games:refresh-feedless
Refreshes version information for games that don't appear in the itch.io feed.
Overview
This command specifically targets games that are not included in itch.io's public feed but still need regular updates. These "feedless" games require manual refresh to keep their information current, as they won't be automatically updated through the normal feed processing.
Key Features: Feedless game detection, targeted refresh, manual update control, comprehensive logging.
Usage
Options
The command supports various filtering and processing options similar to the main refresh command, allowing targeted updates of feedless games.
Feedless Game Categories
Several types of games don't appear in the itch.io feed:
Private/Unlisted Games
Developer Testing: Games in development or testing phases
Private Releases: Games shared with limited audiences
Unlisted Content: Games not publicly discoverable
Restricted Access Games
Age-Restricted: Adult content with access restrictions
Regional Restrictions: Games limited to specific regions
Membership Required: Games requiring special access
Legacy Games
Archived Games: Older games no longer actively promoted
Discontinued: Games no longer maintained but still accessible
Historical Content: Games preserved for historical interest
Examples
Refreshes all games identified as feedless.
Refreshes a specific feedless game by ID.
Processes only the first 25 feedless games.
Only refreshes version information for feedless games.
When to Use
Recommended Usage Scenarios
Regular scheduled execution to maintain feedless game data
After discovering games are missing from feed updates
When investigating data inconsistencies
During comprehensive database maintenance
After changes to feed processing logic
Detection Logic
The command identifies feedless games through several criteria:
Feed Absence
Missing from Recent Feeds: Games not seen in recent feed data
Long Update Gaps: Games with unusually long periods without updates
Feed Exclusion Patterns: Games matching known exclusion criteria
Manual Flagging
Database Flags: Games manually marked as feedless
Category-Based: Games in categories known to be excluded
Developer Requests: Games excluded at developer request
Refresh Strategy
Feedless games require special handling:
API Access
Direct API Calls: Bypasses feed-based discovery
Authentication: May require special API credentials
Rate Limiting: Careful management of API call frequency
Data Validation
Availability Checks: Verifies games are still accessible
Status Updates: Tracks changes in game availability
Error Handling: Manages games that become inaccessible
Performance Considerations
Factor | Impact | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
API Rate Limits | Slower processing | Batch size management |
Authentication | Additional overhead | Credential caching |
Error Rates | Higher failure rates | Robust retry logic |
Data Completeness | Partial information | Graceful degradation |
Monitoring
Track these metrics for feedless game processing:
Games Processed: Number of feedless games updated
Success Rate: Percentage of successful updates
API Errors: Failed requests requiring attention
Data Quality: Completeness of retrieved information
Processing Time: Time required for complete refresh
Error Handling
Feedless games often have higher error rates:
Access Issues
Authentication Failures: Invalid or expired credentials
Permission Denied: Insufficient access rights
Game Unavailable: Games that have been removed or restricted
Data Issues
Incomplete Information: Missing or partial game data
Format Changes: Unexpected data structure changes
Validation Failures: Data that doesn't meet quality standards
Integration
Feedless refresh integrates with other systems:
Feed Processing: Complements normal feed-based updates
Manual Refresh: Can be triggered for specific games
Monitoring Systems: Reports on data freshness and quality
Admin Interface: Provides visibility into feedless game status
Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures effective feedless game management:
Review Feedless List: Periodically verify which games are truly feedless
Update Detection Logic: Refine criteria for identifying feedless games
Monitor Success Rates: Track and improve refresh success rates
Optimize Performance: Adjust batch sizes and timing for efficiency
Related Commands
games:refresh - Main game refresh command
feed:process - Process games from public feed
games:update-watchlist - Update followed games