macOS DMG files are not signed/notarized

[matdombrock]

Problem

When downloading tic80 for macOS from tic80.com the user will encounter a Gatekeeper error message which prevents them from using the app.

With recent versions of macOS, Apple requires that we sign and notarize the app. Which requires a paid developer account. Without doing this, users will be forced to go into the settings and manually allow the app which Apple ensures is very hidden from the user.

Check signature

% codesign -vv -d tic80.app
tic80.app: code object is not signed at all

Check notarization:

% spctl -a -vv -t exec tic80.app
tic80.app: rejected
source=no usable signature

[Miguel-hrvs]

We don't have an apple developer program account to sign it.

[matdombrock]

Would it be possible to somehow crowdfund this? Its like $100 USD per year.

I really think it this is unfortunately hurting the user experience.