Author Topic: DynamicArcade layout beta-v9 released 26 Jan 2021  (Read 23102 times)

jclampy69

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DynamicArcade layout beta-v9 released 26 Jan 2021
« on: December 25, 2020, 12:27:46 AM »
I initially created this layout as a request of Damonxxx http://forum.attractmode.org/index.php?topic=3778.0
I've placed it in it's own thread because I will probably expand on this further in the future.
Please see Damonxxx thread if you need artwork files.

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
// DynamicArcade theme for AttractMode
// Version beta-v9
// Dynamic Arcade layout - 16:9 display ratio (written in 1080p, but tested in 1440p, should work in any 16:9 fine?)
// Layout completely written from scratch by JClampy69
// http://forum.attractmode.org/index.php?topic=3849.0
//
// 1] Cabinet screen effects can be toggled between a 'CRT Shader' or 'Scanlines'. See the note in the README.md troubleshooting section.
// 2] Game searching under layout options can be toggled between 'show search results' or 'jump to next found match'.
// 3] Performing a 'game search' by default is set to custom1 key/button. This can be changed under layout options.
// 4] If 'show search results' is selected then a quick clear key/button is set to custom2 by default. Changeable under layout options.
// 5] 'Cabinet slide-in speed' can be altered under layout options.
// 6] Game Title appearance in metadata area can be toggled between 'wrappable two line' or 'single line only'
// 7] Display of a System Logo can be toggled on/off under layout options.
// 8] The Vertical Game Logo List can be toggled between 'staying on screen' or 'fading to hide' in the layout options.
// 9] Layout options for setting the 'default marquee' as an stylised image or to have it 'empty black' in appearance.
//   Included styles at the moment are Mame/Arcade, Mame, or Final Burn Neo.
//
// *** IMPORTANT ***
// Artwork Prerequisites - Naming Convention used in your cfg file in the (AttractMode)\emulators\ folder:
// ```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
// wheel = game logos (preferably of resolution smaller than 1000 width / 400 height so not to overload AttractModes image cache).
// cabinets = game cabinets (this layout uses cabinet images of resolution 1300x1080).
// marquee = game marquees (preferably of resolution smaller than 1500 width / 400 height so not to overload AttractModes image cache).
// snap = game videos (preferably 640x480 or 320x240 for correct 4:3 aspect ratio for shader effect settings. The screens of the cabinet graphics are also 4:3).
// tscreens = game title screens (preferably 640x480 or 320x240 for correct 4:3 aspect ratio for shader effect settings. The screens of the cabinet graphics are also 4:3).
//
// if enabled, system logos displayed in top right corner come from your (AttractMode)\menu-art\wheel\ folder. You would need to have some there.
// flyer = *NOT* used by this layout at this time, but can enhance the AttractMode screensaver feature if that is your preference.
//
// "game videos performance of different formats under Windows OS in order of fastest to slowest = fastest wmv, then avi, then mp4."
// I have not tested this myself, the quote is from here http://forum.attractmode.org/index.php?topic=3261.msg22951#msg22951
// If you use mp4 then preferably encoded in yuv420 and not in yuv444 chroma subsampling.
//
// dxva2 video decoding in AttractMode is broken and is causing a 200% to 300% performance loss
// In AttractMode attract.cfg file under the 'general' section, make sure the video_decoder line looks like one of the following:
//    video_decoder        software
// or empty
//    video_decoder
//
// Included Shaders:
// `````````````````
// I have not created these shaders. I only modified them to work with the components of my layout.
// The original Shader Package by Keil Miller Jr = https://github.com/keilmillerjr/shader-module
// Ripple shader converted by Liquid8d to AttractMode = http://forum.attractmode.org/index.php?topic=7.msg12#msg12
// Blur shader I found in ArcadeBliss Cab Edition Reloaded = https://github.com/ArcadeBliss/AttractMode-Themes
//
// Included Plugins:
// `````````````````
// I improved on the aesthetics and functionality of the game search module to work in my layout.
// The original game search module by liquid8d = https://github.com/liquid8d/attract-extra/tree/master/modules/objects/keyboard-search
//
// I modified the aesthetics of the game scrolling progress bar to work in my layout.
