I made physical media for my PC Games

Summary

In a world where digital licenses have replaced physical media, a DIY enthusiast brings back nostalgia by creating miniature PC game boxes equipped with NFC tags and SD cards. This innovative project allows users to scan a box and launch a game directly from their PC. Combining retro design with modern automation via Home Assistant, the creator shares their passion for owning tangible media. With a focus on preserving games beyond digital platforms, the project offers a satisfying blend of customization, technology, and a love for physical collections.

Takeaways

• 😀 Big boxes for PC games were a staple in the 90s and 2000s, replaced by DVD cases and digital licenses in the modern era.
• 😀 The goal is to recreate mini versions of retro game boxes with modern features like NFC tags for launching games on PC.
• 😀 An NFC reader scans the game boxes, triggering the launch of games via Home Assistant automation.
• 😀 The boxes are made from thick card, with designs sourced from Launchbox's game database and edited in Photoshop.
• 😀 The NFC tags inside the boxes contain game data that can be scanned to launch the game, mimicking the experience of physical media.
• 😀 The project includes designing custom SD card holders and 3D printing components for added functionality and visual appeal.
• 😀 Games are stored on SD cards, including DRM-free titles from GOG, and can be launched directly from the boxes with automation.
• 😀 Hass Agent is used to create simple commands that integrate with Home Assistant to launch games when NFC tags are scanned.
• 😀 The project emphasizes the importance of owning physical media in an era dominated by digital licenses and DRM.
• 😀 As a bonus, the creator also incorporated NFC tags into old floppy discs to trigger actions like shutting down the computer or opening Steam.
• 😀 Despite some rough edges, the project provides a satisfying tangible experience, combining digital convenience with physical display.

Q & A

What is the primary goal of the project described in the script?

The goal of the project is to create miniature versions of retro PC game boxes, incorporating modern features like NFC tags and SD cards to launch games directly from a PC, while retaining the nostalgia of physical media.

How does the NFC system work to launch games?

The NFC tags are placed inside the game boxes, and when scanned by an NFC reader connected to the PC, they trigger an automation in Home Assistant that launches the corresponding game.

Why did the creator opt for NFC tags in this project?

The creator used NFC tags to provide a physical, interactive way to launch games. The idea is to combine the physicality of game boxes with the functionality of modern digital systems.

What is Home Assistant, and how is it used in this project?

Home Assistant is an open-source home automation platform. In the project, it is used to manage the automation of launching games when NFC tags are scanned, by linking commands created in HAS Agent to actions within Home Assistant.

What challenges did the creator face with printing the box designs?

The creator faced issues with the printer not being up to the task, as well as discovering that ink cartridges were as expensive as a new printer, prompting them to go to a local print shop for better results.

What is the significance of using GOG in this project?

GOG (Good Old Games) is a DRM-free game platform, and the creator prefers using it to download games. The DRM-free nature of GOG allows the creator to keep the game installers forever, which is important for long-term ownership.

How were the SD cards used in this project?

SD cards were used to store the installation files of games. These cards are placed inside the game boxes, allowing users to easily install games when necessary.

What does the creator mean by 'physical media' and why do they value it?

The creator values physical media as it represents true ownership of the games. Unlike digital licenses, physical media cannot be revoked, and the creator feels a sense of satisfaction from owning tangible items that can be displayed.

How did the creator address the alignment and cracking issues when folding the game boxes?

The creator acknowledged the misalignment and cracking during the folding process but chose to embrace these imperfections, considering them as intentional signs of aging, which adds character to the design.

What are the benefits of using a program like HAS Agent in conjunction with Home Assistant?

HAS Agent allows the creation of simple commands to launch games on the PC. When combined with Home Assistant, it facilitates the automation process, ensuring that scanning NFC tags results in the correct games being launched with minimal manual input.