OS X 10.14 To Start Dropping 32-bit Support

[Quintillus]

Saw this article when catching up on news today:

To prepare for a future release of macOS in which 32-bit software will no longer run without compromise, starting in macOS High Sierra 10.13.4, a user is notified on the launch of an app that depends on 32-bit software. The alert appears only once per app.

Given the age of Civ3, I'm guessing it will probably be 32-bit and thus affected. It isn't clear yet what "without compromise" means - maybe Civ3 will keep running all right - but I figured there would be some people here who would appreciate being in the loop.

 

[SWY]

The first stage has begun, they will no longer accept 32 bit applications in the mac app store.
I fear that, without updates from the developer (highly unlikely for an old game like Civ3), macOS will no longer be able to run a lot of older games. Apple has done things like this before (dropped support for MacOS 9 apps with MacOS X 10.5, dropped support for PowerPC emulation with MacOS X 10.7, dropped support for 32-bit apps on iOS 11). It's good for progress, but bad for people who like their older purchases. I think the only way to keep running games like Civ3 will be to run an older version of macOS in VirtualBox, VMware or Paralels.

 

[jpinoniemi]

You are able to run Civ 3 on newer versions of OS X (without emulation)? I haven't tried since Civ 4 came out, but I do still have it installed on an older Macbook running OS X 10.6.

 

[Acronym]

I've just updated to macOS 10.14, with some trepidation, given the above. Can confirm Civ III still runs as well as before - still needs to be in a window, and still won't let you play hottest or initiate a PBEM game (though if someone starts a PBEM game on a PC you can still play).

It is definitely a 32-bit app, so 10.15 will certainly break it, as 10.15 has dropped all support for 32-bit apps. Regardless, there is no way to buy a copy of Civ III for Mac any more - I've just got an old copy on my computer that's been there for years, through multiple upgrades. I'm well aware that one day it will no longer work - there are plenty of other games out there to play, not least Civ VI - but it'll still be a shame given how good it still is.