// Original implementation code by rand0m(creator of Retrodiction layout) and Keil Miller Jr = http://forum.attractmode.org/index.php?topic=2864.0
//
// Special thanks to the developers and contributors of AttractMode and the community.
// Special thanks to Oomek for his helpful advice.
// Special thanks to Damonxxx for ongoing communication and his own theme efforts.
// Special acknowledgement to the original arcade cabinet artist -gjsmsmith- of the CoinOps Project that inspired this layout.
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Known Issues:
``````````````
- initially designed for 16:9, should be ok in 16:10, there will be significant stretching in 4:3 and 5:4. The biggest issue might be if the 'scanlines' or 'CRT Shader' effects are being stretched. I will test 4:3 myself at some point in the future. But 16:10 and 5:4 or anything not mentioned will need somebody to be a test guinea pig. Let me know if you are interested to test this.

Coming in future:
````````````````
- game list scroll bar (yoyo) to cater to different sorting methods of user preference as set in attract.cfg file
- adapting to other resolution ratios? may require a separated download version, especialy if vertical orientation
- already I have a few ideas on what I would like to implement next, but I am eager to hear your suggestions and feedback

Changelog:
```````````
26.1.2021 beta-v9
- the unused outer edges of the 'scanlines' overlay file (if you are not using 'CRT Shader') are now no longer visible.
- improved the appearance of the 'scanlines' overlay.
- Damonxxx request: layout option to toggle the game metadata 'game title' appearance from 'wrappable two line' or 'single line only'.

25.1.2021 beta-v8
- finalised the artwork naming convention so to not conflict with AttractMode screensaver functionality.
- expanded on the layout options for selectable default marquee. This is all done inside layout options now.
- created a new layout option for choosing CRT-Shader or Scanlines for the cabinet screen.

18.1.2021 beta-v7
- the 'previous cabinet leaving' animation is removed due to my creation of a better suited multi-cabinet layout instead.
- completed modulation of the layout components.
- Damonxxx request: fade out animation on game title screens.
- more tweaks to shader usage.
- minor code tweaks throughout.

11.1.2021 beta-v6
- Bug Fix: changed incorrect artwork identifiers from "snap" to "tscreen"
- improved efficiency of shader usage

11.1.2021 beta-v5
- Bug Fix: First game in list was shown as 00 on the game counter. Now it will show as 01.
- game counter automatically adapting digit syntax to your romlist. For example; 00240 of 10100, 0431 of 5379, 087 of 423, 020 of 187, 03 of 15 etc.
- Trbomoble request: cabinet 'leaving' animation.
- Incorporation of new artwork type 'Title Screens'. Increases game list scrolling performance and works well with the 'leaving' cabinet animation.
- Further modulation of layout components.
- Arrange cabinet slide time 'layout setting' options in numerical order.
- minor code tweaks throughout.

5.1.2021 beta-v4
- Game Room neon sign re-attached with blur matching the background video.
- Damonxxx request: game counter shown as a four digit number. For example; 0033 of 0333.
- Scrolling progress bar (aka the yoyo) modified to fit with the recent modifications of metadata expansion and the new game counter.
- System logo modified to line up with the new game counter and scrolling progress bar.
- Alpha channel modification to metadata area and game counter so they should be readable on light or dark backgrounds now.

2.1.2021 beta-v3
- Damonxxx request: layout option to set a default marqueedef.png or just have an 'empty' plain black appearance.
- extra fields of game info data will now be displayed if you have it in your romlist.txt
- lessened the gap between logos in the vertical game list so it fits with the extended game info section.
- lessened the blur effect on the background video. I felt it was too strong and lost too much detail in the back half of the room.
- tick sound effect added to game list navigation.
- more minor code tweaks throughout.

30.12.2020 beta-v2
- major rewrite fixing memory leak and greatly improving performance.
- Damonxxx request: increased number of logos in the game list to an optimal 7.
- Damonxxx request: vertical game logo list now has 'show' or 'fade & hide' setting under layout options.
- Damonxxx request: setting under layout options to enable or disable system logo.
- new selected game logo effect.
- improved search engine.
- improved and increased the 'cabinet slide time' setting under layout options.

