M: I don’t suppose there’s any function which will allow me to open a random game on my PS five
G: As of now, the PlayStation 5 doesn't include a built-in feature to randomly launch a game from your library. However, there are a few creative workarounds you can consider:
You can use a random number generator (RNG) to pick a game manually:
This method is popular among gamers looking to tackle their backlogs. For instance, a YouTuber shared their approach to randomly selecting games using an RNG and a set of personal rules. citeturn0search10
While the PlayStation App doesn't offer a random game launch feature, you can use it to scroll through your library and make a spontaneous choice. The app also provides notifications when a game has finished downloading, which can be a prompt to try something new. citeturn0search1
For those comfortable with more technical setups, you might consider creating a custom script or using third-party tools to randomize game selection. However, this approach requires a deeper understanding of the PS5's system and is generally not recommended for casual users.
If you're interested in exploring specific tools or need assistance setting up a random game selector, feel free to ask!
M: I didn’t know that there were such things as third-party tools or scripts. Are you talking about things that run on the PS five hardware, or an external element?
G: No third-party tools or scripts run directly on PS5 hardware—Sony keeps the system locked down. What I meant was external setups, like:
You could write (or use) a simple script or app that:
But the catch: PS5 has no open API to auto-launch a game remotely—so this only helps choose, not start the game.
If you're technically inclined:
This would simulate a random launch, but it's fragile and janky. Not worth it unless you enjoy tinkering.
All viable methods involve external devices. The PS5 itself offers no way to run custom scripts or tools that would launch a game at random.
M: Who would I suggest this to? Could I develop a “game” that accomplishes this task? Answer briefly both in terms of technical feasibility and professional project hurdles. That is, can it be done, and then would legal hurdles of setting up an app to be distributed on the PS five in a legal fashion be so overwhelming that the technical effort wouldn’t be worth it unless it’s for a masochistic hobby?
G: Technically feasible? Yes, you could develop a "game" or app that acts as a random selector UI—but it couldn’t launch other games due to PS5 OS sandboxing and lack of inter-app control.
Professionally viable? No. Sony's dev program is restrictive:
Bottom line: Technically possible as a UI-only tool, but legally and practically not worth it unless it’s for fun or local use on a devkit, which you likely won’t get without deep industry ties.
M: Thank you, that’s the word I was looking for: devkit. Technical question: the app wouldn’t be able to launch it, I get that, but would it be able to access your currently downloaded game list and point you to the pointer that starts the game? I’m sorry if I’m not using the right vocabulary, I’m going from Reflex and vocabulary That’s founded in c++
G: You're asking the right kind of question—your vocabulary makes sense for someone thinking in terms of C++ and OS-level pointers.
Here’s the technical reality on PS5:
No, not in the way you're thinking.
Only slightly:
On a devkit or jailbroken unit (which is not legal to distribute for retail), you could:
Summary:
You can build a standalone selector app with a manually curated
list of installed games, but you cannot access the actual game list
or launch anything due to OS restrictions—even with a devkit. It's a
neat UX idea, but technically blocked at the system level for security
and control reasons.
M: OK, I think this is the last question on the topic: what would be the best email address to suggest this to? You would think Sony would have an easy time of implementing it with a minimal complications and a great deal of utility to people who have a large library. Also, you said that getting the development kit was a pain in the ass, but I’ve seen enough Cheap games, both in quality and price, that I find difficult to believe had to go through a massive rigmarole just to make a columns, knock off.
G: You're absolutely right—Sony could feasibly implement a feature to randomly select a game from a user's library, especially benefiting users with extensive collections.
To propose this idea, you can use Sony's Developer Portal contact form:
This form allows you to submit your suggestion directly to Sony's developer relations team.
While obtaining a PlayStation development kit (devkit) involves a formal application process, Sony has made efforts to support indie developers through programs like PlayStation Partners:
This program provides resources and support for developers aiming to publish games on PlayStation platforms.
Although some indie games may appear simple, developers still undergo the necessary steps to acquire devkits and adhere to Sony's guidelines.
If you need assistance crafting your feature suggestion or navigating the developer application process, feel free to ask!
M: Moving on: I’m using a thinkpad x1 carbon. It’s running the latest Fedora. I also have an avermedia 2 plus live gamer portable. If I wanted to live stream a game evening from a bar, where people play old game systems channeled through the avermedia, onto YouTube, what steps would I need to follow. Give me just an outline breakdown first. No details.
G: Here’s a high-level outline:
Hardware Setup
Software Setup
YouTube Streaming Setup
Connectivity
Test Stream
Go Live
Post-Stream
Let me know if you want to drill down into any step.
M: Bypassing the need to record is why I would prefer the YouTube version over twitch. Plus, I can record to the streaming device itself, so post stream recording issues can be put aside. Let’s start with pre-event items, things that can be taken care of now. I have a video set up that is parallel to what will be used. Everything is correctly connected to something that can be used for test purposes; it’s not the old systems, but it is usable for testing. I’m starting to freeze up to the point that I won’t be able to do anything, because I’m trying to think about everything all at once. Will you please give me a brief, non-detailed checklist of things I can do before getting to the event to make set up their minimally involved.
G: Absolutely. Here’s a focused pre-event checklist to simplify setup later:
Stick to just those for now—let me know when you're ready to zoom in on any.
M: Please add to that the idea of using the laptop camera as a secondary video source. If that’s possible; I gave you the laptop designation specifically because it’s older, and I will need to try and optimize the settings as best I can (without going into a deep technical dive) to make sure that I’m getting as much output as I can with minimal chance of making the hardware give up and cry.
G: Added. Here’s the updated pre-event checklist with your constraints in mind:
This keeps things lean but adds the second camera and performance tweaks you need. Let me know when you're ready to tackle testing or on-site logistics.
M: Before I get started, I gave you the laptop type, thinkpad x1 carbon. Can you tell me if it has hardware encoding available
G: Yes, your ThinkPad X1 Carbon likely supports hardware video encoding via VA-API, which can help reduce CPU load during streaming. Most Intel integrated GPUs, including those found in ThinkPads, support VA-API for hardware-accelerated video processing. citeturn0search0
To utilize this in OBS on Fedora:
libva and intel-media-driver are
installed.VAAPI.This setup should help optimize performance on your older hardware.