Request to dev to unlock the Documents folder on iOS

[SergZak]

I realize that I'm very late to this game but wanted to request a possible update to the iOS version (IF one is ever released) to unlock the Documents folder (where the save games are stored) to the end-user so that iTunes File Sharing can be used to access the save games for backing them up.

I wanted to purchase and get started on 4X but upon accessing the game in iMazing (like iTunes, it lets you access File Sharing folders on your devices), it's apparent that access to the Documents folder is denied.

I have tested this on the free 4X version and not the 4X Elite version which I assume has this restriction as well.

Thanks for listening.

[drspendlove]

Wait, is the folder locked by the application? Or by the OS? (Genuinely wondering here)

[SergZak]

The app developer can choose to allow end-user access to the Documents folder (I believe this is the only folder allowed by iOS). iOS normally locks out all access to Documents unless the developer specifies otherwise. This is also a way for the end-user to back up certain aspects of the app...not just savegames. It could be documents, .gpx files (for GPS applications) or any data that the app developer wants to allow the end-user to be able to access/archive/etc.

I believe most of the newer Trese Brothers games after 4X (I've verified HOS, BF & STF since I own those titles) allow access to Documents and thus the savegame files.

I don't believe (I'm not an iOS developer) it involves the recoding of anything, just a flag set by the dev allowing access to the folder.

[drspendlove]

Interesting. I had no idea. Thanks!

[fallen]

Yep, unfortunately Apple added the new switch to share Documents after the point at which we stopped updating 4X Empires. If we do an update in the future, it will be included.

[SergZak]

Well, a glimmer of hope at least. Thanks

[Cory Trese]

I'll take a look. It is pretty unlikely that Apple will let us update BOTH Free and Elite, they have banned that type of application duo for new apps and updates, so we're pretty stuck.

I can take a look at pushing an Update for ST 4X Elite that's where the most players are. I'll update here if it is ever approved. Apple has a lot of things they want and sometimes for older games it just isn't possible with a team of two people with no budget.

[SergZak]

Cory Trese

Thanks a bunch for having a look. And yes, if anything is done as far as this "Documents folder" request goes, please just push for the ST 4X Elite version. I will buy it in a heartbeat...or maybe even sooner, without the accessible Documents folder.

[SergZak]

I just purchased the iOS version of 4X Elite which is on sale now (11/25/2020) for $2.99; down from $4.99.