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OSS Report: libretro/RetroArch


RetroArch Development Stagnates Amidst High User Engagement and Persistent Issues

RetroArch, a cross-platform frontend for the libretro API, continues to be a popular choice for retro gaming enthusiasts, offering a unified interface for various emulation cores. Despite its popularity, recent development activity has been minimal, with no significant commits or pull requests in the past month.

Recent Activity

The RetroArch project has seen a flurry of user engagement through issues and feature requests, but development progress appears stagnant. Recent issues highlight persistent challenges with controller compatibility, performance on different platforms, and specific core functionalities. For instance, #16898 addresses a critical issue with the linuxraw controller driver in virtual machines, while #16897 suggests adding cloud support for Android. These issues indicate ongoing user demand for improved functionality and experience.

Development Team and Recent Contributions

  1. zoltanvb

    • Last active: 8 commits addressing shader path initialization and crash fixes.
  2. github-actions

    • Automated translation updates with 21 commits.
  3. kwyxz

    • Addressed CLI arguments on Haiku with 3 commits.
  4. Eric Warmenhoven

    • Enhanced iOS/tvOS performance with 16 commits.
  5. hunterk

    • Improved GLES directives with 2 commits.
  6. mahoneyt944

    • Fixed SIGTERM handling in Unix drivers with 1 commit.
  7. Jason Breitweiser

    • Allowed playlist icon replacements with 1 commit.
  8. Viačasłaŭ

    • Fixed Win32 executable paths with 2 commits.
  9. Jamiras

    • Updated rcheevos to version 11.5 with 1 commit.
  10. negativeExponent

    • Fixed MIDI issues in winmm_midi driver with 2 commits.
  11. LibretroAdmin

    • Focused on cleanups and build fixes with 14 commits.

Of Note

Quantified Reports

Quantify commits



Quantified Commit Activity Over 30 Days

Developer Avatar Branches PRs Commits Files Changes
libretroadmin 1 0/0/0 14 62 5911
github-actions 1 0/0/0 21 49 2564
Jamiras 1 1/1/0 1 25 1074
Eric Warmenhoven 1 16/16/0 16 32 704
Jason Breitweiser 1 0/1/0 1 17 592
zoltanvb 1 8/7/0 8 43 296
kwyxz 1 3/3/0 3 10 60
hunterk 1 2/2/0 2 2 17
Viačasłaŭ 1 3/2/0 2 2 11
mahoneyt944 1 1/1/0 1 1 9
negativeExponent 1 2/2/0 2 2 7
Nargash (Nargash) 0 0/0/1 0 0 0
None (YanqiXu2) 0 1/0/1 0 0 0

PRs: created by that dev and opened/merged/closed-unmerged during the period

Quantify Issues



Recent GitHub Issues Activity

Timespan Opened Closed Comments Labeled Milestones
7 Days 14 5 7 14 1
30 Days 63 20 74 62 1
90 Days 208 65 371 207 1
All Time 7715 5001 - - -

Like all software activity quantification, these numbers are imperfect but sometimes useful. Comments, Labels, and Milestones refer to those issues opened in the timespan in question.

Detailed Reports

Report On: Fetch issues



Recent Activity Analysis

The RetroArch GitHub repository currently has 2,714 open issues, indicating a high level of ongoing user engagement and potential areas for improvement. Recently, several critical issues have emerged, particularly concerning controller compatibility, performance on various platforms, and specific core functionalities. Notably, there are recurring themes around input handling, especially with controllers like the DualSense and Switch Pro Controller, as well as issues related to save states and game loading across different systems.

Several issues highlight significant user frustration, such as the inability to load certain games or cores properly, which may impact user retention and satisfaction. The presence of multiple feature requests suggests a demand for enhanced functionality and user experience improvements.

Issue Details

Most Recently Created Issues:

  1. Issue #16898: linuxraw: The linuxraw controller driver not working in GNU/Linux virtual machines

    • Priority: High
    • Status: Open
    • Created: 0 days ago
    • Updated: N/A
  2. Issue #16897: Feature Request Add cloud (Nav server) for android?

    • Priority: Medium
    • Status: Open
    • Created: 0 days ago
    • Updated: N/A
  3. Issue #16896: Haptic feedback/Vibration strength parameter is ignored

    • Priority: Medium
    • Status: Open
    • Created: 1 day ago
    • Updated: N/A
  4. Issue #16895: It is possible to activate the cheat menu in a network room with core fbneo.

