Bring Classic Games to Today's Players
Those timeless arcade games deserve to reach new audiences. We help you preserve their magic while making them accessible on modern platforms.
Back to HomeWhat Retro Game Porting Brings to Your Business
When you choose our retro game porting service, you're opening doors to both nostalgia and discovery. Players who remember these games from their youth get to relive those moments, while younger audiences experience classics they've only heard about.
Authentic Experience Preserved
The game feels exactly as players remember it, with that same addictive gameplay and responsive controls that made it special.
Modern Platform Compatibility
Your classic game runs smoothly on contemporary hardware without sacrificing what made it great in the first place.
Broader Market Access
Reach players across multiple platforms and devices, expanding your potential audience significantly.
Protected Legacy
Your classic game lives on for future generations rather than becoming inaccessible as old hardware fails.
The Dilemma of Classic Arcade Games
You have a classic arcade game that players still love, but the original hardware is aging. Maybe replacement parts are becoming scarce, or perhaps you're watching similar venues struggle to keep their vintage cabinets running. You know these games have value, but the reality of maintaining decades-old technology is becoming difficult.
At the same time, you've probably noticed renewed interest in retro gaming. Younger players are curious about the classics they've heard about, while older players want to share these experiences with their children. There's an audience waiting, but they need access to these games on platforms they actually use.
The challenge is that porting a classic arcade game isn't as simple as copying files. The original code was built for specific hardware, often without documentation. Controls need careful adaptation to work on modern devices without losing their responsiveness. Graphics need updating for today's displays while keeping that authentic retro aesthetic. And most importantly, the gameplay must feel exactly right—any change in timing or physics can ruin what made the game special.
This creates a frustrating situation:
You can see the potential value in bringing these games to modern platforms. You understand that there's demand. But the technical complexity of doing it right feels overwhelming. Attempting it yourself risks damaging the reputation of a beloved classic through a poor conversion. Hiring the wrong team could result in months of work producing something that just doesn't feel authentic.
Meanwhile, these valuable games remain locked in aging hardware, reaching fewer players with each passing year. You need a way to preserve what makes them special while making them accessible to today's audience.
Our Approach to Faithful Porting
Over the years, we've learned that successful retro game porting requires deep respect for the original alongside technical expertise. Here's how we balance preservation with modernization.
Deep Analysis First
We spend time truly understanding the original game. We play it extensively, analyze its mechanics, study player feedback, and identify exactly what makes it memorable. This foundation guides every decision we make during porting.
Control Scheme Adaptation
Moving from arcade joysticks and buttons to modern controllers or touch screens requires careful thought. We test multiple approaches to find what maintains the responsiveness and precision of the original input.
Visual Enhancement
We adapt graphics for modern displays while preserving the art style that gives the game its character. The goal is making it look better without making it look different—a subtle but important distinction.
Gameplay Preservation
The physics, timing, and difficulty curve stay true to the original. We measure frame rates, collision detection, and movement speeds to ensure experienced players feel right at home with the ported version.
Our Guiding Principles
Every porting decision passes through these questions: Does it preserve what made the original special? Will players recognize the game they love? Are we adding value without changing the essence?
Gameplay mechanics and feel remain faithful to the original experience.
Works seamlessly on contemporary platforms and devices.
Extensive testing ensures smooth performance across target systems.
The Journey From Classic to Contemporary
Here's what you can expect as we work together to bring your classic arcade game to modern platforms.
Game Assessment
We start by thoroughly analyzing the original game. If you have access to the source code, that's helpful, but we can work with just the game itself. We document its mechanics, identify technical constraints, and understand what makes it special to players.
Platform Planning
Together, we decide which modern platforms make the most sense for your goals. Different platforms have different strengths, and we help you understand the trade-offs so you can make an informed decision about where to release.
Core Conversion
We rebuild the game for modern systems while maintaining its original behavior. This phase involves careful technical work—adapting the code, optimizing performance, and ensuring everything runs smoothly on target platforms.
Control Testing
We experiment with different control schemes until we find what feels right. This often requires multiple iterations, with real players testing various approaches. Their feedback guides us toward the most intuitive adaptation.
Visual Polish
Graphics are adapted for modern screens while respecting the original art direction. We enhance resolution and clarity without changing the distinctive look that players remember and appreciate.
Validation Phase
Before finalizing, we have players familiar with the original test the ported version. If something doesn't feel right to them, we investigate and adjust. This step ensures the ported game earns the trust of existing fans.
Throughout This Process, You'll Experience
Investment in Gaming Heritage
This investment covers the complete process of bringing a classic arcade game to modern platforms. You're not just paying for technical conversion—you're preserving a piece of gaming history and making it accessible to new generations of players.
