How to Port a PC game to Android: Pingle’s Experience

According to the research conducted by Go-Globe, the mobile gaming market is responsible for 51% of revenue in the overall gaming industry. And the large majority of mobile gamers – namely 78% — are Android users.

Porting PC games to Android has become increasingly significant, offering developers access to a vast mobile gaming audience. As of 2025, the mobile gaming market continues to thrive, with Android users comprising a substantial portion of this demographic. This article delves into the intricacies of porting PC games to Android, highlighting recent developments and best practices to ensure a seamless transition and optimal performance.​

The Importance of Porting PC Games to Android

With the mobile gaming sector accounting for a significant share of the gaming industry’s revenue, developers are keen to tap into this market. Porting PC games to Android not only broadens a game’s reach but also leverages existing assets, making it a cost-effective strategy compared to developing new titles from scratch. Notable successes, such as the Android versions of “Fortnite” and “PUBG,” underscore the potential of this approach.

Steps to Successfully Port a PC Game to Android

Step 1. Adapting the Source Code

The initial step involves modifying the game’s source code to be compatible with Android’s architecture. This may necessitate transitioning to different programming languages, game engines, or utilizing alternative software tools. Access to the original source code is crucial; without it, developers might need to recreate the game using platforms like Unity or other Android development environments.

Step 2. Adapting the Visual Assets

Visual elements must be optimized for mobile devices, considering factors like screen size, resolution, and performance capabilities. This could involve enhancing graphics for high-resolution displays or simplifying them to ensure smooth performance on lower-end devices. Understanding the target audience’s hardware preferences is essential in making these adjustments.

Step 3. Modifying UI and Controls

Another important step in porting a Windows game to Android is adapting the game’s controls to the touchscreen and changing the UI so it doesn’t interfere with them. This stage is crucial for making the gameplay experience enjoyable to the player.

Many PC games ported to Android have a standard gamepad control layout, and while it is a valid solution, do not limit yourself by it. Even if your controls are unique and unfamiliar to the player, they will quickly get used to them if they are comfortable to use.

Step 4. Game QA Testing and Optimization

Even if you’ve tested your PC game over and over again during its development, this step should not be skipped during the PC video game porting to Android. You might not only be able to find bugs and issues connected with the specifics of the platform, but also catch mistakes made during the game adaptation.

Comprehensive game testing is vital to identify and rectify platform-specific issues. This includes performance optimization to ensure the game runs smoothly across a range of Android devices, from high-end smartphones to budget models. Addressing bugs, optimizing load times, and ensuring stability are critical components of this phase.

Step 5. Compliance with Play Store Guidelines

After you’ve learned how to convert PC games for Android devices, it’s time to make sure that you can actually sell your product on an official platform. The store rules are there to prevent the spread of inappropriate and offensive content through the large audience of Android users, which means that your game will be removed from the marketplace if it is deemed to violate one of them.

If you plan to include in-game purchases into your product, pay special attention to the rules concerning them. You should be aware that Google will take a 15% cut of your revenue if it is below $1 million, with a 30% cut of each dollar earned over that.

Unique Features of Porting a PC Game to Android

One of the main distinctions of the game porting process to Android compared to any other type of gaming system is the number of distinct Android devices out there. In order to make sure that your game works well on all of them, you will have to conduct a lot of testing and probing. This makes it all the more important to create a detailed list of devices that would support your game.

On the other hand, if your port is done, it is rather easy to distribute it. Google Play Store rules are not as strict as, for example, Apple App Store ones. Furthermore, you’ll be able to distribute it through your own channels, as installing an application on most Android devices using just a .apk file is fairly easy.

Challenges in Porting PC Games to Android

Porting games presents several challenges:​

• Source Code Adaptation: Differences in programming languages and frameworks between PC and Android platforms can complicate the porting process.​

• Software Compatibility: Original development tools or proprietary engines may not be compatible with Android, necessitating significant adjustments or complete redevelopment.

• Performance Optimization: Mobile devices have varying hardware capabilities, requiring meticulous optimization to ensure consistent performance across different models.​

• Control Adaptation: Designing intuitive touch controls that replicate the PC gaming experience can be challenging and may require innovative solutions.​

Recent Developments and Tools in 2025

The landscape of game porting has evolved with new tools and technologies:​

• Winlator: An emerging emulator that allows certain PC games to run on Android devices, expanding gaming possibilities for mobile users.

• Razer’s Handheld Dock Chroma: Introduced in January 2025, this docking station transforms Android devices into gaming consoles, enhancing the gaming experience on larger screens.

• Stardew Valley’s Mobile Multiplayer: The addition of an experimental multiplayer mode to the mobile version of “Stardew Valley” exemplifies the growing trend of enriching mobile gaming experiences.

PC Video Game Porting to Android Timeline

It is rather difficult to estimate how much porting a game from PC to mobile will take in terms of time. Multiple factors impact the timeline. Some of the most affecting include:

• How extensive the source code changes need to be;
• How long the performance optimization will take;
• How hard it is to add new controls to the game;
• How experienced your porting team is.

All in all, porting a game from PC to Android can take anywhere from a month to more than a year.

Consider Pingle Studio Your Trusted Partner

Here at Pingle Studio, we assist in multiple facets of game development and co-development, including the game porting services. Our team of knowledgeable developers has dozens of projects behind their belt, which includes many projects of porting PC games to Android.

Among our successful works is Donut County – a cute and unique game interesting for gamers of all ages. We’ve managed to adapt its console-grade graphics while maintaining great performance via a content optimization pipeline.

Another great project we’ve worked on is Hello Neighbor– one-of-a-kind indie horror – and its multiplayer variation. The games perform well on all types of devices and have a convenient control scheme, which we’ve developed from scratch.

Final Thoughts

Porting a PC game to Android can take up a lot of time, money, and effort, especially if your team is not experienced in the matter. You can make the process easier with the help of outsourcing, but finding the best game porting company can be challenging as well.

If you’re looking for a team with a lot of experience in the field and a great track record, Pingle Studio should be your first choice. Contact us right away, and we’ll discuss your project in detail.