    • Priority: High
    • Status: Open
    • Created: 1 day ago
    • Updated: N/A
  5. Issue #16894: [feature request] iOS option to toggle fullscreen/ custom resolution shortcut

    • Priority: Low
    • Status: Open
    • Created: 2 days ago
    • Updated: N/A
  6. Issue #16893: PS1 game Alundra (USA) issues

    • Priority: High
    • Status: Open
    • Created: 2 days ago
    • Updated: N/A
  7. Issue #16892: [Feature request] Pressure sensitive Fast-forward, and Rewind settings

    • Priority: Medium
    • Status: Open
    • Created: 1 day ago
    • Updated: N/A
  8. Issue #16891: MS-DOS core should be in the list as MS-DOS, next MS-X not just DOS

    • Priority: Low
    • Status: Open
    • Created: 1 day ago
    • Updated: N/A
  9. Issue #16890: Unable to run on Ubuntu Frame

    • Priority: High
    • Status: Open
    • Created: 1 day ago
    • Updated: N/A
  10. Issue #16889: RetroARCh LINUX MINT doesn't recognize any other drives where my ROMS are stored

    • Priority: Medium
    • Status: Open
    • Created: 1 day ago
    • Updated: N/A

Important Observations

  • The issue regarding the linuxraw controller driver (#16898) is critical as it affects usability in virtual environments, which could deter users from utilizing RetroArch in such setups.
  • Feature requests like adding cloud support (#16897) indicate a desire for enhanced functionality that could improve user experience.
  • The haptic feedback issue (#16896) reflects ongoing concerns about input responsiveness on mobile platforms.
  • The cheat menu activation issue (#16895) raises concerns about fair play in multiplayer scenarios, particularly in competitive gaming contexts.
  • The PS1 game issue (#16893) highlights compatibility problems that could affect game accessibility and enjoyment.

Overall, these recent issues point to a mix of urgent bugs that need addressing alongside valuable feature requests that could enhance RetroArch's capabilities across various platforms.

Report On: Fetch pull requests



Report on Pull Requests

Overview

The dataset contains a comprehensive list of pull requests (PRs) for the RetroArch project, highlighting both open and closed PRs, their descriptions, statuses, and comments from contributors. The analysis focuses on the themes, commonalities, and notable features being worked on within these PRs.

Summary of Pull Requests

  1. PR #16747: Sort Remaps by Connected Controller

    • State: Open
    • Created: 49 days ago
    • This PR introduces a feature that allows users to save remapped controls for different controllers and ensures the correct remap is applied based on the controller connected. Notably, existing remap files will not load automatically due to changes in folder structure.
  2. PR #16835: Auto save state when loading new content

    • State: Open
    • Created: 18 days ago
    • This PR aims to enhance user experience by automatically saving the game state when new content is loaded. However, concerns were raised about its implementation regarding saving states when content is simply closed.
  3. PR #16826: Make individual thumbnail downloads obey filename match setting

    • State: Open
    • Created: 22 days ago
    • This PR modifies thumbnail downloading behavior to respect user settings regarding filename matching, thus improving user control over asset management.
  4. PR #16743: Add option to disable analog stick menu navigation

    • State: Open
    • Created: 51 days ago
    • Introduces settings to disable analog stick navigation in menus, responding to user requests for more control over input configurations.
  5. PR #16720: Simplified Parameter Parsing for Shader Formats

    • State: Open
    • Created: 58 days ago
    • This PR simplifies the parameter parsing process for shaders, enhancing code maintainability and reducing complexity.
  6. PR #16683: Wayland: Load cursor theme/size based on settings

    • State: Open
    • Created: 68 days ago
    • Implements cursor theme and size adjustments based on user settings in Wayland environments.
  7. PR #16481: Bump actions/upload-artifact from 3 to 4

    • State: Open
    • Created: 112 days ago
    • Updates the GitHub Actions artifact upload tool, addressing breaking changes and improving performance.
  8. PR #16475: Fix CloudSync on Windows, enable by default

    • State: Open
    • Created: 114 days ago
    • Aims to fix issues with CloudSync functionality on Windows platforms, making it enabled by default for better user experience.
  9. PR #16464: Update bundled assets for functional initial install

    • State: Open
    • Created: 117 days ago
    • Updates bundled assets to ensure users have necessary overlays available immediately after installation.
  10. PR #16449: Use reverse DNS name for desktop file and icon

    • State: Open
    • Created: 123 days ago
    • Renames desktop files to comply with FDO specifications, enhancing compatibility across Linux distributions.

Analysis of Pull Requests

The pull requests reflect an active development environment within the RetroArch project, with a focus on enhancing user experience and addressing long-standing issues. Several key themes emerge from the analysis:

  1. User Experience Enhancements: Many PRs are aimed at improving usability features such as auto-saving states (#16835), remapping controls (#16747), and customizing input options (#16743). These enhancements indicate a strong commitment to refining the user interface and making RetroArch more intuitive for gamers.

  2. Feature Requests and Community Feedback: The responsiveness of contributors to community feedback is evident in PRs like #16743 (analog stick navigation) and #16826 (thumbnail downloads). This engagement fosters a collaborative environment where user needs are prioritized in development efforts.

  3. Code Maintenance and Simplification: Several PRs focus on simplifying existing code structures or processes, such as #16720 (shader parameter parsing) and #16683 (Wayland cursor handling). These efforts not only improve code readability but also facilitate future development by reducing complexity.

