GOG Galaxy Local Games integration

❓What function does this plugin serve? How does it differ from importing games from GOG Galaxy?

Well, it's true that GOG allows you to add games of your choice to the library and link an executable file.

However, there is a problem with this: it doesn't let you add ANY game you want—only those in GOG's database. While it's true that GOG boasts a vast game catalog (unlike emulators), you are still limited if you, as a user, want to add a lesser-known game.

With this plugin, in addition to being able to link any executable you choose, it can be useful for running multiple instances of a game—for example:

In short, that's it: add the .exe YOU want, add as many games as YOU want.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why is the bookmark named "Testing purposes"?

A: This is due to GOG's limitations regarding plugins from outside its database; GOG assigns that generic name to anything it doesn't "recognize." You can easily change the name to whatever you prefer—just right-click on the bookmark.

Q: Why don't the cover art and details appear when importing the .exe file of a "known" game?

A: This is where one of the most frustrating limitations comes in. Unlike emulator ROMs, where each game is identified by an ID, these games must be detected by their literal names. For example:

If you import Stellar Blade but name it "Gooner game," it won't display the game's data or cover art.

If you name it "Stellar Blade"—its actual name—then the data will appear. This applies to any game.

Does that mean you can't name it whatever you want? No, you can use whatever name, cover art, and images you like; it’s just that if you want the system to recognize the "real" game, you have to use its actual name. Ultimately, it’s purely a matter of aesthetics, as the game remains fully playable either way.

Q: Why do some games show up as "Unknown game"?

A: As I explained earlier and here:

GOG forces the use of its database, which is somewhat limited. So, if—as I mentioned above—a game doesn't have a name recognized by their database, bam: "Unknown game." If an emulator ROM lacks an ID that GOG recognizes, bam: "Unknown game."

As the developer, there’s really nothing I can do about it, no matter how many "workarounds" I look for. That’s just how GOG works; it has its limitations. Maybe someday they’ll "open up" a bit more.

In the meantime, whenever a game appears as "Unknown game," simply add the name and cover art yourself.

❗Limitations

The plugin has certain limitations—which are quite annoying—but they are beyond my control because that is simply how GOG works.

If you want to add or remove a game, you unfortunately have to disconnect and reconnect the plugin to access its settings. This won't cause you to lose your playtime data, but you will lose any custom cover art or images you’ve added. As I said, this is something I cannot change, no matter how much I might want to.

There are two "workarounds" for this issue: one on my end and one for the user.

1. From my side as the developer, I plan to implement a system that recursively searches for executables (.exe files) in the paths specified by the user. However, there is a limitation: the plugin won't be able to distinguish between the actual game and other executables. For instance, a game folder might contain both game.exe and uninstall.exe; it would be difficult to ensure the plugin launches the correct one, though this is something that can be improved.

2. The user can navigate to the directory where plugin settings are stored and manually add (or remove) games. This is the most feasible solution, even if it isn't the most convenient one.

📌 Other emulator plugins

Integration	Status	Achievements	Game Time	Download
PS2	✅ Released	⚠️	✅	Download
NES	✅ Released	⚠️	✅	Download
Switch	✅ Released	❌	✅	Download
PSP	⏳ Planned	⚠️	✅	Download
WII	⏳ Planned	⚠️	✅	Download
PS3	⏳ Planned	❌	✅	Download

Note

Some emulators may support achievements through RetroAchievements, provided that GOG decides to integrate with the system. If that ever happens (which I highly doubt), I’ll implement it.

📦 Installation Guide

1. Download the .zip file from this repository, or you can check the releases page for the latest updates.

2. Extract and move the LocalGamesPlugin folder to your GOG Galaxy plugins directory:

   %localappdata%\GOG.com\Galaxy\plugins\installed
   

3. Open GOG Galaxy, go to Settings > Integrations, and look for Testing purposes. Click Connect.

   

4. Configure your games paths:

   

5. Click the Save config button and wait for your games to import.

   

🎫 Having problems? Open a ticket on the Issues page.

• I need the log file generated at%programdata%\GOG.com\Galaxy(plugin-test-673e50d9-96b9-4d83-8f7b-7db28c7119e7.log)