Consider what a well-ported classic game represents. It's a proven concept with an established fan base. It's nostalgia that drives word-of-mouth marketing. It's a way to differentiate your offering in a crowded market. The value extends well beyond the porting work itself.
Comprehensive Service Includes
Flexible Payment Structure
We understand that each project has unique financial considerations. We're open to discussing payment arrangements that align with your business planning and cash flow needs.
Why Our Porting Work Stands the Test
Porting classic arcade games requires a unique combination of technical skill and reverence for gaming history. Here's how our experience translates into faithful, high-quality conversions.
Our Validation Process
Side-by-Side Comparison
We run the original and ported versions simultaneously, comparing frame-by-frame behavior. This meticulous approach ensures gameplay mechanics translate accurately to new platforms.
Expert Player Testing
We involve players who know the original game intimately. If they notice any difference in feel, timing, or responsiveness, we investigate and adjust until it matches their expectations.
Performance Benchmarking
Every ported game undergoes stress testing across target platforms. We verify smooth performance under various conditions, ensuring players never experience technical issues that break immersion.
What to Expect in Terms of Timeline
Typical Porting Timeline
Most retro game porting projects take 2 to 4 months from initial assessment to final release. The timeline varies based on the complexity of the original game, the target platforms, and how much original documentation exists.
Progress Tracking
You'll receive milestone updates showing the ported game at key stages of development. This transparency helps you see exactly how the project is progressing and provides opportunities for your feedback.
Realistic Outcomes
A successfully ported classic game should feel indistinguishable from the original to experienced players while running smoothly on modern hardware. Players familiar with the game will recognize it immediately, and new players will experience it as intended.
Our Commitment to Authenticity
What We Promise You
When you trust us with a classic game, we understand the responsibility that comes with that. These games matter to players, and our work needs to honor that legacy.
Faithful Recreation
The ported game will maintain the gameplay feel, timing, and character of the original. If it doesn't meet this standard, we'll continue refining until it does.
Technical Reliability
Your ported game will run smoothly on target platforms from day one. Any technical issues discovered within the first 60 days will be resolved at no additional cost.
Transparent Process
You'll stay informed throughout the project with regular updates and opportunities to test builds. No surprises, no hidden complications.
Ongoing Guidance
After delivery, we remain available for technical questions and support. Bringing a classic game to market involves more than just the porting work, and we're here to help beyond the technical conversion.
Begin With a Simple Conversation
Not every classic game is ready for porting, and not every platform makes sense for every title. When you reach out, we'll have an honest conversation about your specific game and goals. If porting makes sense, we'll explain how. If it doesn't, we'll tell you that too.
There's no obligation in reaching out—just an opportunity to explore whether bringing your classic game to modern platforms is the right move.
How to Get Started With Your Porting Project
Bringing a classic arcade game to modern platforms starts with understanding what you have and what you want to achieve. Here's the straightforward path forward.
Contact Us About Your Game
Reach out through our contact form or via email. Tell us about the arcade game you want to port—its genre, platform, any special features. If you have access to original materials or source code, mention that, but it's not required to start the conversation.
Initial Assessment Call
We'll schedule a call to discuss your game in detail. This conversation helps us understand the technical complexity, identify potential challenges, and determine which modern platforms make the most sense for your goals.
Project Proposal and Timeline
Based on our assessment, we'll provide a detailed proposal outlining the porting process, expected timeline, deliverables, and investment required. This gives you everything needed to make an informed decision.
Review and Questions
Take time to consider the proposal. We're available to answer additional questions, clarify any aspects, or adjust the scope based on your feedback. When you're ready to move forward, we finalize the agreement.
Porting Begins
Once we're aligned, the porting work starts. You'll receive regular updates showing progress, have opportunities to test builds, and provide input that ensures the final product meets your expectations.
Common Questions
What if I don't have source code?
Many classic games have lost their source code over time. We have methods for working with compiled versions, though having access to source code does make the process smoother.
Which platforms make sense?
It depends on your goals and audience. During our assessment, we'll discuss options and help you understand the trade-offs for different platform choices.
How do we handle rights and licensing?
That's an important conversation to have early. We can work with you to understand the legal aspects, though you'll need to ensure you have appropriate rights to the game.
What Makes This Easy
Give Your Classic Game New Life
Let's explore whether porting makes sense for your game. One conversation could open doors to reaching entirely new audiences.
Discuss Your GameOr call us at +1 415-648-4420
Explore Our Other Services
Looking for something different? We offer other arcade game solutions that might better align with your needs.
Arcade Cabinet Game Development
Complete end-to-end development of custom arcade cabinet games. Perfect for venues wanting unique experiences that set them apart from competitors.
Arcade Physics Engine Licensing
Access our proprietary physics engine for your own development projects. Ideal for studios building arcade-style games and needing reliable technology.