How can I port my Windows game fastest?

To port your Windows game to Apple platforms as quickly as possible, you can follow these steps outlined in the WWDC sessions:

1. Evaluate Your Game: Start by using the evaluation environment for Windows games to see how your game runs on Apple Silicon. This will give you a baseline performance and help you confirm that your shaders convert successfully to Metal. The evaluation environment supports AVX instructions, ray tracing, and improved graphics compatibility.

   • Port advanced games to Apple platforms

2. Use the Game Porting Toolkit: The new Game Porting Toolkit 2 provides tools to help you bring over your game's code and assets. It includes support for advanced game technologies and helps you debug and profile your game at every step of the porting process.

   • Port advanced games to Apple platforms
   • Platforms State of the Union

3. Leverage Metal Tools: Utilize the improved Metal tools within Xcode to debug and profile the source of your original HLSL shaders. This can be done at any stage of the porting process, whether you're evaluating your original Windows binary or debugging the Metal version of your game.

   • Platforms State of the Union

4. Follow Human Interface Guidelines: Apply design conventions specific to Apple devices using the Human Interface Guidelines. This will help you adapt your game's experience to Apple platforms.

   • Port advanced games to Apple platforms

5. Use Sample Code and Documentation: The Game Porting Toolkit 2 includes sample code and documentation to guide you through essential steps like converting gaming subsystems and building shaders.

   • Platforms State of the Union

6. Debug and Profile: Use the full suite of Metal tools to debug and profile your game. This includes tools for evaluating your original Windows binary and optimizing the Metal version of your game.

   • Port advanced games to Apple platforms

By following these steps and utilizing the tools and resources provided by Apple, you can streamline the process of porting your Windows game to Mac, iPad, and iPhone.

Relevant Sessions

1. Port advanced games to Apple platforms
2. Platforms State of the Union