Mala Plugins

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Revision as of 20:03, 24 May 2007 by Loadman (talk | contribs) (Creating MaLa Plug-Ins: - Added note about the need for Windows SDK if creating a C++ plug-in)
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Installing MaLa Plug-Ins

Installing a plug-in varies a little but basically you need to have the *.mplugin file in the ../mala/plugins directory as well as any other files (like set-up files) that are provided with the Plug-In.

Mala OptionsE.JPG When MaLa starts it looks to see what *.mplugin files are in that directory. It will then list them in..

Assuming you have done the relevant set-up (if any) required for that plug-in, it should work the next time you run MaLa.

Creating MaLa Plug-Ins


Know how to code in Delphi or C++?

Even if you don't, why not try?

You can download 'Free' Delphi and 'Free' C++ and begin producing your own Plug-ins very quickly:

It can be as complex or as simple as you like. Start by modifying the example supplied. (Event Logger)

Free Download Links:

Turbo Delphi: Download Here

MS C++: Download Here Note: To create MaLa Plug-ins with the C++ express version you will alos need to download the Windows SDK


You, for example may have the PC do something like make a BEEP noise when you start a game or you may have it do something more complex like mapping controls for your joysticks for a custom control panel.

In any case, download the Plug-in SDK and have a play. http://mala.arcadezentrum.com/easytrack.php?id=pluginSDKv1.1

The example provided, 'EVENT LOGGER' saves a line to a text file every time a event happens.

When you are ready you can substitute this code with your own code to make the plug-in do somethings else.


In a nutshell, the plug-ins are triggered on various events.

  • Game Selected,
  • Emulator Selected,
  • List Selected,
  • Orientation Switch,
  • Game Start,
  • Game Quit,
  • Screen saver Start,
  • Screen saver Switch,
  • Screen saver Stop,
  • Attract Mode Start,
  • Attract Mode Stop,
  • MaLa Start,
  • MaLa Quit,
  • MaLa Tree Up,
  • MaLaTree Down

On these events you decide what your plug-in will do..

Or you can have your Plug-in tell MaLa what to do (using MaLa Messages)

  • STOP BG MUSIC
  • START BG MUSIC
  • NEXT SONG
  • PREVIOUS SONG
  • SWITCH ORIENTATION
  • FLIP ORIENTATION
  • START SCREENSAVER
  • STOP SCREENSAVER
  • Move game list ONE UP
  • Move game list ONE DOWN
  • Move game list XUP
  • Move game list XDOWN
  • Move game list LETTERUP
  • Move game list LETTERDOWN
  • NEXT GAME LIST
  • PREVIOUS GAME LIST
  • NEXT EMULATOR
  • PREVIOUS EMULATOR
  • START GAME
  • START RANDOM GAME
  • QUIT GAME
  • EXIT MaLa

Try it. It's lots of fun :-)


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