Why port games? The answer is clear — this is a great way to draw attention to a game again and profit from it further. In fact, many game makers do this. For example, GTA V built hype around the game’s release on consoles, but the game was ported to the PC long after the buzz faded. Thus, the product retook the leading position.
Porting games is a laborious process requiring specific knowledge and skills, but certainly worth it if you go into the process with the right mindset and resources. In this article, you’ll learn more about these things, exploring cases like how to port Unity games to Android and other platforms.
Moreover, you’ll learn to choose an external provider of game porting services to speed up the process and not exceed the budget.
Porting Game Process: the Main Stages
Porting in gaming is the technical process of adjusting a game to make it functional on a platform different from the one it was initially designed for. Developers often face this challenge when trying to broaden the reach of a game, especially when it was first released on a platform such as a PC, but the demand rises to offer the same experience to console or mobile players. PC-exclusive games, for example, require thorough adaptation if they are to be playable on consoles, as each system comes with its own set of requirements, constraints, and capabilities.
When developers aim to offer the same game experience across multiple platforms, they must modify the technical elements to meet the distinct requirements of each platform. This isn't as simple as copying and pasting the code or graphics but involves carefully adjusting different parts of the game engine, assets, and user interface to ensure everything works seamlessly on a new device. Specific factors like input methods, memory management, and rendering capabilities differ between PCs, consoles, and mobile devices, requiring customized solutions for each platform.
The porting process is far from a one-step conversion. It is a multi-stage journey that requires the coordination of multiple teams, including programmers, artists, and quality assurance testers. The first major step typically involves analyzing the game's code and assets to identify which parts need adjustment or reworking to fit the new platform's technical limitations. From there, development moves on to modifying the game's controls, adjusting user interface elements to match the new system, and ensuring performance optimization so that the game runs smoothly without overloading the hardware. Each platform, whether a console, mobile device, or PC, has unique constraints that need to be accounted for, from processing power to graphical output and even user interaction preferences.
After the technical adjustments are made, rigorous testing is carried out to ensure that the game plays correctly on the target platform, including testing for bugs and performance issues and ensuring that the player experience remains consistent across different devices. If the game doesn't perform to the expected standard, further modifications are needed until it runs efficiently on the new platform.
Overall, porting is a highly technical and detailed process that ensures players can enjoy a game on various platforms, each with different technical requirements. The stages of this process, from initial analysis to final testing, are critical to the success of bringing a game to a broader audience.
1. Planning and analyzing
Games are frequently ported by outsourcing teams rather than the original developers, meaning the external team may not be familiar with the game’s underlying architecture. As a result, their initial task is to thoroughly collect information about the game’s structure, mechanics, and performance requirements. This detailed analysis serves as the foundation for understanding which elements need modification to meet the demands of the new platform.
One of the most important steps is to identify which functions and features must be updated or altered to suit the technical requirements of the new format. Certain mechanics, such as controls, graphic performance, and system memory usage, may need adjustments to ensure smooth operation on the target platform. Some features that were essential in the original version might no longer be necessary, while others may need to be enhanced or added to provide a similar or improved player experience on the new system.
Beyond replicating the original game, porting often involves making deliberate choices about which functions to retain, remove, or add. Some elements may be removed entirely to meet the hardware limitations of the new platform. For example, the graphical quality may need to be scaled down if the target system has less processing power than the original. On the other hand, certain features might be added to take advantage of the target platform’s capabilities, such as touch-screen functionality or improved performance optimization.
Another crucial aspect of porting involves ensuring compatibility between the original game’s structure and the architecture of the new system. This step requires deep technical insight and precision, particularly when the outsourcing team is unfamiliar with the original game’s design. The process of gathering all relevant data about the game not only helps identify necessary changes but also uncovers potential challenges in porting that could affect the overall player experience.
2. Coding
The porting process involves direct involvement from developers, requiring them to import the source code, apply necessary modifications, and then transfer the game to a new platform. This process can often be time-consuming, as it involves deep technical work to ensure the game performs as intended on the target system. Various parts of the game, including gameplay mechanics, performance parameters, and user interface elements, must be adjusted to meet the technical demands of the new platform.
