What is Game Porting? Know its Process and Benefits

Your all-time favorite console game that have kept you hooked for hours on end can also be played on your mobile phones now. Yes, you read it right!

 

You can carry the thrill and adventure of your most favorite console game on your mobile phones no matter wherever you go. But how?

 

That’s where game porting comes in.

 

With game porting, the thrilling experience of your console game can be savoured on your mobile screens with same additive gameplay, captivating visuals, and intriguing storylines. From big screens to palm of your hands, you can have the same immersive experience of your favorite game through game porting that bridges the gap between console and mobile gaming. 

 

Do you want to know more about video game porting and transformative potential in the game industry? We’ve covered everything you need to know about porting video games. 

 

Beginning with the most common ask that echoes in the gaming community worldwide,

 

What is Game Porting?

 

Simply put, 

 

"Video game porting is the process of adapting a video game to run on a different platform."

 

It involves making necessary changes and adjustments to an already existing game to ensure it runs smoothly and efficiently on the target platform. You might become excited with your game’s reach to new audiences and platforms, but the process is not as easy as it sounds. It involves tweaking the game’s graphics, coding, user interface, and performance optimization. 

 

After improving all these different aspects of the game, the game finally becomes suitable for another platform, allowing players to enjoy their favorite game on new devices. 

 

To show you how successful game porting is, let’s walk you through some famous video games successfully ported to different platforms.

 

 

If you’re looking to port your video game, the first thing that you need to know is what type of game porting do you need. You can consider among the three different types of game porting.

• Platform-to-platform

 

This type of porting involves adapting or transferring a video game from one platform to another. By significantly modifying the game's code, graphics, controls, and user interface, the game becomes available for a new platform without compromising the integrity and gameplay of an original game. With platform-to-platform, you can port a game from console to PC, console to mobile, or mobile to VR devices.

 

• Engine-to-engine 

 

Engine-to-engine game porting is migrating a video game from one game engine to another. The game's assets, code, and functionality are adapted and transferred to the new game engine during this porting. This porting enables the game to reach new audiences without rebuilding the entire game from scratch. You can port a game to Unity, Unreal Engine, HTML5, and JavaScript with engine-to-engine porting. 

 

• Enhanced Porting

 

Enhanced game porting is the process of re-releasing a game on the same platform with significant improvements, such as enhanced graphics, improved performance, additional features, audio enhancement, or gameplay adjustments. This game porting aims to provide an improved experience for players who may have already played the original version.

 

Just a heads up:    The quality of a ported video game dramatically varies from the original one. Sometimes, it worsens due to poor performance optimization and sometimes improves with new improvements.

 

Now that you know the different types of game porting, the next important thing you might be curious about is "how a game developer ports a game to new horizons?"

 

Behind The Scenes Of Successful Video Game Porting

 

If you believe porting a video game is a one-step process, then, No.

 

The entire journey of porting games encompasses a multitude of stages, each of which has its challenges and significance. From meticulous initial analysis and adaptation to intricate coding and thorough testing, each step in a game porting process is a crucial milestone. 

 

Let's walk you through the stages of video game porting for a smooth transition of a video game from one platform to another. 

 

Step 1: Analysis

 

The first step in video game porting involves analyzing the original game's mechanics, performance requirements, and compatibility with the target platform. It helps identify the scope of the porting process and potential challenges.

 

Step 2: Planning 

 

This stage serves as a blueprint for success. In this stage, a game developer maps out the entire game porting process, sets goals, and establishes a new roadmap. It includes determining what modifications, enhancements, and optimizations are required for the game to run smoothly on a target platform. 

 

Step 3: Adaptation 

 

The adaptation stage is about making necessary adjustments and modifications to the game's code, assets, and functionalities to ensure it functions seamlessly on the target platform. It includes modifying the graphics, input controls, performance optimizations, and resolving other platform-specific issues. 

 

Step 4: Testing

 

The most important stage in the game porting process involves thorough testing to identify and resolve any bug or issue that went unattended during the process. In addition, it requires performance testing, functionality testing, and compatibility testing to meet the same level of quality and playability as the original game. 

 

Stage 5: Optimization

 

The optimization stage focus on fine-tuning the game's performance, graphics, and overall experience on the new platform. It involves optimizing resource usage, improving frame rates, and enhancing visuals to ensure smooth gameplay responsiveness. 

 

Stage 6: Release

 

Once the ported game meets all the requirements, it is ready for distribution and release. The game is then submitted to the respective app store or distribution platform and is made available to the audience for download or purchase. Finally, when the game is officially released, it is ready for the players.

 

When it comes to porting a video game, it is essential to look into technical considerations and challenges to ensure a seamless transition from one platform to another. 

 

 

What Benefits Does Game Porting Brings To Your Business?

 

As game porting has become an incredible opportunity for game developers to tap into a new market, developers are making the most out of it to reach a wider audience and capitalize on the popularity of new platforms. However, with the power of game porting, your business can break free from the restrictions of a single platform and impact the gaming industry worldwide. 

 

If you're not aware of what advantages game porting brings to you, take a look below.

 

Expanded audience reach	By bringing the game to multiple platforms, the game becomes available to a wider audience, increasing player base and visibility.
Revenue Generation	Porting games to different platforms allow developers to tap into new market and monetization opportunities, providing more revenue streams.
Increased Lifespan	Porting a game to new platforms extends its lifespan and attracts players who have missed out on the game's initial release or prefer a different gaming platform.
Competitive advantage	Game porting allows developers to gain a competitive edge in the market by reaching gamers on different platforms. Also, it attracts players worldwide effortlessly.

 

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Game Porting Company

 

Delivering a glitch-free gaming experience is key to reaching gamers' hearts. If you fail to provide, the consequences will be dire - your players might leave your game searching for a smooth game adventure. 

 

It is where you strongly need to consider the importance of choosing a suitable game porting company. The professional expertise of a game porting company will ensure that your game performance and mechanics go perfectly on different platforms. 

 

When hiring game porting services, make sure to consider the following factors as these will help you make the right choice. 

 

• Experience and expertise

 

Experience and expertise are what matter the most. Look for a company with a proven track record in the respective industry. Evaluate their overall work and assess their video games successfully ported. 

 

• Work Quality

 

Work quality is something that can help you make the right decision. If a particular company opts for robust testing procedures, you can trust them with your game. Only a reliable company understands what high-quality work means to the clients. 

 

• Cost and budget

 

Keep in mind that going for the cheapest options will not always give you the best. Strike a balance between cost-effectiveness and quality. Make sure whichever company you choose delivers the best quality work without compromising quality standards, even at a low price. 

 

• Reputation and reviews

 

Checking for company reviews always helps to identify the right partner for game porting services. Also, look for testimonials and reviews from previous clients to gauge their professionalism and client satisfaction level. 

 

• Timeliness and Efficiency

 

Look for a game porting company committed to delivering projects within the timelines. Choose a company that values effective project management, transparent communication, and a streamlined workflow to ensure timely project delivery without compromising quality.  

 

Break The Boundaries Of Gaming With A Professional Team

 

As game porting is no less than a challenge and requires professional expertise, you need to opt for the best game porting services that make your game accessible to the world for endless fun and entertainment. 

 

The good thing is there are reliable companies out there who help you maximize your game success. At InvoGames, we help you conquer new frontiers!

 

We have a professional team of game porting experts that help your game reach its full potential, connect players worldwide, and transform your game into multi-platforms to dominate the gaming landscape. Reach out to us if you need help with game porting.