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vgmstream/vgmstream

Free

vgmstream - A library for playback of various streamed audio formats used in video games.

FreeFree tier
Type
Open Source

About vgmstream/vgmstream

vgmstream is an open-source library for playback and decoding of streamed (prerecorded) video game audio. It supports hundreds of video game music formats and codecs, with high accuracy and compatibility. Features include support for looped BGM using internal metadata, subsongs (playing multiple internal songs separately), companion files and custom containers, encryption keys, and internal stream names. The TXTH function allows external format support, and TXTP provides real-time per-file configuration. Simple tagging via .m3u files is also supported. Plugins are available for Winamp, foobar2000, XMPlay, Audacious, and command-line tools (vgmstream-cli and vgmstream123).

Key Features

Decodes hundreds of video game music formats and codecs
Accurate looped BGM using internal metadata
Subsongs: play multiple internal songs separately
Support for companion files and custom containers
Encryption keys, internal stream names
TXTH function for external format support
TXTP function for real-time config (forced looping, channel removal, subsong selection, file fusing)
Simple external tagging via .m3u files
Plugins for Winamp, foobar2000, XMPlay, Audacious
Command-line tools: vgmstream-cli (decoder) and vgmstream123 (player)

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Supports an extremely wide range of video game audio formats
  • High accuracy and compatibility with original game playback
  • Open-source and free to use
  • Multiple plugin options for popular media players
  • Advanced features like subsongs and real-time configuration
Cons
  • Primarily a library/plugin, no standalone GUI
  • May require technical knowledge to set up and use effectively
  • Documentation is community-maintained and can be scattered

Best For

Playing video game music on desktop media playersConverting game audio to standard formats like WAVAnalyzing and extracting audio from video game filesArchiving game soundtracks with accurate looping