Load save states from command-line or playlist (Try out now!)

General Development
#1

I added a feature to be able to autoload save states via cli or playlist. I call them entry states. My motivation is to get quickly into a preset game when playing with friends. For example: It takes a long time to get a 4-player game of “Winter Games” for the C64 going. It loads slowly and you have to enter your names every time. With entry states i can prepare those games in advance and then get into them instantly. I have now created a few fun playlists that contain small single-player challenges like “get to the end of the level” having x lives, short duels (like directly loading into a penalty shootout of a soccer game), the aforementioned sports-game desciplines and a lot more. For me it’s a game changer :wink:

From command-line:

$ retroarch -L <core> -e 42 <rom>

From playlist:

{
   "path": "<rom>",
   "entry_slot": 42,
   ...
   "core_path": "<core>",
   ...
}

Entry states have to be located alongside your other save states and named like rom_name.state42.entry .

If you like to try it, clone my fork and compile the branch “entrystates”:

$ git clone https://github.com/asciibeats/RetroArch.git
$ cd RetroArch
$ git checkout entrystates
$ ./configure
$ make -j4

Cheers!

4 Likes
#2

I am happy to write that it merged with RetroArch master today. So you don’t have to clone my fork anymore :partying_face:

$ git clone https://github.com/libretro/RetroArch.git
$ cd RetroArch
$ ./configure
$ make -j4

Next up will be entry state management and frontend integration. Input is welcome.

4 Likes