However, when a game has been developed using major game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, the porting process tends to be faster and more efficient. Games created in these engines are typically designed with multi-platform functionality in mind. Unity and Unreal Engine come with built-in support for a variety of platforms, offering pre-existing solutions for adapting games across different devices. The flexibility of these engines reduces the amount of manual work required to port a game and ensures that developers can maintain consistent performance across different systems.
In addition to coding adjustments, adapting game assets is another crucial task for porting specialists. Different platforms have unique specifications regarding the quality, resolution, and file size of game assets. For instance, large 3D models or high-resolution textures may not be compatible with platforms that have limited processing power or memory capacity. In such cases, developers need to optimize models, reduce asset sizes, or alter the resolution to ensure the game runs smoothly without sacrificing the visual or gameplay experience.
Porting also involves careful consideration of platform-specific limitations and capabilities. Some platforms may support advanced graphical features, while others may require scaled-down versions of assets to fit within their hardware constraints. Developers must ensure that each asset, from character models to textures, is appropriately adjusted to the new platform without compromising the game's overall quality. By effectively managing asset size and quality, the game can maintain a seamless experience, even on less powerful devices.
The combination of engine support and asset optimization plays a significant role in determining how long the porting process will take. While advanced game engines can simplify the process, adapting the game's assets and ensuring compatibility with the new platform requires detailed work and technical expertise. Each stage of the porting process is critical for ensuring that the final product performs as intended, providing players with an engaging and consistent gaming experience across all platforms.
3. Testing
Ported games frequently come with numerous bugs, particularly when the original development team did not conduct comprehensive testing. Issues often arise because porting teams might not have the same in-depth knowledge of the game's inner workings, making it easy to overlook potential problems. Without a deep understanding of the original product, even minor mistakes can go unnoticed, leading to performance issues or gameplay inconsistencies. This is why rigorous testing is essential in the porting process, as it helps uncover both pre-existing bugs from the original version and any new errors introduced during porting.
Testing must cover a broad range of factors to ensure the ported game functions as expected. It's not just about identifying and fixing new issues but also revisiting old ones that may have been missed in the original development cycle. The lack of familiarity with the initial game can complicate bug identification, making testing a critical step in ensuring the ported game meets quality expectations. For this reason, many companies outsource game testing services during the porting process, as it can help reduce costs and objectively assess the game's performance across multiple platforms.
Regardless of who is responsible for the original bugs, they all need to be addressed and resolved. Whether the issues stem from the original development or occur during porting, it's crucial that every bug is fixed to ensure a smooth gaming experience. Porting teams must handle any performance-related errors, even if the problems originated with the original developers or from platform-specific limitations. The goal is to deliver a product that performs seamlessly on the new platform.
King of Juice: Game-Ace Ported a Game to Mobile
Game-Ace had the unusual task of porting this game similar to Fruit Ninja from VR (Magic Leap) to mobile (iOS, Android). We successfully adapted the VR controls to mobile gestures and even improved the game functionality in several meaningful ways, along with optimizing its performance.
How does Porting a Game Work for Different Platforms
Porting a game across platforms involves addressing the unique characteristics of each device or system, as the technical requirements and player expectations vary significantly. When porting a game to different platforms such as PC, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices, developers must take into account various factors, including controls, performance limitations, and user interfaces. Each platform demands specific adjustments to ensure the game runs smoothly and provides an optimal player experience.
How does porting a game to a PC work?
Many iconic games were initially launched exclusively on consoles, leaving PC gamers without access to these titles. To cater to the large PC gaming community, developers have increasingly focused on making their console games available for PC users. This has led to a growing trend of porting PlayStation and other console games to PC, with many successful examples, including the renowned Half-Life series, which has been ported multiple times to different systems.
When porting a game from a console to a PC, developers must go beyond simply adapting the game to the new platform's technical requirements. One of the most important changes involves adjusting the control scheme. Console games are primarily designed with gamepad controllers in mind, whereas PC gamers typically rely on a combination of a keyboard and mouse. This difference in input methods requires developers to rework the control layout and adjust the sensitivity and functionality to provide a smooth and intuitive experience for PC players. Customization options are often added, allowing players to tailor the controls to their preferences.
