2014-08-20, 12:29
Over the last few weeks I've been writing this, my second add-on. SteamUI is a XBMC add-on which can launch your Steam games straight from XBMC.
Features:
IMPORTANT: Steam must have been run and logged in to at least once on the PC before using to ensure the PC is authenticated with Steam. Make sure your username and password are correct in Add-on settings, as an incorrect username or password may cause Steam to hang.
When you launch a game, your Windows taskbar is hidden to make sure the loading window can stay on top. If there is an issue starting the game or something causes the script to pause or crash, your taskbar may remain hidden. If this occurs the easiest thing to do is simply restart your PC. My apologies if this does happen, please post back and let me know so I can implement some better error checking.
There are a number of things I'd love to add to this in the future, some may be possible some may not:
I'm still quite new to add-on development so please post back any errors or troubles you have with this so I can make this as bug free as possible
Huge thanks to teeedubb as I got a lot of help from looking at his "Steam Launcher" add-on, especially with the AHK script to launch Steam which mine is based on. Big thanks also to malte as I learned a lot going through Rom Collection Browser.
Download link: https://db.tt/86emHZ0t
Features:
- Download and cache metadata for your Steam games list allowing instant rendering of fanart, game icons and other data (description, release date, etc.)
- View filtered lists of games. Filter by category (single player, Steam achievements, etc.), genre, developer, publisher and Metacritic rating.
- Show details for purchased but non-installed games.
- Launch games straight from XBMC utilising a clean and simple custom loading screen which is much more appropriate for TV connected PCs.
- Use Big Picture mode Overlay which is more appropriate than the standard overlay for TV connected PCs.
- Start Steam in Big Picture mode from Add-on main menu (to allow for store access, downloading games etc.)
- Close/re-open XBMC when Steam is launched.
- Configuration to leave Steam running after game exit if desired (will be minimized).
IMPORTANT: Steam must have been run and logged in to at least once on the PC before using to ensure the PC is authenticated with Steam. Make sure your username and password are correct in Add-on settings, as an incorrect username or password may cause Steam to hang.
When you launch a game, your Windows taskbar is hidden to make sure the loading window can stay on top. If there is an issue starting the game or something causes the script to pause or crash, your taskbar may remain hidden. If this occurs the easiest thing to do is simply restart your PC. My apologies if this does happen, please post back and let me know so I can implement some better error checking.
There are a number of things I'd love to add to this in the future, some may be possible some may not:
- View screenshots and videos from games store page via context menu items.
- Initiate download of purchased games.
- Monitor progress of current Steam downloads.
- View and launch non-steam games
- Add non-steam games to Steam games list.
- Custom WindowXML to allow a completely custom games list interface more suitable than the current skins default.
- View/respond to Steam messages.
- Launch Steam Store via web browser in fullscreen mode with custom keymapping suitable for popular game controllers / remote controls to navigate.
I'm still quite new to add-on development so please post back any errors or troubles you have with this so I can make this as bug free as possible
Huge thanks to teeedubb as I got a lot of help from looking at his "Steam Launcher" add-on, especially with the AHK script to launch Steam which mine is based on. Big thanks also to malte as I learned a lot going through Rom Collection Browser.
Download link: https://db.tt/86emHZ0t