Semantic Search in LaunchBox and Big Box
š Summary
Introduce a semantic search system in both LaunchBox and Big Box to allow for natural language search queries and improve the discoverability of games.
ā Problem
Current search only works with exact keyword matches. Users must know the specific title, genre, or developer to find what theyāre looking for. This makes discovery difficult, especially for large libraries or less-remembered titles.
š” Proposal
Replace or augment the current keyword search with a semantic search model that understands natural language queries.
Examples of how users might search:
āco-op games for a partyā
āopen world sci-fi games with strong world buildingā
āgames similar to Chrono Triggerā
āshort puzzle games for two playersā
Bonus:
Voice search integration in Big Box would be especially useful for cabinet or couch setups, enabling hands-free browsing.
ā Benefits
Makes game discovery faster and more intuitive.
Allows users to explore their libraries with less friction.
Unlocks the potential of LaunchBoxās deep metadata set.
Brings search functionality in line with modern platforms like Netflix or Steam.
š Example Use Cases
Quickly find party games when friends are over.
Ask for āgood games for kidsā and instantly get relevant results.
Search by game themes, features, or mechanics without knowing exact tags.
š§ User Comments
āIt would be amazing to search for āRPGs with time travelā and actually get Chrono Trigger or Radiant Historia.ā
āVoice search in Big Box would be a game-changer for arcade setups.ā
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Comments3
Jun 25, 2025
PinnedHi 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. I personally thing this would be an incredible addition!
Iāve gone ahead and fleshed out the main idea using the info you provided, and Iām opening it up to the community for further discussion and feedback. Please let me know if this fleshed-out version doesnāt 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
michaelqryan
Jul 9, 2025
Thanks @AstroBob - I think you captured it perfectly in the fleshed out version. As background, Iām a product manager for my companyās CMS strategy and the biggest leaps weāre taking right now are around content discoverability - how to help users get to what they want faster, when they donāt always know exactly what they need.
Adjacent to this request, I think that opportunities to better classify games across a number of different categories will open up so many opportunities for the application. The stronger a user can enrich their game data, the more powerful advanced search methods become. I think I saw @Brian Faeran addressing some comments around upgrading the tags system in a livestream earlier this year
michaelqryan
Jun 25, 2025
Semantic Search in Launchbox and Big Box
Currently, the Launchbox and Big Box search capabilities are restricted to direct keyword searches. Your search has to be precise and you need to know exactly what you are looking for. This feature request would overhaul the search in both applications to move to a semantic search model.
The core concept would work like this: instead of users simply finding games with something like āRPGā as a keyword, or ādeveloped by Bethesda,ā semantic search would support natural language query inputs. For instance, a user could enter āco-op games for a partyā or āopen world sci-fi games with strong world building.ā and get a full return of relevant results.
The feature would enhance game discovery and better align Launchbox and Big Box with modern content library interfaces, where semantic search is becoming a norm. It would also allow both apps to take better advantage of the rich metadata housed in the LB games database, as the semantic search can better utilize this nunanced data.
Bonus - in Big Box especially, a voice search integration could further the value of this feature, especially for those with arcade cabinets or living room setups.