Another important aspect of porting console games to a PC is updating the account and access settings. Console players usually access games through platform-specific accounts, such as PlayStation Network or Xbox Live. In contrast, PC games are often distributed through platforms like Steam or Epic Games Store, requiring adjustments to the game's backend to support these new distribution methods. Ensuring that user accounts, game saves, and multiplayer settings integrate seamlessly into the PC environment is crucial for a successful port.
Performance optimization also plays a significant role in the porting process. PCs come with a wide variety of hardware configurations, from low-end systems to high-performance gaming rigs. Developers must optimize the game to run efficiently across different setups, ensuring that players with less powerful systems can still enjoy the game while those with more advanced hardware can experience enhanced graphics and smoother gameplay. This may involve introducing adjustable settings for resolution, frame rates, and graphical quality, giving players more control over how the game performs on their specific hardware.
How to port games to Nintendo Switch
Porting games to the Nintendo Switch has gained significant popularity, as the console offers a unique combination of portability and functionality at a more affordable price compared to platforms like PlayStation and Xbox. The Switch shares many of the core functions seen in other consoles, but its hybrid nature makes it especially appealing to both developers and gamers. With the rising demand for games on the Switch, numerous high-profile titles such as Doom, Alien: Isolation, and Diablo have successfully made their transition to the platform, creating a growing trend in game porting to the device.
One of the most important aspects to consider during the porting process is how the game's access settings, controls, and user interface will be adapted to the Switch's specific capabilities. Unlike other consoles, the Switch offers a flexible experience, functioning both as a handheld device and as a traditional console when docked and connected to a television.
This dual functionality introduces unique challenges that developers must address to ensure the game performs optimally in both modes. The control scheme is particularly important to adjust, given that players may alternate between using the Switch’s Joy-Cons, a Pro controller, or even handheld mode, depending on their preference. Each control method requires careful adjustment to provide a seamless and intuitive experience across all playstyles.
The user interface also requires specific attention when adapting a game to the Switch. The console’s smaller screen size, when used in handheld mode, calls for an interface design that remains readable and accessible without sacrificing clarity. Buttons, text, and menus need to be resized and repositioned to avoid clutter while maintaining the overall design and flow of the original game. Developers often face challenges when scaling down interfaces designed for larger screens, so creating a layout that works well in both handheld and docked modes is crucial for providing an enjoyable experience on the Switch.
One of the most technically challenging aspects of porting games to the Switch is ensuring the game’s resolution and performance remain consistent across different screen sizes. When undocked, the Switch operates on a 6.2-inch display with a resolution of 720p, while it can output up to 1080p when connected to a larger external monitor or television. Maintaining graphical quality and performance balance across these varying display options presents a unique technical hurdle.
Developers must ensure that the game looks sharp and performs smoothly on the handheld display without compromising the visual experience when the game is played on a larger screen. This often involves adjusting the resolution dynamically, lowering graphical fidelity when necessary, and optimizing assets to fit within the system's hardware limitations.
Another important consideration involves performance optimization to ensure a smooth experience across both play modes. The Nintendo Switch, while versatile, has hardware limitations compared to more powerful consoles, such as the PlayStation or Xbox. Therefore, developers need to find a balance between visual quality and performance, often optimizing elements like texture resolution, frame rate, and loading times to prevent performance dips or graphical issues. The goal is to provide players with a consistent experience, whether they are playing on a portable screen or a full-sized television, without noticeable compromises in either mode.
Ultimately, porting games to the Nintendo Switch involves a delicate process of fine-tuning various aspects of the game’s design and performance. From adapting controls and user interfaces to optimizing resolution settings for different display options, developers must address the Switch’s unique capabilities and limitations. Through careful adjustments and technical expertise, developers can successfully bring popular games to the Switch, expanding their reach to an audience eager to enjoy their favorite titles on the go or from the comfort of their home.
How to port games to iOS and Android
Porting games to Android and iOS-based mobile devices involves substantially modifying various game features due to the significant differences between mobile platforms and other gaming systems. The initial step typically requires adapting the code to be compatible with the target platform’s programming language.
