A Simple Guide to the Process of Porting Games

Have you ever played a game on your PC, console, or mobile device and wondered how it ended up there? Chances are, that game was ported from another platform!

Game porting has become a huge deal in the gaming world, and it’s only getting more important as the industry grows. Think about it – in 2024, the global gaming market was valued at around $221 billion, and mobile gaming alone accounted for nearly half of that revenue. 

As more players join the gaming community, they’re using a variety of devices: consoles, PCs, smartphones, tablets, and even cloud-based systems. If developers want their games to reach the widest audience possible, game porting is more than just important.

In fact, a report by Newzoo showed that PC and console game revenues will account for 51% of global market revenues, which is a significant portion. On the other hand, mobile gaming is set to account for 49% of this year’s global revenue, growing by 3.0% year on year to reach $92.6 billion. This shows there’s a big opportunity for game developers to expand into mobile gaming. 

But how can a game that was originally designed for a console like PlayStation or Xbox make its way to mobile devices? That’s where porting games comes in.

Understanding the Game Porting Process

The process of porting games is indeed a complicated process and it can vary depending on the platforms involved and the complexity of the game itself. However, the basic steps in game porting services generally look something like this:

Step One, Assessing Compatibility

Before starting the actual work of porting, the first thing developers need to do is assess how compatible the game is with the new platform. Every platform has its own unique set of hardware and software features, and developers need to figure out if the game will function properly on that system.

For example, the game might need to be optimized for specific graphics hardware, control systems, or processing power. Some games might need significant changes to work on a new platform, while others might only require minor tweaks. 

Before the process of game porting starts, developers also have to think about different aspects like screen sizes, input methods (such as touchscreen or controller), and performance optimization.

Then, Start With Planning and Setting Expectations

Once the compatibility assessment is complete, it’s time to plan the porting process. This stage involves creating a timeline, setting budgets, and identifying the resources needed to complete the project. Developers need to plan carefully because game porting can take a significant amount of time and money, especially if the game is complex.

Setting clear expectations matters. The team needs to decide what features will be included. If the port is being done by a third-party service, developers will also want to arrange a clear communication strategy about deliverables.

Next, Dive Into Code Adaptation and Optimization

One of the most technical aspects of porting games is adapting the game’s code for the new platform. This step usually involves rewriting or modifying parts of the game’s original code so it runs properly on the target system.

Optimization is a big part of this stage. Developers often have to optimize the game to make sure the game runs smoothly on the new platform. This could mean reducing the graphics quality for mobile devices or adjusting the game’s performance to work better with the available hardware. 

After That Is to Test Things Out and Fix Any Bugs That Come Across

Once the game has been ported to the new platform, it’s time for the testing phase. This is where developers check for bugs, glitches, and performance issues.

During testing, developers pay close attention to factors like frame rate, load times, sound, and gameplay. If there are any issues, they go back and debug the game to make the necessary fixes. Testing can take a lot of time, especially when porting video games that involve complex features like multiplayer modes or advanced graphics.

Once That’s Done, Polish Things up for a Smoother Experience

Now that the initial testing is done, what’s next? It’s time to polish the game. This step involves fine-tuning the user experience to make sure everything feels just right. Developers may adjust the game’s graphics, controls, or sound to better suit the new platform.

The goal of this phase is to make the game feel like it was meant to be played on the new platform, even if it was originally designed elsewhere.

Finally, Wrap It up With Some Final Testing and Quality Assurance

Before the game is released, a final round of testing and quality assurance (QA) is done. QA will see if the game meets the necessary standards and is free from any major issues. During this stage, the game is thoroughly tested to make sure everything works as intended.

This phase is also where developers make any last-minute adjustments based on feedback from testers. Once the game passes the QA process, it’s ready to be released on the new platform.

What Are the Challenges in Porting Games?

While the process of porting video games can be straightforward, there are several challenges developers face along the way. 

 
Porting games can be a tough job. And as we’ve said it earlier, it's not just about copying a game to another platform—it’s about making sure it works just as smoothly and looks just as good as it did on the original system. With all kinds of challenges, it can be a lot to handle for some game developers, especially if the team doesn’t have the time or resources to do it all.

That’s where we come in. At Devoted Studios, we specialize in helping developers with game porting services, taking care of all the tricky parts so you don’t have to.

By working with us, you can focus on what you do best—creating incredible games—while we handle the porting process. We’ll save you time, reduce your stress, and make sure your game is ready to reach even more players. With us on your team, you can trust that your game is in good hands, so that you are free to focus on the bigger picture.