GameSearch Engine 🎮

A Java-based recommendation engine that helps users discover new games based on their Steam library and preferences. The engine uses fuzzy search algorithms and tag-based analysis to provide personalized game recommendations.

Game.Search.Demo.mp4

Features 🌟

• Steam Integration: Automatically imports user's Steam library and playtime data
• Smart Recommendations: Uses tag-based analysis and playtime data to suggest relevant games
• Fuzzy Search: Intelligent game name matching using fuzzy search algorithms
• GUI Interface: Clean JavaFX-based user interface with:
  • Game browser with Steam store integration
  • Search functionality with autocomplete
  • Library management
  • Like/Dislike system for better recommendations
• Adaptive Algorithm: Adjusts recommendations based on user feedback
• Playtime Analysis: Considers time spent in games to weight preferences

Technical Stack 📚

• Core: Java
• GUI Framework: JavaFX
• External APIs:
  • Steam Web API
  • Apache Commons CSV
  • FuzzyWuzzy for string matching
• Database: CSV-based game dataset
• Logging: Apache Log4j

Architecture 🏗️

The project is organized into several key components:

Core Components

• Database.java: Manages game data and provides search functionality
• Game.java: Game object model with metadata and comparison methods
• GameSearch.java: Core recommendation engine logic
• UserData.java: User preference and library management

UI Components

• SearchApp.java: Main application controller
• GameWindow.java: Game browser and recommendation interface
• SearchWindow.java: Search interface with autocomplete
• LoginWindow.java: Steam login handler

Setup Instructions 🚀

1. Prerequisites:

   • Java JDK 11 or higher
   • Maven for dependency management
   • Steam API key for library integration

2. Configuration:

   # Clone the repository
   git clone https://github.com/yourusername/gamesearch-engine.git
   
   # Install dependencies
   mvn install
   
   # Set up Steam API key
   Add your Steam API key to GameSearch.java

3. Run the application:

   mvn javafx:run

How It Works 🔍

1. User Authentication:

   • Users can either log in with their Steam ID or use the search interface
   • Steam login imports the user's game library and playtime data

2. Recommendation Process:

   • Analyzes user's game library and playtime
   • Creates a weighted tag profile based on played games
   • Suggests games with matching tags and high review scores
   • Adjusts recommendations based on likes/dislikes

3. Search Algorithm:

   • Uses fuzzy matching for flexible game name search
   • Considers popularity and review scores in results
   • Provides autocomplete suggestions from the game database

Acknowledgments 👏

• Steam Web API for game data access
• Apache Commons and FuzzyWuzzy for core functionality
• JavaFX community for UI components