Basic Launcher Version 4.8.0

Simple Launcher v4.8.0 has been released, featuring major improvements for retro game emulation. The update includes a complete overhaul of Microsoft Windows game scanning, with modular platform-specific classes for better error handling and user interface refinement. New features include enhanced game scanning with improved filtering and executable identification, an API for downloading game artwork, and robust error handling for downloads and game launches. UI/UX enhancements feature a global RetroAchievementsWindow, automated game scanning, and updated menu structures. Additionally, the update includes binary and dependency updates, code cleanup, and localization improvements. Download the latest version for enhanced gaming experience.

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Simple Launcher v4.8.0 has been launched. Simple Launcher serves as an emulator frontend that simplifies the process of playing retro games.

Simple Launcher Changelog:
Significant Update: Microsoft Windows Game Scanning & Improved Error Management
This update features a comprehensive rework of Microsoft Windows Game scanning, greatly enhancing error management and optimizing the user interface.
Key Updates
1. Game Scanning Refactoring & Expansion
The unified GameScannerService has been divided into modular, platform-specific classes:
ScanSteamGames
ScanEpicGames
ScanGogGames
ScanMicrosoftStoreGames
ScanAmazonGames
ScanBattleNetGames
ScanHumbleGames
ScanItchioGames
ScanRockstarGames
ScanUplayGames
This modification introduces new platform support and improves the existing scanning process with:
Enhanced filtering
DLC detection
Executable identification
Heuristics for icon extraction
2. API-based Artwork Download
New API integration (GameImageClient) enables downloading of game artwork for Microsoft Windows Games, backed by solid fallback methods for local icon extraction if the API fails.
3. Improved Error Management & Stability
Long path support: Added \\?\ prefix for dependable file and directory operations across services
Error handling for downloads and extractions: Including retry logic, disk space verification, user cancellation management, and a new ShowExtractionFailedMessageBoxAsync for manual intervention
Game launching error management: Enhanced in GameLauncher with .URL validation, protocol checks, and a new ShowCustomMessageBox for detailed alerts
UIPI exceptions: Managed gracefully in GamePadController with improved error logging
4. UI/UX Enhancements
A new global RetroAchievementsWindow has been introduced for user profiles and unlocks
Game scanning for Microsoft Windows is now automated on first run
Menu structures have been updated, replacing dynamic headers with static strings for improved consistency
A new SupportOptionWindow has been added for AI-guided troubleshooting and developer communication
5. Binary & Dependency Updates
Various external tools have been updated:
RetroGameCoverDownloader
GameCoverScraper
BatchConvertToCHD
6. Code Optimization & Localization
Cleaned up obsolete code
Updated localization strings across all supported languages