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Custom Systems with Steam Scraping

The Custom category in the Add System wizard lets you build a system for any game collection — including PC games that don't fit into a standard emulator category. When you select Steam as the scrape source, HyperHQ fetches metadata and artwork directly from Steam's servers using each game's App ID.

This is ideal for organizing a collection of PC games, a curated Steam launcher, or anything else where games are identified by Steam App IDs.

When to Use This​

Use Steam scraping when:

  • You want a HyperSpin wheel of PC/Steam games with proper artwork
  • You're building a custom launcher for a subset of your Steam library
  • Your games are identified by Steam App IDs and you want metadata pulled automatically
  • You want box art, backgrounds, and metadata from Steam without manually entering them

Step-by-Step​

1. Open Add System​

Go to Systems → Add System.

2. Select Category: Custom​

Click Custom in the category list. This unlocks the custom system options, including the Scrape As dropdown.

3. Enter a System Name​

Type a name for your system in the System Name field — for example, PC Games, Steam Library, or whatever fits your setup.

4. Set Scrape As: Steam​

In the Scrape As dropdown, search for and select Steam.

When Steam is selected:

  • The file extension automatically sets to txt — you don't need to change it
  • HyperHQ will use Steam App IDs to fetch metadata for each game

5. Set Your ROM Path​

Browse to the folder where your game files will live. These aren't actual game executables — they're lightweight .txt files named with Steam App IDs (see File Naming below).

6. Configure Emulator (Optional)​

For Custom systems, emulator configuration is flexible. You can:

  • Leave it as No Emulator if you plan to launch games another way
  • Set a custom emulator path (e.g., steam.exe) with appropriate command-line arguments
  • Configure it later in System Settings

7. Save​

Complete the wizard. HyperHQ creates your system and begins scanning the ROM folder for .txt files to import as games.

File Naming​

Each game in your custom Steam system is represented by a .txt file named with the Steam App ID. The file can be empty — its name is all that matters.

Examples:

GameSteam App IDFilename
Dota 2570570.txt
Counter-Strike 2730730.txt
Elden Ring12456201245620.txt
Baldur's Gate 310869401086940.txt

Finding Steam App IDs​

The App ID is in the Steam store URL:

https://store.steampowered.com/app/570/Dota_2/
                                   ^^^
                               This is the App ID

You can also find App IDs via SteamDB or by checking your Steam library's local files.

What You Get from Steam​

When HyperHQ scrapes a game using its Steam App ID, it fetches:

  • Game title — official name from Steam
  • Description — full game description
  • Developer / Publisher
  • Release date
  • Genre tags
  • Header image — the main game banner (used as box art)
  • Background image — the game's Steam background artwork
  • Logo — the game's logo image (where available)
  • Capsule artwork — various sizes of Steam's game capsule art

Launching Steam Games​

To actually launch games from this system, configure your emulator to use Steam's URL protocol or the Steam executable with the App ID as the argument.

Example using Steam URL protocol:

  • Emulator path: explorer.exe (or leave blank and use a custom launcher)
  • Command line: steam://rungameid/%rom.filename_no_ext%

Example using steam.exe directly:

  • Emulator path: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steam.exe
  • Command line: -applaunch %rom.filename_no_ext%

The %rom.filename_no_ext% variable gives you the App ID (filename without the .txt extension).

Troubleshooting​

Extension didn't auto-set to txt​

  • Re-select Steam in the Scrape As dropdown. The auto-set triggers when you change the selection.
  • Alternatively, type txt manually in the extension field.

Games not importing​

  • Confirm your files are named [AppID].txt (e.g., 570.txt) and are in the ROM folder you specified.
  • Check that the extension filter is set to txt.

Metadata not loading​

  • Verify your internet connection — metadata is fetched from Steam's servers at scrape time.
  • Double-check the App ID is correct. An invalid App ID will return no data.

Artwork is missing or wrong​

  • Some older or delisted games may have limited artwork on Steam's servers.
  • You can add manual overrides via Media Manager after import.

Game launches Steam but wrong game opens​

  • Check that your .txt filename matches the correct App ID for the game.
  • Verify the command line in your emulator settings uses %rom.filename_no_ext% (not %rom.path%).