25.12.2020  beta-v1
- Initial release

Installation:
````````````
**DELETE** any old 'DynamicArcade' versions folder from inside your AttractMode/Layouts/ folder FIRST. With my major rewrites you don't want any left over from previous versions interfering.
Download zip and extract the `DynamicArcade` folder into the layouts folder of AttractMode
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QJ602bRMAS7IYOXpUA-eVlOERraaq3UM/view?usp=sharing

Troubleshooting:
````````````````
When upgrading to a new version of 'DynamicArcade' it can be a good idea to reset any 'DynamicArcade' saved settings back to DEFAULTS by making these changes in your AttractMode attract.cfg file:
1) Open attract.cfg file
3) Find this 'sub heading':
layout_config   DynamicArcade
4) Delete this 'sub heading' and it's related settings. Your 'DynamicArcade' will now reset to default settings.
5) Run AttractMode and set the 'DynamicArcade' layout options to your liking.
6) Here is an example of what 'DynamicArcade' default settings look like:
layout_config   DynamicArcade
   param                cabslide 750
   param                defmarquee arcade
   param                dsl yes
   param                mdgta single_line
   param                quick_clear custom2
   param                screenfx scanlines
   param                search_control custom1
   param                search_method only_results
   param                ucd1 OPTIONS BELOW
   param                ucd2 OPTIONS BELOW
   param                vertshow fade_hide

If, when under layout options 'crt_shader' is selected and you are getting a black video screen in the cabinet instead of video-snaps playing. In other words, you can *hear* the video playing, but you can't *see* any video playing on the cabinet screen. Then change the layout option to 'scanlines' instead. Initially a work around for non Nvidia users, can also be for users that prefer that style of cabinet screen appearance.


I'm hoping that others will find it easy to follow my layout. I've learnt a lot over the last six months and know how hard it can be when you are starting off. I feel that the easier it is for others to learn then they too can create and release layouts. Thereby teaching me new tricks or ideas in return. If I learned something everyday then it would be a win-win. So, here's hoping for more releases in 2021! ;D
« Last Edit: January 30, 2021, 02:44:22 PM by jclampy69 »

jclampy69

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Re: DynamicArcade layout theme
« Reply #1 on: December 25, 2020, 12:28:06 AM »
Screenshots: beta-v4
<options screen is from beta-v9>
« Last Edit: January 26, 2021, 01:51:19 AM by jclampy69 »

jclampy69

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Re: DynamicArcade layout theme
« Reply #2 on: December 25, 2020, 12:28:16 AM »
Teaser for what is coming in Beta-v3... <not a requirement, you will only miss category and some extra player info (simultaneous play or alternative turns)>

To have full game metadata info display, I suggest you make your romlists here.. (This way you will have more *info* show up in the game metadata info section).
http://adb.arcadeitalia.net/lista_mame.php
If you haven't used this before.. What you do is;
1) Click "Additional Filters".
2) Tick 'Arcade' in lower 'Filter' section.
3) Click 'Search' button.
4) At bottom of screen you should see total number of games.. at moment full arcade set will be 10,274 games.
5) Click 'Options' button and 'Export the results'.
6) You want 'AttractMode (txt)', for emulator you would type the name of your attractmode/emulator/ .cfg file, you can specify a version number if you want, then hit the 'export' button.
7) Copy the txt file to your attractmode/romlists/ folder. Rename the txt file as needed, make a backup of old ones, etc.. If you use a new name then you have to add it to your attractmode/attract.cfg file as usual.

Interesting things when making a list.. You can choose certain mame drivers to make things like CPS1,2,3 NEOGEO, SNK, etc... Can make genres, can make years, per manufacturers, etc.. Just parents, or clones and parents, or all kinds of different options.
Or, just keep one full list as in the process I explained above.

To easily edit the gamelist txt file yourself, just open the txt file up in a Spreadsheet program, importing it in csv type with a 'Semicolon Separator'. Then just save it back as a txt.

An example of the game metadata info displayed is below.