  4. Cross-Platform Compatibility: Many changes target specific platforms (e.g., iOS/tvOS enhancements in multiple PRs), showcasing RetroArch's commitment to maintaining broad compatibility across various operating systems while addressing platform-specific issues like those seen in #16475 (CloudSync) and #16806 (local thumbnail support).

  5. Quality Assurance and Bug Fixes: Numerous PRs are dedicated to fixing bugs or enhancing stability (#16810 for Vulkan shaders), indicating ongoing efforts to ensure that RetroArch operates smoothly across all supported platforms.

  6. Community Contributions: The volume of contributions from various developers highlights a vibrant community around RetroArch, with many contributors actively participating in discussions about features, fixes, and enhancements as seen in comments throughout the PRs.

In summary, the pull requests analyzed demonstrate a proactive approach to development within the RetroArch project, characterized by user-centric improvements, community engagement, code simplification efforts, cross-platform support, and a strong focus on quality assurance. The ongoing activity suggests a healthy project trajectory with continued relevance in the retro gaming community.

Report On: Fetch commits



Repo Commits Analysis

Development Team and Recent Activity

Team Members and Recent Contributions

  1. zoltanvb

    • Recent Activity: 8 commits, 296 changes across 43 files.
    • Notable Work: Implemented CLI shader path for shader directory initialization, fixed a crash related to switchres, and made various contributions to translation updates.
    • Collaborations: Worked alongside other developers on multiple features and bug fixes.
  2. github-actions

    • Recent Activity: 21 commits, 2564 changes across 49 files.
    • Notable Work: Automated fetching of translations from Crowdin.
    • Collaborations: No direct collaboration noted as this is an automated process.
  3. kwyxz

    • Recent Activity: 3 commits, 60 changes across 10 files.
    • Notable Work: Fixed warnings and allowed CLI arguments on Haiku; contributed to building RetroArch with menu disabled.
    • Collaborations: Collaborated with Eric Warmenhoven on various tasks.
  4. Eric Warmenhoven (warmenhoven)

    • Recent Activity: 16 commits, 704 changes across 32 files.
    • Notable Work: Made several enhancements for iOS/tvOS, including performance tweaks and optional library inclusion; addressed cloud sync issues.
    • Collaborations: Frequently collaborated with other team members like kwyxz and zoltanvb.
  5. hunterk

    • Recent Activity: 2 commits, 17 changes across 2 files.
    • Notable Work: Improved GLES version directive granularity and fixed a segfault with Vulkan shaders.
    • Collaborations: Minimal collaboration noted.
  6. mahoneyt944

    • Recent Activity: 1 commit, 9 changes across 1 file.
    • Notable Work: Fixed SIGTERM handling in Unix platform drivers.
    • Collaborations: None noted.
  7. Jason Breitweiser (jbreitweiser)

    • Recent Activity: 1 commit, 592 changes across 17 files.
    • Notable Work: Allowed playlist icons to be replaced with logos; significant code cleanup performed.
    • Collaborations: None noted.
  8. Viačasłaŭ (viachaslavic)

    • Recent Activity: 2 commits, 11 changes across 2 files.
    • Notable Work: Fixed paths for Win32 executable handling.
    • Collaborations: None noted.
  9. Jamiras

    • Recent Activity: 1 commit, 1074 changes across 25 files.
    • Notable Work: Updated rcheevos to version 11.5 with revalidation of config settings after game load.
    • Collaborations: None noted.
  10. negativeExponent

    • Recent Activity: 2 commits, 7 changes across 2 files.
    • Notable Work: Fixed MIDI write issues in winmm_midi driver and ALSA MIDI lingering notes issue.
    • Collaborations: None noted.
  11. LibretroAdmin

    • Recent Activity: 14 commits, 5911 changes across 62 files.
    • Notable Work: Focused on cleanups and build fixes; significant contributions to code quality improvements.
    • Collaborations: Collaborated with various members on code reviews and cleanups.
  12. YanqiXu2 & Nargash

    • No recent activity reported.

Patterns and Themes

  • The development team exhibits a strong focus on cross-platform compatibility, particularly enhancements for iOS/tvOS by Eric Warmenhoven and the integration of cloud sync features.
  • A significant amount of work is dedicated to fixing bugs and improving existing functionalities (e.g., shader handling, MIDI issues).
  • There is a notable reliance on automated processes (e.g., GitHub Actions for translations), which streamlines workflow but does not involve direct collaboration.
  • The team appears to have a collaborative culture with frequent interactions among members, especially around shared features or bug fixes.
  • Code quality improvements are emphasized through cleanups and refactoring efforts led by LibretroAdmin.

Overall, the team's recent activities reflect ongoing commitment to enhancing RetroArch's functionality while maintaining high code quality standards through collaboration and automation.