What is AAA PC Port? Why do they have so many problems?

PC gamers are often frustrated because games are often spoiled by bugs and performance issues. But why is that?

Port is a term that refers to a console-only game that was later released on PC, or a title originally exclusive to PC that later appeared on consoles. And this is why AAA PC ports are so problematic.

What makes a lousy PC port?

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The "bad port" rating is used quite often when it comes to console exclusives coming to PC. So what is a bad port?

The most obvious feature of a bad port is performance, which is often low frame rate or shaky, even with high-end systems. Besides performance issues, users may experience visual and gameplay errors. These take away the feeling of immersion and create some bugs that prevent you from reaching higher levels in the game.

Another annoying thing about these ports is controllability. Some games like Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty cannot be played on keyboard and mouse. Wo Long has a joystick dead zone created when moving the mouse, making it impossible for the camera to slow down.

What causes a bad PC port?

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There are many ways that a PC port can go wrong, from the excessive ambition of the developer company to simple incompatibility. Below are the most common causes of PC ports not working as they should.

Bad port PCs are not developed for PC

Consoles are not as powerful as high-end or even mid-range PCs. However, the components inside the console are predictable. With this consistency in each section, developers can code their games in a way that makes the most of the hardware on which the game is expected to be played.

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Consoles typically have a pool of shared system and graphics memory. Although on a computer with a dedicated graphics card, the system and graphics memory are not shared. Changing that fundamental part of how the game works is quite complicated and can sometimes require a major overhaul, leading to performance issues.

Console games are developed to run as efficiently as possible on the hardware on which they are powered. Considering the fact that console games are sold to console players first, developers have all the reasons to make games that best serve that market, leaving PC gamers in a predicament. passive.

The development company's ambitions for the PC port

Some ports have good potential but are limited by investors who don't understand what it takes to make a game. You may have heard about rushing game releases just for the sake of pleasing investors; the same goes for ports.

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Ports have tight deadlines, because working on an old project is currently not considered very profitable, so things are often rushed. To keep key developers working on new projects, porting games to PC is often outsourced to outside companies with tight deadlines.

The Last of Us Part II is a "notorious" example of this outsourcing. The game was ported to PC by Iron Galaxy - the same studio that was outsourced to port The Last of Us Part I to PC. Part I is also a bad PC port - both games have memory and CPU management issues.

Much more is being destroyed by developer greed - see how soaring game costs are affecting the industry as a whole to learn more.

The controls are overlooked

Even if a port is working fine, it can still get stuck at the control. Some games are not made for keyboard and mouse. This is often the case with console-preferred soul-like RPG games.

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The Dark Souls series and even the Elden Ring are known for their lousy mouse and keyboard controls. This can be solved by just playing on a gamepad or gamepad. However, it is quite annoying for people who only have a keyboard and mouse or don't want to play on a controller. Some Resident Evil and Assassin's Creed games have had complaints about jerky mouse controls, especially when aiming weapons.

PC port will improve?

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Since console technology is becoming so powerful that it can keep up with mid-range computers, developers can easily create a game that runs well on both types of devices.

Demand for console games in the PC gaming space is growing. And with more and more console games porting to PCs, hopefully developers will start making games that work well with both types of devices. This way, developers, players, investors and everyone else involved will have less trouble.

Samuel Daniel

Update 17 April 2023