News websites have been saying it for some time now: mobile developers are porting games to PC. We all know the mobile gaming landscape has shifted dramatically in recent years – after a period of explosive growth, the market has hit a slowdown, with user acquisition costs on the rise and an increasingly privacy-focused environment making advertising more challenging. This has left many mobile game developers wondering: what’s next?
In a fascinating trend, we’re witnessing mobile developers and studios turn their sights to PC and console development. As we’ll see in the article, this shift represents a strategic move to diversify revenue streams and tap into new, engaged audiences.
Why mobile developers are porting games to PC and consoles
While mobile gaming once enjoyed a meteoric rise, its growth has plateaued in recent years. Newzoo’s Games Market Reports and Forecasts paint a clear picture: the market is projected to reach $90 billion in 2023 and $98 billion by 2026. This represents a significant slowdown compared to the pre-pandemic boom, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) dropping from +20.9% between 2015 and 2021 to a projected +1.6% from 2022 to 2026.
This stagnation in the mobile market stands in stark contrast to the positive outlook for PC and console gaming. The console segment is poised for steady growth in the coming years, with a projected CAGR of +6.7% from 2023 to 2026. Similarly, downloaded/boxed PC games, the fastest-growing segment in 2023 with a +5.2% year-on-year increase, are expected to generate $38.4 billion by 2026.
These figures paint a compelling picture for mobile developers seeking to expand their reach. By porting games to PC and consoles, they can escape the limitations of a maturing mobile market and tap into a wider audience with a higher spending potential.
Diversification through porting and new IP creation
There are two primary ways mobile developers are venturing into the PC and console space:
- By porting existing mobile games: This strategy involves adapting a successful mobile title for PC and console platforms. This allows developers to leverage their existing game assets and fanbase while reaching new audiences.
- By developing new games for PC and consoles: Some mobile studios are taking the leap and creating entirely new games specifically designed for PC and console audiences. This approach allows them to explore different genres, mechanics, and monetization models beyond the freemium structure often prevalent in mobile gaming.
Both approaches require significant adjustments for mobile developers. Porting games to PC and consoles necessitates acquiring new skills and potentially outsourcing development to studios specializing in these platforms.
The expanding world of gamers: 4 reasons why portability makes sense
The gaming landscape is no longer defined by rigid boundaries between mobile, PC, and console. Today, a vast majority of gamers (around 3 billion) utilize multiple platforms. This highlights the power of portability and the desire for players to enjoy their favorite titles on whichever device best suits them. Let’s check 4 reasons why mobile developers are porting games to PC and consoles!
1. Expanding Player Reach
The primary objective of any game developer is to reach as wide an audience as possible. By porting games to different platforms, developers can break free from the constraints of a single platform and tap into diverse demographics. Whether it’s bringing a successful mobile title to consoles or introducing it to the PC gaming community, porting opens doors to new players who may not have had access to the game otherwise. This expansion of player reach not only boosts revenue streams but also fosters a more vibrant and inclusive gaming community.
2. Cost-Effectiveness
Developing a game from scratch can be a costly endeavor, especially for indie developers or smaller studios with limited resources. By outsourcing game porting services, developers can significantly reduce development costs while still offering their games to a broader audience. Porting allows developers to leverage existing assets and codebase, minimizing the need for extensive rework or redevelopment. This cost-effective approach not only benefits developers but also makes games more affordable for players, driving higher adoption rates and long-term success.
3. Graphical Performance and Quality
While mobile devices have made remarkable strides in terms of graphical capabilities, they still lag behind PCs and consoles in terms of raw power and performance. Porting a game from mobile to PC or consoles presents an opportunity to unlock its full graphical potential. By harnessing the superior hardware capabilities of these platforms, developers can deliver enhanced visuals, smoother framerates, and overall better gaming experiences. This graphical leap not only attracts new players but also entices existing fans to revisit the game in its enhanced form, breathing new life into older titles.
4. Flexibility for Players
PC gaming offers unparalleled flexibility and customization options, catering to a wide range of preferences and playstyles. By porting games to PC, developers can provide players with a more versatile gaming experience. Whether it’s support for higher resolutions, customizable graphics settings, or mod support, PC ports empower players to tailor their gaming experience to their liking. Additionally, the robust online infrastructure of PC platforms enables seamless multiplayer experiences, fostering community engagement and longevity for the game.
Why mobile developers are porting games to PC and consoles goes beyond simply reaching new audiences. It’s about recognizing the evolving preferences of a generation of gamers who demand flexibility and choice.
The advantages of outsourcing game development
Porting a game from mobile to PC or console requires rewriting the original code to function on a new platform. This can be a complex and time-consuming process for mobile developers who may lack the necessary expertise or resources.
This is where outsourcing comes in. Studios specializing in game development like Main Leaf can provide mobile developers with a cost-effective solution for porting games to PC and consoles. By leveraging their expertise and experience, mobile developers can save time and money while ensuring a high-quality port that faithfully recreates the original gaming experience.
A new era of innovation for gamers
The decision of why mobile developers are porting games to PC and consoles reflects a dynamic and evolving gaming industry. This trend signifies exciting possibilities for both developers and gamers.
Developers can expand their reach and explore new creative avenues, while gamers gain access to a wider variety of high-quality titles across different platforms. As this trend continues, we can expect even greater innovation and a more unified gaming experience for everyone.
If you want to be a game developer who is always aware of everything new in the gaming industry and, most of all, want to be a game developer that is ready to follow the porting trends in the year 2024, you have found the perfect place for you here on Main Leaf!
Whether you’re considering porting your mobile game to PC and consoles or diving into entirely new projects, Main Leaf has the expertise you need. From game development to optimizing player engagement and beyond, trust our seasoned professionals to bring your vision to life. With over a decade of experience and a commitment to excellence, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
