Battle Academy: iOS future?

[AEWHistory]

So I know this is a somewhat contentious subject, but I was wondering if there was any chance that BA would be updated to run on the newer iOS versions after Apple’s boneheaded decision to screw their users over and drop 32-bit support? I seem to recall reading that a few programs had been able to be upgraded, but I haven’t heard anything about BA. Does the entire engine need to be rewritten?

If BA cannot be updated in a cost effective manner, is there any chance that a future version of BA might be brought to the iPad? Perhaps with the ability to play some of the old scenarios or something?

Many thanks!

[pipfromslitherine]

Unfortunately we have no plans to update BA on iOS, mainly because we would also have to update all other live versions to maintain the multiplayer community, which amounts to more than a dozen SKUs to rebuild, test, and release.

While the constant hassles with Apple have somewhat soured us on iOS versions, never say never! If we do a BA update then making it work with older maps and missions would certainly be very cool.

Cheers

Pip

[AEWHistory]

Hi Pip, thanks so much for the quick answer. I can understand why updating BA at this point just isn’t cost effective, especially when you put it that way. It is such a shame that Apple has provided no way for people to run their lost software or gain some sort of backward compatibility. I can run Atari 2600 software on a state of the art Wintel machine via emulators, but I can’t run recent 32-bit iOS software on an iOS device..... how pathetic is that? I know, not quite the same thing, but still extremely frustrating.

Also, I can’t blame you guys for feeling as you do about the iPad. As much as I love the convenience of the device, the move to drop 32-bit support has not sat well with me. I know Slitherine has taken a lot of heat for this, and while I understand some people’s frustration, the culprit here is really Apple. Truth is, they screwed all of us over, users and developers alike.

DonCzirr has given me some good ideas on how I can access to my good 32-bit games now that my older iPad has died, but I do hold out hope that you guys will still return to the iPad. (The Android seems like it is too cannibalized of a market to support our niche love like wargaming.). I think if it this way, while Apple certainly screwed us allover, I think this is likely a one time thing. After all, I don’t think we will see a rush to move to 128-bit OSes and dropping 64-bit any time soon. So maybe look at it as a hump that has now been crossed.... I guess that’s easier said for me when it isn’t my work, money, and time on the line though.

Anyway, I hope if and when BA3 is considered you guys will come back to the iPad. You’ve still got a customer in me and many others.

Best,
Aaron