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Ask HN: How can I recover and run my old mobile game from the 2010s?

56 points diasks2 | 1 comments | 25 Aug 25 06:41 UTC | HN request time: 0.205s | source

I developed a game called "Putter King Adventure Golf" for iOS and Android back in the 2010s. It's long since disappeared from the app stores, but my son recently asked if he could play it, which got me thinking about whether it might be recoverable.

I'm wondering if there's any way to find a copy of it somewhere on the web (I assume it was probably pirated at some point during its lifetime). And if I could find it, what would be the best approach to get it running again?

Has anyone here successfully recovered and revived their old mobile apps? I'd appreciate any suggestions on:

* Where to look for archived APKs or IPAs * How to sideload/run old mobile apps on modern devices * Whether emulators might be a viable option

Show context
torunar ◴[25 Aug 25 07:09 UTC] No.45011135[source]▶
I found an Android version of your game on 4pda, Russian forum about devices and apps: https://4pda.to/forum/index.php?showtopic=290300#entry102680...
replies(1): >>45022219 #
sandreas ◴[26 Aug 25 04:16 UTC] No.45022219[source]▶
Amazing! Now you need to find a device that can still run it :-)
replies(4): >>45026075 #>>45026419 #>>45026664 #>>45027475 #
toomuchtodo ◴[26 Aug 25 14:56 UTC] No.45027475[source]▶
The Internet Archive already has some emulation support, perhaps Android support is needed? If OP is willing to transfer the copyright to the Archive for $1, I'm happy to facilitate so it has a permanent home.

https://archive.org/details/howtodoupload

(i have archived the APK in Wayback just in case the source in this thread disappears)

replies(1): >>45028993 #
1. diasks2 ◴[26 Aug 25 16:41 UTC] No.45028993[source]▶
That would be great. Is there a way I can reach out to you by email for more info? (my email is my hn username at gmail)