Geneforge Updates and Tech Support

On this page, you will be able to find all of the latest bug alerts and updates for Geneforge for both Macintosh and Windows.

Restoring a Lost Registration

If you have registered this game but your copy is currently saying that it is unregistered, you can get a replacement registration key for free. The form to request a new key is here.

Geneforge Support for the Macintosh and Windows

Consult the Geneforge FAQ to read answers to commonly asked questions.

Trouble Downloading:
If you are having problems downloading or installing a game, we have some tips to help you out.

Reactivating the Cheat Codes

You can turn off the cheat codes permanently. Should you have done this and want your character editor back, this is how to restore it: If using a Macintosh, throw away the "Geneforge Prefs " file in the Preferences folder. If using Windows, delete the "GFPrefs.dat" file in the Geneforge Data folder. Please note if you have registered the game, this might unregister it. If your game becomes unregistered, contact us for a new key by calling 206.789.4438 or emailing spidweb@spiderwebsoftware.com. There is no charge for this but please include the name you registered under, which game you need a new key for and your current registration code (located in the lower right hand corner of the title screen).

Geneforge Support for Windows

Geneforge v1.0.1

The latest version of Geneforge for Windows is v1.0.1. Download it from the main page.

Geneforge Release History:

v1.0 - Initial Release (3/18/02)

v1.0.1 - Bug fixes and new features (4/16/02)

• Friendlier to very old video cards. If you are using Windows 95 or 98 and Geneforge had a black screen when launched, this might fix the problem. If it does or does not, please let me know.
• The arrow keys now scroll the terrain view.
• There is now an option in the Preferences window to change the mouse speed. If your mouse is very slow, this problem can be resolved.

Other Windows Issues

Installing From CD On Windows Vista

Some of our older CDs have problems installing on Vista, the newest version of the Windows operating system. If you have problems, follow these steps: Insert the CD. Open "Computer" in the Start menu. Right-Click on the CD and select Explore. Run the installer program (the application that has Install at the beginning of the name).

• Several broken aspects of character creation fixed. The starting levels are now fixed and lower, and you get more skill points to spend. This prevents exploit where you could make a super-powerful character by moving all skill points to one particular skill.
• Fire Shaping skill now costs one point more.
• The terrain view now scrolls faster. In addition, there is a preferences option to change the terrain shift speed.
• There are now more different icons for pods, spores, and wands.
• Poison now does damage at half the speed it did before.
• It is now easier to start talking to people.
• There are several new keyboard shortcuts. They are listed in the Helpful Hints section of the in-game documentation.
• Player-created vlish, thahd, and battle alphas are stronger. Base costs for creations changed to be more in line with strength of creatures.
• Player creations now gain experience at a slightly slower rate.
• The error message when the game files to find a suitable screen resolution is now more helpful.
• The "avoid traps by starting combat" exploit has been corrected.
• The infinitely repeatable quest in the Kazg Plains can now only be completed once.
• Numerous balance corrections, minor bug fixes, typo corrections, etc.

v1.0.2 - Bug fixes

• The exploit involving getting extra skills from canisters has been fixed.
• Getting essence from absorbing creations now works as intended.
• Heustess now no longer gives infinite rewards for his quest.
• Can now clear the northern mines and inner crypt.
• The now expected numerous balance corrections, minor bug fixes, typo corrections, etc.

• Geneforge now runs natively on Mac OS X

v1.2 - Universal Version

• Geneforge is now Universal.
• Geneforge now runs in 32 bit color, enabling it to run on all new MacBooks.

Other Macintosh Issues

Running the Game on Mac OSX 10.12 or Later

This game does not work on MacOS Catalina (10.15.x) or later. Apple has decided to drop support for all 32 bit apps, so this game has completely stopped working on new Mac systems.We hope to someday remaster this game to be 64 bit and to work on the latest versions of the Mac OS, but it’s a large job and it will take a while to get to it.

For older Mac OS v10.12 to 10.14, this game can still run but with a few extra steps:

1. Go to your Applications Folder on your hard drive. Open the Geneforge v1.2 ƒ folder.
2. Control-Click the Geneforge v1.2 application. From the pop up menu, select Show Package Contents.
3. Open Contents folder and then MacOS folder.
4. Control-Click the file Geneforge Univ, and select Open from the pop up menu.
5. This will open a terminal window and should launch the game automatically as a process of that window. Do not close this terminal window (that would quit the game.) If the game window is under other application windows and is inaccessible, select Command-Tab to cycle through your applications.
6. Game should run normally.

Older Version Incompatibility With MacBooks With the GMA X3100 Graphics Chip

Older versions of Geneforge 1-3 would not run on the newer MacBooks (with the GMA X3100 graphics chip). The newest version will. If this game is not working for you, download and install the newest version.

"Unable to open sound channels" Error

If you get the error "Unable to open sound channels" when you launch the game, carry out these steps to fix the problem:

i. Open the Applications folder.
ii. Open the Utilities folder.
iii. In this folder, run "Audio MIDI Setup"
iv. Under Audio Output, change the Format to 44100.0 Hz.

This should correct the problem.

1. If you are using MacOS 9, upgrade to the newest version.
2. Use an extension set containing only DrawSprocketLib and any other extensions you need to play the game. (Choose your extension set using the Extensions control panel).
3. Some people have been able to reactivate the mouse or keyboard by unplugging it and plugging it back in. Only try this if you are using a USB mouse or keyboard.
4. Nobody playing Geneforge in Classic mode in OSX has had this problem. If you have OSX on your machine, this might help.