GDC 2025 Session Viewer
Independent Games Summit: 10 Reasons Your Port Will Fail
Zak Whaley (Owner, Zak Whaley Consulting)
Location: Room 2005, West Hall
Date: Tuesday, March 18
Time: 10:50 am - 11:50 am
Pass Type: All Access Pass, Summits Pass, Indie Games Summit Pass - Get your pass now!
Track: Independent Games
Format: Lecture
Vault Recording: TBD
Audience Level: Intermediate
Porting your game doesn’t have to feel overwhelming! In this session, we’ll break down 10 common pitfalls of the porting process and give you the tools to tackle them with confidence. Whether it’s dealing with tricky build scripts, debugging nightmares, or post-launch patching woes, we’ll show you how to navigate these challenges. You’ll leave equipped with practical tips, real-world examples, and a clear understanding of how to approach porting without fear. Let’s turn porting into an opportunity for growth; not a source of stress.
Takeaway
Attendees will gain a clear understanding of the common pitfalls in porting games to new platforms and how to avoid them. They will leave with practical tips for planning, testing, and addressing platform-specific challenges, as well as insights into the workflows and habits that lead to successful ports. Through relatable examples and actionable advice, attendees will walk away ready to approach the porting process with confidence.
Intended Audience
Designed for indie developers, technical directors, and engineers, this session is for anyone looking to bring their games to new platforms without getting overwhelmed. Whether you’re new to porting or refining your process, you’ll learn approachable strategies to simplify the journey and empower yourself to tackle porting challenges with confidence.
