What Game Porting Is And How To Successfully Port Your Game

In today’s gaming industry, game developers are constantly looking for ways to share their video games with a wider audience and maximize their reach. Porting games to different platforms is one powerful strategy to achieve this goal.

In this post, GIANTY takes an in-depth look at the game porting process. We will equip you with the knowledge to bring your game to new platforms, its main advantages for your businesses, and relevant examples.

What is Game Porting?

Game porting, also known as game adaptation or platform porting, is the process of adapting a video game to run seamlessly on a different platform. These platforms can be different operating systems like Windows or Mac OS, gaming consoles like PlayStation, Xbox or Nintendo Switch, or mobile devices powered by iOS or Android.

By porting a game, developers can tap into entirely new player bases, increasing their game’s potential success.

Why is Game Porting Important?

The benefits of game porting are undeniable for both developers and players. You can open up your market and expand your player base by adapting your game to multiple platforms.

• Wider Audience Reach: By bringing your game to new platforms, you can tap into entirely fresh demographics. Each platform caters to a unique audience, vastly expanding your potential player base.
• Enhanced Revenue Potential: With a wider audience, game developers can benefit from multiple platform revenues. Releasing your game on multiple platforms can increase sales and a stronger return on your investment. Monetize your game across different platforms.
• Staying Competitive: The gaming landscape is constantly evolving. Porting your game demonstrates adaptability and keeps your creation relevant in the ever-changing game market. 

How to Port a Game: Roadmap to Success 

Game porting refers to the process of adapting a game designed for one platform to run smoothly on other platforms. While the specifics may vary, here’s a general roadmap for successful game porting:

1. Planning and Analysis: Before diving in, game developers should analyze the target platform and consider technical limitations. Understanding the difference between each platform can help identify potential challenges.
2. Code Adaptation: The game’s code might need adjustments to function on the new platform. This could involve using different game programming languages or APIs (Application Programming Interfaces).
3. Visual Optimization: Ensure your game looks stunning and runs smoothly on the new hardware. Optimizations might involve adjusting graphics, textures, and animations.
4. Refined Gameplay: Sometimes, gameplay tweaks are required to create a natural and enjoyable experience on the new platform. This could involve control scheme changes or gameplay balancing adjustments.
5. Testing and Refinement: Implement various tests to ensure the game functions correctly on the new platform. Identify and address any bugs or performance issues.

Examples of Successful Cases

Many iconic games have thrived through porting. For instance, the captivating world of “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt“ transitioned beautifully from PC to consoles, captivating a whole new generation of players. 

Similarly, the strategic brilliance of “XCOM: Enemy Unknown” found a dedicated mobile audience, proving that thoughtful porting can breathe new life into established titles.

Dead by Daylight, is a popular asymmetrical horror game. Initially released for PC in 2016, the game’s strategic porting to consoles (PS4, Xbox One), mobile (iOS, Android), and various streaming platforms (Stadia) allowed it to reach entirely new audiences.

About GIANTY 

We hope you’ve gained valuable insights into porting process and the potential it holds for expanding your game’s reach. If you are considering porting a title, please get in touch with us. With a proven track record in successful game porting projects, GIANTY can deliver exceptional porting service. Get in touch today and let’s discuss how we can help your game reach new heights!

GIANTY is one of Japan’s biggest outsourcing company. With a team of top talents from Japan and all over the globe, including software engineers, artists and designers, we bring Japanese refinement in game development and designs. We believe that our client’s investment should be valued and should strive to exceed their expectations with accessible pricing.