Top = With the extra data (adb.arcadeitalia) beta-v3 style
Bottom = Without the extra data (mame listxml) beta-v2 style
« Last Edit: December 31, 2020, 07:38:49 PM by jclampy69 »

jclampy69

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Re: DynamicArcade layout theme
« Reply #3 on: December 25, 2020, 01:46:10 PM »
If you already have CoinOPs cabinet graphics then I have made some templates and a procedure so you can convert them over yourself.
http://forum.attractmode.org/index.php?topic=3778.msg26708#msg26708
« Last Edit: December 31, 2020, 03:58:23 AM by jclampy69 »

jclampy69

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Re: DynamicArcade layout theme
« Reply #4 on: December 25, 2020, 04:58:15 PM »
Does anyone have a suggestion for a static image background that would be suitable?

Ideally:
1) at least 1080p resolution.
2) probably nothing interesting on the left hand side since that is where cabinet will go.
3) maybe an arcade that is not bright (so that room lighting effects pop). Scaling/angle so it looks like you are standing in the room.
4) maybe with some cult or classic arcade machines, but not necessarily.

Damon-HP

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Re: DynamicArcade layout theme
« Reply #5 on: December 26, 2020, 03:54:53 AM »
Does anyone have a suggestion for a static image background that would be suitable?

Ideally:
1) at least 1080p resolution.
2) probably nothing interesting on the left hand side since that is where cabinet will go.
3) maybe an arcade that is not bright (so that room lighting effects pop). Scaling/angle so it looks like you are standing in the room.
4) maybe with some cult or classic arcade machines, but not necessarily.
Hi clampy, thanks for your great work. Imho a good solution was put on background the specific fanart of game, if there isn't it's replaced with a generic image (for example some producer logos).
This is an idea to develop and improve. COINOPS does like I described. You could take inspiration


jclampy69

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Re: DynamicArcade layout theme
« Reply #6 on: December 26, 2020, 01:57:43 PM »
That looks quite nice, but I'm not trying to replicate CoinOPs, hence why I don't put CoinOPs in the name.
I'm also not intending to use 'fanart' because I want to have an authentic representation of the games from their actual time period.
If I was to add the original 'flyers' it would probably be attached to a wall or side of a cabinet as part of the background for example.
The cabinet images initially have come from CoinOPS but with the changes I am making to them, many will not look the same in the end.
Also, I will remove their image defects/artifacts (disable the alpha channel on their cabinet images to see what I am talking about).

jclampy69

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Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v2 released
« Reply #7 on: December 30, 2020, 01:12:42 AM »
Beta-v2 released.
- major rewrite fixing memory leak and greatly improving performance.
- Damonxxx request: increased number of logos in the gamelist to an optimal 7.
- Damonxxx request: vertical game logo list now has 'show' or 'fade & hide' setting under layout options.
- Damonxxx request: setting under layout options to enable or disable system logo.
- new selected game logo effect.
- improved search engine.
- improved and increased the 'cabinet slide time' setting under layout options.

Link in first post.
« Last Edit: December 30, 2020, 01:57:56 AM by jclampy69 »

jclampy69

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Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v2 released
« Reply #8 on: December 31, 2020, 04:10:39 AM »
Teaser of what is coming in Beta-v3...
http://forum.attractmode.org/index.php?topic=3849.msg26787#msg26787

Edit:
Even more information/improvement
Still a work in progress.. Haven't decided on whether 3 line title & right aligned manufacturer or 2 line title & left aligned manufacturer.
Will go with image e for now.. image f shows the tweaked vertical game logo list to fit the new metadata box.
« Last Edit: December 31, 2020, 09:59:32 PM by jclampy69 »

jclampy69

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Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v2 released
« Reply #9 on: December 31, 2020, 04:19:48 AM »
Following on from the post here.. http://forum.attractmode.org/index.php?topic=3849.msg26792#msg26792

Some tests of static image backgrounds..
Does anyone think any of these might look nice?
Please post your comments, votes.. Or feel free to post a link to an image you think would make a great background.  8)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/13X4fWnA2ovQ_97K8psFiUG4x14o-8MgN/view?usp=sharing

I have received a vote for 5a+b and 6a+b so far.

My thoughts would be to include a variety of backgrounds so people have more chance of finding something they like, instead of just one.
I'm also looking at the possibility of an arcade background themed on a set of machine types or genre of games.
