I have a bad feeling that us Mac users are going to be left out in the cold. Yes I know I can instal a virtual PC but the truth is I don't want too....
I can't see it being such a huge deal on their end to make an effort since most of my pbem matches are against opponents using PC's...
Wait and see I suppose...
Elvis said no way for Mac support anymore.
A VM in Parallels doesn't run CMCW well enough to get anything done.
I just found out a few days ago that the activation system for all the MAC and Windows Battlefront version of the games (Not Matrix or Steam) is now lo longer available. One cannot activate any new reinstalled games anymore on a Mac. Currently installed and activated games still run okay. I have CMBS on my desktop but I want to also install it on my laptop because I am going away for 6 months. (never got around to it as I currently only play on my desktop) The activation system is offline. There is thread on the battlefront forum giving some explanation. No warning given either which is disappointing. Neither Battlefront or Slitherine were made aware of the cut-off.
https://community.battlefront.com/topic/144317-attention-mac-users/page/9/
You might be able to port it directly or mirror the installation by making a copy first then transferring the files to your laptop...
Looks like what’s happening over on the Battlefront forum is basically this: the old Mac licensing/DRM system (Gameshield) has gone away, and that’s what’s causing all the activation and reinstall headaches for Mac users. From what’s being said, Battlefront/Slitherine didn’t exactly plan for this and they’re looking at possible solutions, but there’s no quick fix right now.
The general feeling from the community is that Intel Macs may still have some workarounds, but Apple Silicon users are in a much tougher spot, and a proper DRM-free rebuild or new Mac version would take development work and money. So for now it’s a bit of a “wait and see” situation — and if your install currently works, probably best not to touch it.
Hopefully they find a path forward because a lot of us prefer playing CM on Mac — but at the moment nobody seems to have a firm timeline or guarantee.
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Over in the Battlefront forum, Someone has posted that Crossover which is a program to emulate windows works well with Intel based Macs. Works and tested for CMBN, CMFB, CMFI, CMRT (Mac Intel).
@dontpanic The reason I own and use Mac is because I don't like or wish to use the PC / Windows operating system lol...
I stand corrected. It is not a windows emulator.
CrossOver works differently. It's not an emulator. It does the work of translating Windows commands into Mac commands so that you can run Windows software as if it were designed native to Mac.
Disclosure: I do not have the programme nor have I trialed it. I am just passing on what others on the BF forum have said in case it is helpful to others 😀
I may end up getting it if I can't install CMBS on my laptop. I have the full copy on my desktop but delayed activating it on my laptop thinking I could do it anytime. Now I can only play it on my desktop. Am going away for 6 months and I would like it on my laptop to continue playing but now can't . 😥
@dontpanic The free trial is nice too see although I will have to repurchase all my CM titles again as its under the Mac version for the original purchase not the PC versions... $$$$$$$ Fuc.....
Never been disappointed being a Mac user... No Windows updates every 7 days and quite frankly as I've used both PC and Mac OS , Mac is much more user friendly and uncomplicated to navigate when dealing with its operating system and navigation features... Plus I think Bill Gates is a DICK...
Best!
@dontpanic The free trial is nice too see although I will have to repurchase all my CM titles again as its under the Mac version for the original purchase not the PC versions... $$$$$$$ Fuc.....
Actually you don't need to repurchase the CM titles in case you did not know. I used my Mac Activation codes on the Matrix Slitherine site and have access to the PC versions and Steam versions of my CM games. According to BFCElvis on the BF Forum, you don't need to repurchase any games you have bought from Battlefront as long as you have the serial no or activation codes. Just register them at the site.
https://community.battlefront.com/topic/142449-how-to-get-your-cmbn-game-on-steam/
I asked the same question to see if I need to repurchase PC versions.
This John's answer
Howdy.
Register your keys on the Matriz site. Here is how it's done. This is for Normandy but that same process applies for all of the games:
https://community.battlefront.com/topic/142449-how-to-get-your-cmbn-game-on-steam/
Never repurchase anything that you've purchased from Battlefront. I can always get you going.
John
I have also been a long time MaUser and have used Macs since 1990 when I bought my first Mac IIx, since then I have been through numerous upgrades and like you, still much prefer them.
@dontpanic The free trial is nice too see although I will have to repurchase all my CM titles again as its under the Mac version for the original purchase not the PC versions... $$$$$$$ Fuc.....
You are confused. All BFC purchases got you both the mac and windows versions.
@dontpanic The free trial is nice too see although I will have to repurchase all my CM titles again as its under the Mac version for the original purchase not the PC versions... $$$$$$$ Fuc.....
You are confused. All BFC purchases got you both the mac and windows versions.
I was not aware of that too. When CMBN, CMFI CMRT and early expansions was first released I bought both PC and Mac versions from Battlefront in case I ever was forced to use a PC because of work. (Luckily I did not). So I actually have both versions on CD-ROMS plus hard cases and some of the printed manuals. Unfortunately I can't activate those using the activation system but after registering them on the Slithering/Matrix website, at least I now have access to all the PC versions of all the CM games I previously bought.