Add RetroAchievements Game Page ID to LaunchBox Games Database

📋 Summary

Add a dedicated field in the LaunchBox Games Database to store a game’s RetroAchievements (RA) Game Page ID (numeric slug/identifier), similar to how Steam Store URLs are stored. This creates a reliable, first-class link between LB entries and their RA pages.


🎯 Feature Overview

  • New DB field: RetroAchievements Game ID (per game/variation where applicable).

  • Support multiple mappings when a single LB game spans distinct RA sets (e.g., region/patch variants).

  • Validation rules (numeric ID, reachable page) and moderation workflow.

  • Expose the ID via metadata API for LaunchBox/Big Box and plugins.


🛠 Example Use Cases Enabled by This Field

  • Game Details Link: Show an RA icon in the game details pane that opens the game’s RA page.

  • Badges & Coverage: Display an “Achievements Available” badge without hashing the ROM.

  • Mismatch Audit: Identify games that have an RA set but current ROM hash doesn’t match (playlist/badge).

  • Progress Sync: Faster lookups for player stats, leaderboards, and “Want to Play” list sync.

  • Pause Menu Actions: Open RA page or set detail directly from Big Box.

  • Discovery & Stats: Per-platform RA coverage dashboards; filter/sort by RA availability.


📦 Benefits

  • Eliminates fragile URL scraping and hash-first lookups for many RA features.

  • Unlocks richer RA integrations (badges, playlists, analytics, sync) with minimal friction.

  • Consistent, moderated source of truth shared across LaunchBox Desktop, Big Box, and Android.


💡 Notes

  • Some titles may need multiple RA IDs (regional SKUs, hacks/patches with official sets). Consider a primary RA ID plus optional alternates.

  • Provide a small migration tool to backfill popular platforms using community data.

  • Keep the field optional; games without RA sets simply leave it blank.

Please authenticate to join the conversation.

Upvoters
Status

Open To Community

Board
Custom icon

LaunchBox Games Database

Date

11 months ago

Author

AstroBob

Subscribe to post

Get notified by email when there are changes.