Android and iOS use distinct languages, with Android apps typically written in Java or Kotlin and iOS apps developed in Swift or Objective-C. Therefore, developers must rewrite or convert large sections of the game's codebase to ensure compatibility with the specific requirements of each operating system. This process often demands deep technical expertise and careful attention to how the game’s functions translate into a mobile environment.
Another major consideration in porting games to Android and iOS-based mobile devices is adjusting the control mechanisms. Unlike consoles or PCs, modern smartphones rely entirely on touch-screen technology, meaning the traditional controls used in games designed for other platforms must be completely reworked.
The absence of physical buttons requires developers to design controls that are intuitive and responsive to touch gestures, such as taps, swipes, and drags. The adaptation process involves rethinking how the player interacts with the game, ensuring that the new control scheme provides a seamless and enjoyable experience on mobile devices. An example of this can be seen in the work done for porting an Alien game to mobile platforms, where developers had to rethink the control scheme from the ground up to suit touchscreen input.
The limitations of mobile devices also extend to their hardware, which imposes further challenges during the porting process. Smartphones are equipped with smaller screens and generally less powerful hardware compared to consoles or PCs. This requires developers to simplify graphics to accommodate the device's lower processing capacity while maintaining the game's visual appeal.
Textures, models, and effects often need to be scaled down or optimized to ensure the game runs smoothly without overloading the system. Reducing the graphical complexity is crucial to managing the weight of the application, as mobile devices have limited storage and processing power. Developers must carefully balance maintaining the game's visual quality with the technical constraints of mobile platforms, ensuring that the gameplay remains immersive while running efficiently.
Screen size is another significant factor that developers must account for when porting games to Android and iOS-based mobile devices. The compact size of smartphone displays demands a rework of the user interface and overall layout of the game. Elements such as menus, buttons, and in-game text must be resized and repositioned to fit comfortably on smaller screens without cluttering the display.
The goal is to provide an interface that remains user-friendly and visually accessible, even on the smallest of devices, while still preserving the core gameplay experience. When working with such limited screen space, developers often need to conduct extensive testing to find the right balance between usability and visual clarity.
Do you want to breathe new life into your game? You can count on our game porting services!
How Can You Improve the Process of Porting Games between Platforms?
There are some challenges of porting games, but some can be avoided by following the main principles of game porting.
1. Create sustainable code
It’s crucial to think ahead before porting a game, such as situations that your converted game may require updates or upgrades in the future. This is why you should make the initial porting process streamlined. For example, use multifunctional game engines, which provide many valuable tools and include porting features to different platforms.
2. Modernize game controls
Many specialists try to strictly preserve features used on the hardware for which a game was released initially. Unfortunately, often the desire to maintain the game’s identity in this way leads to the fact that the user experience becomes worse. Therefore, the best solution would be to adapt the controls for the new device and keep the game peculiarities through gameplay and design.
3. Pay attention to performance
Optimizing performance is one of the key tasks of porting games. Therefore, if you want to improve this aspect, it would be best to plan for it from the start. Otherwise, the fixes can cost additional time and money. Depending on the platforms from which a game had been ported, make sure you can find a balance between quality and load.
4. Run multiple tests
Sometimes porting a game can take longer than desired. In any case, don’t try to reduce the speed of the project by giving up quality assurance. Be sure to run as many tests as possible to make sure a game is bug-free so that you can release a quality product that won’t disappoint users.
5. Update an engine to the latest version of the SDK
Sometimes, outdated software causes confusion among specialists — why the process is not going as well as it should, why errors occur. Finding out the cause of difficulties often takes too long, so you could already complete the project instead. Therefore, it’s better to save your nerves and update the SDK to the latest version first.
How to Speed Up the Process with a Professional Porting Team
As you may have noticed, porting games to different platforms requires specific skills, knowledge, and experience. Otherwise, the porting process can take too long to figure out how to do it right, and it can also cost too much to fix your own mistakes.
But let’s look at the bright side: you can always find help. Game-Ace is a custom game development company whose team of experts has a strong focus on excellent results.
We not only develop mobile, desktop, PC, and VR games, but also provide teams of specialists for outsourcing, as well as carry out those stages of a project for which you don’t have the necessary resources.
Feel free to contact us for any kind of development help you need. We will be happy to consult you, as well as put the needed work in.
