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MAME Replay Input File Support

LaunchBox for Windows

šŸ“‹ Summary

Add support in LaunchBox for MAME replay input files, allowing users to import, organize, and play them directly as a library.

ā— Problem

MAME supports playback of input replay files, but currently:

  • Users must manually launch MAME and navigate menus to play a replay

  • Replay files cannot be treated as part of a LaunchBox library

  • There is no way to organize, browse, or launch replays like normal content

This makes it cumbersome for users who collect or regularly watch replay files.

šŸ’” Proposal

Add native support for MAME replay files:

  • Allow users to create a platform (e.g., ā€œReplay Filesā€)

  • Import replay files as items in LaunchBox

  • Launch MAME directly into input playback mode when selecting a replay

  • Automatically associate the correct ROM where required

Optional Enhancements

  • Support playlists of replay files

  • Auto-play next replay after one finishes

  • Shuffle playback option for replay libraries

šŸ“¦ Benefits

  • Makes replay files easy to access and enjoy

  • Streamlines playback without navigating MAME menus

  • Enables a ā€œwatch modeā€ experience similar to playlists or attract modes

  • Adds a new type of content for users who enjoy curated gameplay

šŸ’” Notes

  • Should not interfere with normal MAME game launching

  • Replay files may need validation to ensure matching ROM versions

  • Playlist auto-play behavior could reuse existing playlist systems

Posted by isamu99 Ā·
Status: Open To Community3 comments

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Comments3

  • AstroBob changed status to Open To Community
    Teamā€¢

    Mar 23

    Pinned

    Hi there!

    Thanks so much for submitting this request and for taking the time to explain your use case ā€” that context is always super helpful.

    Iā€™ve gone ahead and fleshed out the main idea using the info you provided, and Iā€™m opening it up to the community for further discussion and feedback. Please let me know if this fleshed-out version doesnā€™t match your original intended request.

    Feel free to let me know if you have any extra thoughts, examples, or edge cases you think might be relevant!

    Cheers,
    The LaunchBox team

    • isamu99

      ā€¢

      Mar 23

      WOW that is an absolutely OUTSTANDING re-summarization of the my request. Thank you so much this helps explain my proposal much better. Thank you very much!

      Yes, if other LB devs read this, please consider implementing this feature into a future version.

  • isamu99

    ā€¢

    Mar 23

    Replay input file support

    Hi guys. To the LB devs....I have a request please.... Can you please add the ability to have MAME launch and play input replay files, and allow us to have a library dedicated to them?

    So example, make an option for us to create a new platform called "Input files". Then allow us to populate it with all the MAME replay input files we have, and upon double clicking it, Launchbox launches MAME into Playback Input mode, allowing us to view said replay file.

    I'm a big....and I mean HUUUUGE fan of simply kicking back and watching some of my favorite MAME games being played by others courtesy of http://replay.marpirc.net . I've accumulated hundreds of input replay files over the years. The problem is you have to launch mame, then go and find the input and playback menu, then find the folder the rom is in, and then click on it just to start the replay. But if we had Launchbox execute this for us, it would make things much easier and more streamlined.

    And to take things even further, in addition to having that function, how about an option to create a playlist of replays we can curate, and set Launchbox to not only play the replay, but have it behave like a true music playlist, where once MAME is done playing back the file, Launchbox automatically plays the next file in the list. And make a shuffle option to play all your replays files in random order!

    Man I would die to have this! Please consider adding this feature LB devs.