LaunchBox Error When Attempting To Download Video Media From Steam

Summary

Users may experience a crash with the error:

“Object reference not set to an instance of an object.”

App: LaunchBox Version: xx.xx Theme: Default Plus Type: System.NullReferenceException Site: System.String GetTrailerVideoUrl(Unbroken.LaunchBox.Windows.SteamGame) Source: Unbroken.LaunchBox.Windows

This occurs when LaunchBox attempts to fetch trailer videos from Steam, triggered by specific actions like editing game metadata or importing Steam storefront media.

Cause

We identified a recent change with Steam in the way that their trailer videos are served via their backend. LaunchBox’s current video query system for Steam games is no longer compatible, resulting in a NullReferenceException when a trailer is requested.

Symptoms

• Crash when selecting Media > Videos > Download Media while editing a PC game

• Crash during Download Metadata & Media Wizard if “Steam Trailer Video” is selected

• Crash during Tools > Scan for Storefront Games if trailers are prioritized

• Crash on startup if Automatic Storefront Imports is enabled and Steam videos are requested

Temporary Workarounds

To avoid triggering the crash:

• ✅ Disable Automatic Storefront Imports under Tools > Manage > Storefronts

• ✅ Avoid selecting Steam Trailer Video when using the Media Import Wizard

• ✅ Do not manually open Download Media > Videos for Steam or PC games

• ✅ If scanning for storefront games, temporarily change media priorities to exclude trailer videos

Status

⚙️ Under Investigation — We’ve confirmed the root issue is due to a Steam-side change and are actively working on an update to restore compatibility.

We’ll update this post as we have more information