How to change backgrounds for MAME and STEAM rom menus in GameEx?

[Lighty]

I've made custom backgrounds for my console menus (nes and genesis rom selections, etc) in GameEx, since Setup Wizard allows me to change that, under "Andanced Emulator Setup", and then "Custom Background", after I place the background in the appropriate folder. However, I didn't see that option for the MAME or STEAM GameEx menus. I couldn't find the option in Setup Wizard, when I look through the MAME and STEAM settings and configuration. I've made custom backgrounds for them, and would like them there with the rest, for consistency. I can't seem to find a way to do this. Is there something that I have overlooked?

[MNMax21]

In the GameEx Setup Wizard there are two areas you can look into. I would try the MAME Settings section first. You need to route the Background snap path to the file where you have your custom artwork. The custom artwork will have to have the same name as the rom it is associated with.

Below is from MAME settings:

Background Snap Path SnapPath. Location of Snap Images to show as the background image when GameEx is in the appropriate view mode Default:

• C:\Emulators\Mame32\backgroundsnap

There is one other option that you may need to look into. I might stay away from this one though, as it made the artwork take over everything for me, even the theme background when I set this to true. You can look into it though. The below is taken from the "Display Settings" section of the GameEx Setup Wizard.

Background Mode Display Background image. If set to True displays a Blue gradient image , in the background. Looks nice, on a PC or TV, This also makes GameEx look similar to Windows Media Center. set this to DisplayBackgroundImage=snap, to make Snap images the background and make the backgrounds of the menus transparent. Set to false to display a Black background. Options

• Display Background images (Default)
• Display Black Background
• Use Game/Item Images as background

[MNMax21]

If you have the time, I would recommend looking over the entire wiki for the GameEx Setup Wizard. I keep referencing the thing, but I had nothing to do with it. Someone needs kudos, but I'm not sure who. Tom maybe? I'd look it over. GameEx accomplishes quite a few things! You might find something in there you did not even realize was there.

http://www.gameex.info/wiki/index.php/Category:GameEx_Setup_Wizard

The wizard was basically my life line for GameEx starting out. I liked going through the Setup Wizard, because I was not confident enough in making changes directly to the config file when I started out.

[DazzleHP]

Actually, for what i think lighty is asking for, you'd need to actually make a Theme. You can change the backgrounds to your own custom one but understand that they will override all theme elements if you do. If you want custom backgrounds, and retain theme elements you'll need to create your own (or customise an existing) theme.

Don't be put off by that though - themes are easier to create than you might think! Especially if you start by editing an existing one It's how all our great theme wizards start out

There is a theme editor already included with GameEx - taking a look see never harmed anyone.

[MNMax21]

Yeah, I think I glossed over it and went straight to roms. You would have to venture into the theme portion of the world to accomplish a custom background for the MAME selection screen.

[Lighty]

Well, basically, I'm using the theme "Ambient Occlusion." The only things I'm changing are when, for eample, you click on a console such as Super NES, then it takes you to your list of Super NES roms. In the background of that list (behind the rom screenshot and the list itself) is where my custom background is. They're all there and working for the consoles. Just not for MAME or STEAM, since I couldn't find the option to do so. It's a shame, because the backgrounds I made are actually somewhat similar to the rest of the theme, and they blend in really well. (Ah yes, the magic of Photoshop.) Dazzle, where can I find the theme editor? MNMax, I'm actually trying to make a custom background for when you go to the MAME rom list, but the custom background won't change. It would represent MAME itself, and not the roms when highlighted, which is what "Custom Background" in "Advanced Emulator Setup" allowed me to do for the console emulators.

[DazzleHP]

Windows Menu> GameEx> Configuration.

I think i know what's happening here - you're creating backgrounds that match the theme you are using - correct? Well, if you are, you will save yourself so much time and effort by just creating your own theme - either from scratch or by editing a pre-existing one. You'll gain so much more control over what is happening

You can create a "universal" overlay that sits on top, then just go wild with the backgrounds! If you want you can even change the layout for each system. Say for instance, you could your NES list on the left with media on the right, Master System on the right, with media on the left - you can place anything anywhere.

If that is your goal i think you'll do yourself some justice having a mess around with the editor

[Adultery]

In case it hasn't been covered, there is no custom background for steam atm.

[Lighty]

It is now lol. Thank you.

[Lighty]

Dazzle, where is the theme editor?

[MNMax21]

Krakerman made a pretty cool theme that I am using. His theme has a steam background.

http://www.gameex.info/forums/topic/13814-theme-gameroomex-v2-released/

I changed up a few things in Gimp to make it more specific to my arcade. One thing you can do very easily. Well, easy might be a relative term. You can go into the theme file ("Ambient Occulsion") you are using and find the PNG file that matches the MAME background. If you put your PNG in that file and name it the same as the original, you should then see that one in it's place. The only dilemma you'll have is that the placement of the games list, videos, snaps, etc. will all still follow the original file, unless you change the configuration in the theme editor.

The theme editor should be a program inside the GameEx directory file. Similar to the Setup Wizard.

[MNMax21]

@ Krak...

Gameroom Hi-Score Competition theme

thank you for your reply ! I was able to setup your Gameroom Comeptition theme and also got the competition map file working. It's so cool !!

Question: does the name of my custom menu entry and seperate emulator has to be exactly the same as your config / theme file name which is "GameEx Hi-Score Competition" ?

Gameroom Steam theme

I've tried to setup Steam as as seperate emulator. Your Steam theme layout is shown but I have a weird issue with the gamelist. I'm also not able to start and play a Steam game...Any idea how to fix this ? [please see picture below and attached log and ini file]

Gameroom MSX / Amiga theme

You've created a MSX and Amiga theme in April. Did you perhaps forget to add them to an extension pack ?

Thanks again Krak

[DazzleHP]

@lighty, both Max and i have given you thorough answers to your questions. In fact one of us has gone beyond the call of duty on this (thanks Max), but neither of us can make you read what advice is given. I suggest you review the advice given, take it in, act upon it. Then come back with your questions. We'll be happy to help you out when you have something to report back.

[Draco1962]

Steam, Origin, and Uplay integration are the newest members of the GameEx "integrated systems" features. Unlike MAME, they do not support a separate background images and I believe that they display from the emu_bak images found in the \gameex\themes\themename\media path.

While I understand your enthusiasm and desire to get as much done in short order and encourage it, I must also caution you regarding doing too much all at one time. You have opened several threads about issues with several different system emulators and some are unresolved. Lets get the systems working first (and, a suggestion - one at a time).

Working with themes is another monster altogether that, once mastered, is easy-peasy, but at the rate you are going, you will only frustrate yourself and others that are trying to help.

.

[Lighty]

thanks. I do need to step back a little, since I do have the tendency to overwork myself.

[CharlesLam]

you'll get it Lighty.