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MAME Dat files

Joe35car

By Joe35car
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Joe35car 32-Bit GPU

Joe35car

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So I was wondering how do I view these dat files in Launchbox? History and MAMeinfo in particular? As of now I have them in my MAME dat folder and when I use official MAME I can view them or MAMEUI or Arcade64. How can I view them in Launchbox? Do any themes support this? Would be a nice added feature like how you can view high scores and achievements.

Edited by Joe35car
JoeViking245 128-Bit Self Aware

JoeViking245

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44 minutes ago, Joe35car said:

So I was wondering how do I view these dat files in Launchbox? History and MAMeinfo in particular? As of now I have them in my MAME dat folder and when I use official MAME I can view them or MAMEUI or Arcade64. How can I view them in Launchbox? Do any themes support this? Would be a nice added feature like how you can view high scores and achievements.

Myself, I've never found the information MAMEinfo.dat provides too useful.  History.xml has similar info to what we get when scraping metadata (release date and a [more-brief] description).  True, 'history' does have other info not available elsewhere.  That said, I do keep those 2 updated for when I'm messing around inside mame.exe.

Though not mentioned, gameinit.dat is useful for games that need it. Once.

I do however see some practical use for command.dat.  Hence, the View game specific commands from MAME's command.dat plugin.

 

To answer your question, there is currently no way to view the 2 you asked about (1 .dat and 1 .xml) in LaunchBox. Nor is there a Theme that supports them.

 

 

Joe35car 32-Bit GPU

Joe35car

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Well that stinks lol. I know I can launch a game using mame in launchbox and hit tab to view these. Just wish it was easier like how you can scroll through viewing high scores, retroachievements, etc

Edited by Joe35car
JoeViking245 128-Bit Self Aware

JoeViking245

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4 minutes ago, Joe35car said:

Well that stinks lol. I know I can launch a game using mame in launchbox and hit tab to view these. Just wish it was easier like how you can scroll through viewing high scores, retroachievements, etc

There's always Help & Support > Request a feature. 😊

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JoeViking245 128-Bit Self Aware

JoeViking245

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5 hours ago, Joe35car said:

Couldn't you make a plug-in the same way but with other dats? 

Sure.   Anyone could make a plugin for those.  The issue is, there are some "boxes" that need to be checked.  The person doing so would need to have at least a little desire to use it personally. Then there'd need to be an expressed interest from the community to make the time, effort and commitment worthwhile. (Worthwhileness comes in many forms and is in the eye of the beholder.)   Spending time to create a plugin that 1, 2 or maybe 3 people [think] they need to have may not be considered a good use of one's personal time.  Conversely, it could/would be a great learning tool for that person [creating the plugin].  Making it totally worthwhile.  For me, none of those boxes are checked.

You mentioned a couple times, comparing the ability to view high scores and achievements.  Neither of those are directly related to dynamically parsing MAME features.  Unless you're talking about the high-scores plugin that can show you your MAME hiscores.  The feature built into LaunchBox only shows the Community High Scores, which are captured when you exit a game and then get uploaded (if certain criteria are met).  The achievements are something you find using RetroArch.  Which of course is not recommended for Arcade (MAME).

Joe35car 32-Bit GPU

Joe35car

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Thanks. Yes I was referring to those plugin for the community highsxores and retriacheivents. When viewing games that support these on the launchbox themes it has the little arrows where you can click to next page and view those. Thought those dats could be in the same area. 

Joe35car 32-Bit GPU

Joe35car

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Lol. Thanks. Little competition between my friend for over 40 years (2nd place). Just had this screen shot to show you what I was talking about. With the arrows and how you can view different things. Thought the dats could be added there. 

Edited by Joe35car
Joe35car 32-Bit GPU

Joe35car

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Yes I love your LB theme. Only thing that could top it is if I could view the dats where the arrows are for high score, retroachievements etc. 😏👍

Edited by Joe35car
C-Beats 128-Bit Self Aware

C-Beats

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53 minutes ago, Joe35car said:

Yes I love your LB theme. Only thing that could top it is if I could view the dats where the arrows are for high score, retroachievements etc. 😏👍

Yeah, not even sure at this point what the DAT is showing you that isn't already being displayed though. I still wouldn't get your hopes up as I just don't have time to invest into any huge undertaking but I'd be curious to understand what you DON'T have now that you want in those files.

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Joe35car 32-Bit GPU

Joe35car

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On 12/17/2024 at 8:35 AM, C-Beats said:

Yeah, not even sure at this point what the DAT is showing you that isn't already being displayed though. I still wouldn't get your hopes up as I just don't have time to invest into any huge undertaking but I'd be curious to understand what you DON'T have now that you want in those files.

I don't see the filter for game saves. Your theme supports this? Option to view only games that support this. I didn't see it in the drop down menu filter.

Edited by Joe35car
  • 2 weeks later...

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