Mobile game porting is a crucial aspect of the mobile game development lifecycle. This article delves into the various porting methods and trends in this dynamic field.
Mobile game porting is a pivotal part of the game development process, ensuring that games reach a wide audience across different devices and regions. This article explores the methods and trends in mobile game porting, highlighting the importance of platform compatibility, localization, and carrier requirements. With the mobile gaming market rapidly expanding, understanding these porting techniques is essential for developers aiming to maximize their reach and revenue.
Mobile game porting is an essential phase in the mobile game development lifecycle. This article explores the various porting methods and trends that are shaping this field.
The mobile gaming market is experiencing exponential growth. According to Newzoo, the global mobile gaming market is projected to reach $91.2 billion in 2021, accounting for nearly half of the total gaming market revenue (source). This surge is driven by the increasing number of smartphone users worldwide, which is expected to surpass 3.8 billion by 2021 (source).
The term "porting" in mobile game development emerged due to the vast number of mobile phone models, manufacturers, and programming languages. A newly developed mobile game's market potential hinges on the number of models it supports. The broader the range of supported devices, the larger the potential customer base.
Developers typically undertake the following types of porting:
Two primary platforms dominate the mobile device landscape: J2ME and BREW. J2ME is favored by developers due to its widespread support across numerous models. BREW and Python follow in popularity. To achieve global reach, developers must port their applications or games to multiple languages and platforms.
The number of mobile phone models is continually increasing. Developers must keep their databases updated to include new models, as customers who purchase new devices are more likely to buy games. Targeting new models first is a common strategy among developers.
Localization porting involves adapting the language of the application or game. For instance, the Chinese market, the largest for mobile games, predominantly sells Chinese-localized models. This means the text within the application or game must be in the local language. Many other countries also prefer localized content, as it resonates better with target customers.
Different carriers have unique terms and conditions for mobile applications and games. Carriers determine the supported devices and data services offered to subscribers. They typically support specific platforms like J2ME or BREW. Deciding which mobile software platforms the game should run on is a critical early decision in the development process.
When developers handle porting internally, they benefit from strong relationships with carriers and device manufacturers worldwide. This ensures access to necessary information and global testing facilities to load applications onto actual devices for testing. However, internal porting usually covers only a limited number of mobile models.
Outsourcing mobile game porting offers several advantages:
By leveraging these benefits, mobile game developers can efficiently and effectively reach a worldwide audience.
Mobile game porting is a vital component of the game development process, enabling developers to maximize their reach and revenue. Understanding the various porting methods and trends is essential for navigating the rapidly growing mobile gaming market. By adopting the right porting strategies, developers can ensure their games are accessible to a diverse and expansive audience.
For more insights into the mobile gaming industry, check out Newzoo's latest reports and Statista's mobile gaming statistics.
