Make Boxer 64-bit compatible for macOS 10.14

[simonbrueckner]

A couple of days ago, macOS 10.13.4 was released which starts issuing warnings that apps which don't support 64-bit will be retired with macOS 10.14 (expected in Autumn '18).

This means that Boxer will in its current setup stop working on the latest macOS later this year.

I get it that the main issue is that underlying DosBox is not 64-bit compatible - but at least it has been compiled with 64-bit support a couple of years ago:
https://hexeract.wordpress.com/2016/09/10/building-dosbox-as-x64-binary-for-macos-sierra/

It would be great to keep Boxer running for the macOS community!

[JoshuaPettus]

The issue isnt that it doesnt compile. Its that the dynamic core doesnt run near as efficently as it does on 32bit. Especially for more demanding games

[almeath]

Still hoping someone can help me in compiling @MaddTheSane's 64 bit build:

#56

As I had trouble with it, I have been spending time extensively testing out 64 bit DOSBox SVN and the results are a lot better than I would have first thought. It works well enough that it appears the end of 32 bit will not entirely end my DOS gaming in macOS.

[almeath]

If you get frustrated waiting for Boxer to ever be updated, Dominus at VOGONS is now providing his DOSBox SVN pre-compiled for both 32 and 64 bit.

https://www.vogons.org/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=59656&p=665727#p665727

[alinebee]

I'm working on a 64-bit build right now, based on @MaddTheSane's https://github.com/MaddTheSane/Boxer/tree/updateDosBox branch. There are a bunch of crashers and UI bugs to resolve before I'll be able to make a beta release off of it however.

@MaddTheSane's branch should compile right off the bat in Xcode 9.3; if you're getting missing header warnings then it's likely an issue with your build environment. Cleaning your build folder and/or checking out a fresh version of the branch into a new directory may cure those.

[almeath]

It is great to hear from you Alun and it is such good news that you are finding some time to look into updating Boxer. I should have had more faith that the cavalry would arrive! :)

[clobber]

Wow, after many years DOSBox 0.74-2 was just released (!!!) with 0.75 finally entering regression testing. From the release notes, there may be some changes that benefit Boxer.

[mintho]

To all coders working on this: Thank you very much. Your hard work is very much appreciated. Personally I lack the skills to contribute, but I hope that with DOSBOX 0.74-2 and its 64Bit support something can be done in time before macOS drops support for 32Bit applications.

[DivineDominion]

I seems joysticks are an issue. I don't have any to test and verify, though:
#102

@alunbestor Even then, I think it'd make sense to merge the functional 64bit branch into master without making a release to have a new baseline for development since games do seem to work.

[seanbperiod]

Looks like Boxer is dead for 10.15 :( really hoping for an update. Love this app!

[shakalaca]

Struggling :(

[srvrguy]

I'm sure work will eventually continue on Boxer for 64-bit support, if someone has the skills and is willing. Until then, you could use DosBox directly and a different GUI.

@shakalaca Download Steam fresh from the site (steampowered.com) and you should get the 64-bit version installed.

[DivineDominion]

The 64bit changes appear to be functional, but the code isn't released as an update, yet.

[gr33k]

Welp - Seems like this AWESOME fellow named YOZY decided to make it work (or compiled the 64-bit branch?) on 64-bit - I tested and verified it's working in Catalina 💃

Forum I found it from:
https://www.dosgameclub.com/forums/topic/boxer-app-64-bit/

File Link:
https://yozy.net/files/downloads/2019/Boxer-2019-03-03.zip

Would be great to see this officially updated for Catalina 👍