Dev Update: Mac Support & Engine Upgrade

Hey everyone!

I'm currently evaluating a difficult decision about future Mac support.

As some of you might know, Apple has been steadily phasing out support for Intel-based binaries and legacy application structures in newer versions of macOS (macOS 28+).

The game uses Ren'Py 7.5.3. Supporting newer Macs and newer versions of macOS require upgrading the engine, but this isn't a simple update. It could take months of migration, fixing bugs, and testing instead of developing new content.

Option A: Stay on Ren'Py 7.5.3

• Keep support for 32-bit systems, where currently supported.

• Maintain compatibility with Windows 7 and old Windows systems, where possible.

• Keep the current Android setup.

• Continue supporting older Macs that can run the game.

• Spend more time developing new content instead of migrating the engine.

The downside: Newer Macs and newer (macOS 28+ versions may not be able to run future builds.

Option B: Upgrade to Ren'Py 8+

• Improve the chances of supporting newer Mac hardware and macOS versions.

• Migrate existing code from Python 2 to Python 3.

• Retest scenes, animations, saves, Android builds, and other game features.

• Losing compatibility with older systems.

• Delay new content while I fix migration problems.

What's Next?

I'm an independent developer, and I need to carefully consider whether the time required for an engine upgrade is worth the cost to development.

For now, I'm still evaluating my options, and no final decision has been made. I'd prefer to keep supporting older Macs, Windows 7, 32-bit systems where supported, and Android without sacrificing months of development time.

This post is simply a heads-up for Mac users so you know what I'm looking into and why future compatibility could become an issue.

If you play on a Mac, please comment with your Mac model and macOS version. Your feedback will help me understand which systems are being used.

Thanks for your support!