Game porting is the process of adapting a video game from one platform to another. This can involve anything from minor tweaks to a complete overhaul of the game’s code and assets. Outsourcing game porting can be a cost-effective and efficient way to expand a game’s reach to new platforms and audiences. However, it’s important to choose the right outsourcing partner to ensure a successful port. In this article, we’ll explore what to look for when outsourcing game porting services.
Factors to consider when choosing a game porting service provider
When choosing a game porting service, there are a few factors you should consider:
- Experience: How many games has the company ported? What platforms do they have experience with?
- Expertise: Does the company have the expertise in the specific platform you need to port to?
- Reputation: What are other developers saying about the company?
- Price: How much does the company charge? Are their rates competitive?
- Timeline: How long will it take the company to port your game?
- Guarantee: Does the company offer a guarantee on their work?
Questions to ask potential game porting providers
In addition to the factors listed above, you should also ask the potential game porting provider the following questions:
- What is your process for porting games?
- What are your rates?
- What is your guarantee?
- What are your terms of service?
- What are your contact details?
Tips for a successful outsourcing experience
Here are some tips for a successful outsourcing experience:
- Be clear about your expectations. What do you want the game porting service to do? What are your deadlines?
- Communicate regularly with the game porting service. Keep them updated on your progress and let them know if you have any questions or concerns.
- Provide the game porting service with all the necessary information and assets. This will help them to get started quickly and avoid any delays.
- Be patient. Game porting can be a complex process. It is important to be patient and give the game porting service the time they need to do their job.
The benefits of outsourcing game porting
There are many benefits to outsourcing game porting, including:
- Save time: Outsourcing game porting can save you a lot of time. You can focus on developing your game while the porting service takes care of the technical details. This can be especially helpful if you are not an experienced game developer or if you do not have the time to learn how to port games yourself.
- Save money: Outsourcing game porting can also save you money. You can find a porting service that is more affordable than hiring in-house developers. This is because porting services typically have access to a large pool of experienced developers who are willing to work for lower rates.
- Access to expertise: Outsourcing game porting gives you access to the expertise of a team of experienced developers. This can help you to improve the quality of your game. Porting services typically have a deep understanding of the technical aspects of game development, and they can help you to optimize your game for the target platform. They can also help you to identify and fix any bugs that may occur during the porting process.
- Increased reach: Outsourcing game porting can help you to reach a wider audience. By porting your game to multiple platforms, you can make it available to a larger number of players. This can lead to increased sales and revenue for your game.
Top Game Porting Providers to Opt For
- Alienbrain
Alienbrain is a game development company that offers a variety of services, including game porting. They have a team of experienced developers who can port your game to any platform, including PC, consoles, and mobile devices.
- CodeWeavers
CodeWeavers is a company that specializes in porting open source software to Windows. They also offer a game porting service that can port your game to Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- CrossOver Games
CrossOver Games is a company that offers a game compatibility layer for Windows. They also offer a game porting service that can port your game to Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Panic Button Games
Panic Button Games is a company that specializes in porting games to Nintendo Switch. They have a team of experienced developers who can port your game to Nintendo Switch while maintaining the quality of the original game.
- Shiny Shoe
Shiny Shoe is a company that specializes in porting games to mobile devices. They have a team of experienced developers who can port your game to iOS and Android while maintaining the quality of the original game.
- Pingle Studio
Pingle Studio is a game development company that specializes in game porting. They have a team of experienced developers who can port your game to any platform, including PC, consoles, and mobile devices. Pingle Studio is also a certified Nintendo Switch developer, which means they have the experience and expertise to port your game to Nintendo Switch while maintaining the quality of the original game.
Overall, outsourcing game porting can be a great way to save time, money, and improve the quality of your game. If you are considering porting your game to a new platform, I encourage you to consider outsourcing the process to a reputable porting service.