« Last Edit: December 31, 2020, 04:28:53 AM by jclampy69 »

Damon-HP

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Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v2 released
« Reply #10 on: January 01, 2021, 12:04:44 PM »
Following on from the post here.. http://forum.attractmode.org/index.php?topic=3849.msg26792#msg26792

Some tests of static image backgrounds..
Does anyone think any of these might look nice?
Please post your comments, votes.. Or feel free to post a link to an image you think would make a great background.  8)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/13X4fWnA2ovQ_97K8psFiUG4x14o-8MgN/view?usp=sharing

I have received a vote for 5a+b and 6a+b so far.

My thoughts would be to include a variety of backgrounds so people have more chance of finding something they like, instead of just one.
I'm also looking at the possibility of an arcade background themed on a set of machine types or genre of games.

Imho 5a+b and 6a+b are best solutions

jclampy69

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Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v3 released 2 Jan 2021
« Reply #11 on: January 01, 2021, 07:04:28 PM »
Beta-v3 released.
- Damonxxx request: layout option to set a default marqueedef.png or just have an 'empty' plain black appearance.
- extra fields of game info data will now be displayed if you have it in your romlist.txt
- lessened the gap between logos in the vertical game list so it fits with the extended game info section.
- lessened the blur effect on the background video. I felt it was too strong and lost too much detail in the back half of the room.
- tick sound effect added to game list navigation.
- more minor code tweaks throughout.

Link in first post.

Edit:
I just noticed the Gameroom Neon sign was taken down.. I will modify it's blur to match the background video and add it back to beta-v4. Sorry for any inconvenience.
« Last Edit: January 01, 2021, 07:29:08 PM by jclampy69 »

jclampy69

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Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v4 released 5 Jan 2021
« Reply #12 on: January 04, 2021, 04:01:47 PM »
Beta-v4 released.
- Game Room neon sign re-attached with blur matching the background video.
- Damonxxx request: game counter shown as a four digit number. For example; 0033 of 0333.
- Scrolling progress bar (aka the yoyo) modified to fit with the recent modifications of metadata expansion and the new game counter.
- System logo modified to line up with the new game counter and scrolling progress bar.
- Alpha channel modification to metadata area and game counter so they should be readable on light or dark backgrounds now.

Link in first post.

Damon-HP

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Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v4 released 5 Jan 2021
« Reply #13 on: January 06, 2021, 04:28:57 AM »
Beta-v4 released.
- Game Room neon sign re-attached with blur matching the background video.
- Damonxxx request: game counter shown as a four digit number. For example; 0033 of 0333.
- Scrolling progress bar (aka the yoyo) modified to fit with the recent modifications of metadata expansion and the new game counter.
- System logo modified to line up with the new game counter and scrolling progress bar.
- Alpha channel modification to metadata area and game counter so they should be readable on light or dark backgrounds now.

Link in first post.
Bravo, very nice job.

jclampy69

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Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v5 released 11 Jan 2021
« Reply #14 on: January 10, 2021, 03:58:53 AM »
Beta-v5 released.
- Bug Fix: First game in list was shown as 00 on the game counter. Now it will show as 01.
- game counter automatically adapting digit syntax to your romlist. For example; 00240 of 10100, 0431 of 5379, 087 of 423, 020 of 187, 03 of 15 etc.
- Trbomoble request: cabinet 'leaving' animation.
- Incorporation of new artwork type 'Title Screens'. Increases game list scrolling performance and works well with the 'leaving' cabinet animation.
- Further modulation of layout components.
- Arange cabinet slide time 'layout setting' options in numerical order.
- minor code tweaks throughout.

Link in first post.

Please pay attention to the new **Artwork Naming Convention**
// wheel = game logos (preferably resolution smaller than 1000 wide so not to overload AttractModes image cache).
// cabinet = game cabinets (this layout uses cabinet images of resolution 1300x1080).
// marquee = game marquees (preferably resolution smaller than 1500 wide so not to overload AttractModes image cache).
// video = game videos (preferably 640x480 or 320x240 for correct ratio for shader effect settings).
// tscreen = game title screens (preferably 640x480 or 320x240 for correct ratio for shader effect settings).

below is screenshot of the animation of the 'previous' cabinet leaving to the right while a 'new' cabinet is arriving into view from the left.
« Last Edit: January 10, 2021, 04:15:05 AM by jclampy69 »