't render with the same image quality/resolution as the flat 2D? For example: https://gamesdb.launchbox-app.com/games/images/123333 the front looked fuzzier in 3D modeled than flat 2D in BigBox (Old Default Theme). EDIT: Actually these (old) Theme issues got me inspired to use Visual Studio. I'm quite happy with the collection I have, now it's time to dive into some coding

I think I'll wait for more updates on the 3D Models (great potential there! but too many downsides at this stage for my usage). Since there is no option to turn them off, or is there? (using old default theme on BigBox) I wanted to go to the previous version. But back with 12.16 gets me this error: is there a file I should delete to get things running again? EDIT: Is the 3D model with (old) Big Box theme displayed at a lower resolution than the original flat 2D image, or am I mistaken? It does feel a bit fuzzy visually with some covers. Any chance of having a quality settings for 3D boxes (for high end pc's etc.) if that's the case? And it looks kind of weird with the transition to the next game, I'll try to post a video (basically changes from wide to thin in a sec, like starting box size and going to the proper dvd size).

No I don't, you're correct. I guess I'm just too fast sometimes! 😅 I press CTRL+E instantly when I switch to the next game I want to edit.

I'm afraid it doesn't look to be theme related: I tried to replicate the error with the same title on that screenshot, but haven't been able to. Really weird... random bug maybe 😤 By the way, the only reason I'm not using the new default theme is the lack of title name in text without the need to click: Some games have funky logos and for Japanese games I'd rather see the name in Latin alphabet (I can read some Japanese, but very slow). Any chance of having an option to have the title always displayed in text below the cover? I also liked that we could see the developer as well without the need to click:

Hi, Can't tell which version the bug has been there, but it's been for quite a while: This happens when at least manually renaming a title that has a video attached to it. For me it looks like the video file is locked (opened, but not running on the game information side on the right). But that shouldn't be how it works, more like a bug. I'm trying to fix names according to how they are written on the cover (as it's meant to be regarding database guidelines). But almost each time I rename a missing name, this what happens with the video - I have to rename it by hand as well since it remains with the old name. Could you please look into it? Thanks! EDIT: I haven't reported this before, because it seems random, sometimes easy to reproduce and sometimes nothing happens out of the ordinary.

Oh, and I think @Jason Carr should interfere or someone will destroy a big chunk (at least over 100) of perfectly complete entries in the database - I mean, why is it so hard to use some common sense?? "Hmm.. why is there so many other handhelds in the G&W section .. I shall delete them, and not ask why is that so!" EDIT: and this is not even something new, we've talked about it ages ago:

I'm sure that's something that will be done when the website database will get a major update / push or finding someone to do it (Jason should know the latest status, I haven't asked for a while). Many platforms are still missing etc. The good thing is, that it will be super easy to just change the "Platform" field since we have so many entries for misc handhelds. In the meanwhile you can make your own Electronics platforms in Launchbox and scrape using the G&W portion of the database - that's the beauty of Launchbox, so much flexibility. Here's what I've done for example:

I'm afraid it's very old database bug. I've tried to troubleshoot it a lot, but no one seems to know the specific reason. It's possible that there are too many moderators at the same time accepting/rejecting or someone slower than others resulting in a fully accepted entry when it's like 3-0 and then the slower moderation re-creates an entry without media files? Just a thought, can't be sure. It's happened to me too many times when I've added a huge number of missing games during 1-2 weeks for example.

Had the same issue, have you tried this in BigBox: a. Choose "Theme-Specific Options" b. Choose "Old Default Theme" c. Choose "Views" And then check that you have the correct views you had before the update (ie. Platform Wheel 1), I had some weird stuff in there and when I changed them back the way I had it originally, it displayed the platform details again. Although the new default theme has some great upgrades, for me it has some downgrades on the visuals with Platform Wheel 1 and Text List with Details, especially with those rounded/cropped cover arts. Some covers are special sized and they don't look nice cropped and with the corners rounded. Also the platform background videos are just too grey, so still sticking with the more colorful and box cover intact old default for now, thank you for keeping it intact! What I would really like, and pay for it separately, is a simple GUI based BigBox Theme Editor/Maker without the need to do much (or any) coding, just choosing elements (clock or manual, map, game guide icons from additional apps for example!) and putting them in place, setting your own visuals/gfx style etc. Basically either making a new theme or editing your favorite theme with some custom made changes or additions.

That is precisely the issue. I've tested and seen this quite a long time ago, but here goes again to see if this has been fixed: I've just added this comment: "IMPORTANT!! Testing if the alt name comment field works. Please answer to the forum if you can read this comment! forums.launchbox-app.com/topic/66676-how-to-provide-a-reason-for-alts/#comment-415596" While I added the Japanese alt name for Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes https://gamesdb.launchbox-app.com/games/details/159309 There's a moderation queue of about 400 cases, so this will take a while. But if no one answers, then it clearly does still not work. Let's hope it does!

