Challenging PC Ports
It’s often perplexing when a PC game released simultaneously with console versions fails to function properly. Why, when the price and content are identical, are there such stark differences in performance? John Linneman, Senior Staff Writer and Video Producer for Digital Foundry, highlights a key factor: the sheer diversity of PC hardware.
“Consoles are fixed platforms, but PCs are wide open,” Linneman explains. “Anyone can build a PC with a variety of parts, running different operating systems and drivers. For visually demanding games, this puts a lot of stress on hardware, leading to subpar performance for some users. Developers can only test so many configurations, so it’s common for day-one buyers to uncover bugs requiring patching.”
Beyond individual PC builds, the game’s design and engine may initially be incompatible with PC. Porting isn’t simply a direct transfer of files; it requires significant effort. Linneman notes that the engines for games like Jedi: Survivor and TLOU Part 1 Remake have notorious PC issues that require additional time and resources to fix. Developers must account for countless hardware and software combinations.
“Jedi: Survivor, built with Unreal Engine 4, exhibits common Unreal pitfalls like stuttering, poor CPU threading, and traversal issues,” Linneman says. “The Last of Us Part 1 has similar issues, but its cause is different. The game doesn’t use Unreal Engine, and the original was made specifically for one console. Unreal is designed for multiplatform development, but Naughty Dog had yet to release a modern game on PC before last year.”
Every PC port demands meticulous attention. While simultaneous launches are possible, developers must be prepared for bugs and glitches through rigorous testing. Without dedicated resources, PC ports will continue to struggle.
Customizing Controls
While most PC launchers and systems support controllers, ports sometimes suffer from poor control schemes and mouse support. Jon Lawitts, Head of Design and Engineering at Redstart Interactive, explains the complexities involved.
“Mouse and keyboard ergonomics feel significantly different from a controller, often requiring a complete control redesign,” Lawitts says. “Controllers allow variable joystick movements for changing speed, but keyboards don’t have that flexibility. Mice and touch screens allow precise pointing, while controllers are relative. These input differences affect all aspects of the game, from combat to traversal.”
Even essential actions like accessing menus can be hindered without proper support. The PC port of Gotham Knights initially restricted mouse movements and key customizations in certain scenarios, like the investigation board or driving the Batcycle. Patches eventually rectified these issues, but the initial experience negatively impacted numerous players, especially disabled individuals. Lawitts emphasizes the crucial need for seamless mouse and keyboard integration.
“Differences in input design require changes to tutorials, menus, and UI elements to accommodate PC players,” Lawitts says. “Move combinations that feel seamless on controllers can feel dramatically different on keyboard and mouse, and we need to find ways to restore that satisfying feeling for PC players.”
For disabled players who rely on specific input methods, PC ports with ineffective mouse and keyboard implementations create unnecessary barriers on top of existing bugs and glitches. While this is primarily an accessibility issue, poor controls affect everyone, from able-bodied individuals to those with temporary disabilities. Unusable mouse and keyboard controls can ruin an experience.
It’s one thing when PC ports experience bugs and glitches, but when combined with game-breaking occurrences and unusable controls, players are left unable to enjoy the newest releases. Developers need to ensure their launches are as smooth and accessible as possible.
Developer Support
No studio or developer intentionally releases unfinished or broken games. Countless hours and resources go into the final product, and when PC ports arrive in incomplete states, both developers and consumers suffer. Polished PC ports are achievable, but require dedicated attention. Peter Thoman, Modder, creator of DSfix, and co-founder of PH3 games, encourages studios to invest in proper PC port support.
“Test on a variety of hardware and software configurations, and with a variety of settings, as early as possible,” Thoman advises. “Large publishers can afford to do this in-house, but smaller studios can utilize closed external beta tests. Don’t rely on bug reports from customers for initial testing on common OS, GPU, or CPU architectures.”
Thoman emphasizes software design. Issues like framerate, resolution, aspect ratio, and input are easily addressed from the start. The longer developers wait, the more costly these issues become. He also urges developers to stop limiting players to specific hardware and software configurations, embracing the flexibility of PCs.
“Provide as many options as you can in gameplay, input, output, graphics, and performance scaling,” Thoman says. “You never know what devices people will use or what scenarios they’ll play in. People appreciate flexibility, even if every single combination isn’t rigorously tested – nobody will be upset if you fix an obscure issue after launch.”
Thoman advises developers to avoid utilizing uncommon APIs and libraries, as these increase the burden on players’ systems, leading to more bugs and glitches. He recommends sticking to mainstream options.
“Minimize your reliance on obscure Windows APIs and non-standard libraries,” Thoman says. “Using the Windows Media Foundation for audio/video codec playback can cause issues for Steam Deck and Linux users and opens the door to bugs. With open-source options available, it’s better to ship your own codecs.”
Thoman acknowledges that some APIs can hinder quality, especially as PCs become more powerful. APIs not designed for better graphics can contribute to issues seen in games like The Last of Us Part 1 Remake.
“Optimizing a port for PC and delivering a high-quality experience hasn’t gotten easier,” Thoman says. “Lower-level APIs in graphics put more responsibility on developers to ensure good performance, and complex middleware layers can make diagnosing engine performance issues more challenging. Just look at the stutter issues in many AAA Unreal Engine games.”
PC ports present a complex challenge. From graphical to game-breaking glitches and inaccessible controls, it’s frustrating when AAA games struggle on PC. However, with technological advancements, developers can invest resources to create ports as smooth as their console counterparts. Deadlines and budgets can affect all platforms and studio sizes, impacting port quality. Thoman hopes studios are open about their struggles, recognizing that the PC community can provide invaluable support.
“Keep everything as open as possible and communicate with your audience,” Thoman says. “The PC audience is full of knowledgeable individuals. Hiding things or spinning elaborate stories won’t work. Open communication – and ideally, open software with regards to file formats or encryption – allows the community to become a huge asset.”
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