Yes, you should be able to do that. ScummVM is based on multiple platforms - and if the game is on the database the you can select which platform you would run on ScummVM for the most accurate metadata/images. First select your ScummVM platform from plaftorm category list and then Just use the "add" button on the bottom right and make a search for the game you want added in your ScummVM list. After getting the metadata and downloading images you can also "disconnect" the launchbox id (red-white cross after the ID, where the search button was before) and update it again if/when someone submits a ScummVM specific entry in the database. The other option would be to request someone to add the missing entries (or add it yourself) in the ScummVM database platform: https://gamesdb.launchbox-app.com/platforms/games/143

The comment field on alt names is broken I'm afraid. No moderator is able to see what you have written there - thus difficult to moderate to be honest. You could try a workaround, I've seen some people using other fields to comment on their alt name changes. But it looks like someone will soon(?) take more care of the database code according to the "we're hiring" message earlier.

Hi! You're doing nothing wrong. I'm afraid it's been a bug in some of the cores for months now. Same thing with PX68K (Sharp X68000) it seems. What works for me is using the older core for np2kai below from 1.9.11 and locking it so that they don't get overwritten when updating cores. Hopefully this will be fixed... quite annoying since most of PC-98 files are HDi. https://buildbot.libretro.com/stable/1.9.11/windows/x86_64/RetroArch_cores.7z EDIT: The issue is open, but no response from the dev yet: https://github.com/AZO234/NP2kai/issues/142

I would recommend casting your vote, I've added the platform to the request list here: https://bitbucket.org/jasondavidcarr/launchbox/issues/6461/adding-missing-platforms-to-the-games

Hi! I submitted this entry a few days ago and and it was also approved a few days ago: https://gamesdb.launchbox-app.com/games/details/161189 And now when downloading the database, even using "Force Update GameBase Metadata", it doesn't find the entry at all on the Launchbox App. This has never happened before, any idea why the online database latest update's aren't updated/transmitted to the local database? Or is there a bug in that entry? Or is the update from the Web database to the "Launch App/Sync" database disabled right now? Could you please check, thank you! PS. I've added a tone of missing entries during these past 3 years and normally after a new entry has been approved it's automatically updated the following day to the Launchbox App downloadable database at a certain hour (for me it's around 11am local time). If it fails to be approved by that time, then it gets updated 24hrs later or something. But never longer than that.

Anyone interested about digital only Nintendo DS(i) games: most of the DSiWare game entries have now been added to the database, initially there was just a few dozen of them and now there's a few hundred This is what's on the menu (didn't add applications or "samples" of full games) - some still missing from the database, but please feel free to contribute them - I don't think I'll add anything more myself: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_DSiWare_games_and_applications Recommended emulation with Launchbox: Retroarch/MelonDS Core (needs a special setup & boot from DSi Nand/Firmware and some files in Systems dir). Most games work pretty well, unless requiring the DSi Camera. Note that MelonDS's DSi emulation is a WIP.

This plugin sounds absolutely fantastic! Before Launchbox I was using GameBase for C64 and Amiga (really nice job @Belgarath!) I guess it might work with non-game related GameBases as well, even if the field names might be a bit different, Demo Group instead of publisher etc.? From DemoBase Amiga (V3), DemoBase C64 (V2) and IntroBase 64. I've already manually imported a lot of Demos/Intro for both C64 and Amiga (EmuMovies has Amiga Demoscene video files btw!), but no way I could import all of them with the way I'm building my Launchbox - DemoBase C64 has for example over 40 000 entries ... I have a simple goal for my Launchbox collection: all entries must have metadata & images + are working/running as good as possible. That's why I've been able to contribute so much on the Launchbox Database and playing around with slightly challenging Mame command lines and other querky Emulation setup (was so glad to get PC-9821 CD games to work for example, or Thomson Mx/Tx Cassette games etc.).

This still happens with the final release of 12.7 when the Windows platform games are selected (identified as a Steam or GOG game). Stuck at "Initializing process" - just selected "Clear logos" for missing item, but no go. Not logged in in Steam/Gog or anything in LB options, just trying to download updated media from the LB database. Updating media/metadata on any other platform works normally, my guess is that it's something to do with all the GOG/Steam/Origin/Epic etc. stuff. - that's the only major difference compared to other platforms. Doesn't matter how many games I choose 2 or 200, if even one is Steam/GOG (bringing the prioritize LB/Steam/GOG windows when starting the download media process) it gets stuck after it should start scanning the games: EDIT: Did some extra troubleshooting and I can confirm it's actually Steam games that are getting the update media/metadata process stuck - and it doesn't matter if it's from the "Games Missing Media" view or the Platform Category view. Chose only GOG games, and they went through normally. So even if one Steam game is selected this is what happens (only closing Launchbox is possible): Could it be because it tries to sync my Steam account, but I haven't put those settings in LB's Steam options? If I search for Media/Metadata through the manual Edit process that works just fine: