Axiom Verge: Bringing a One-Man Metroidvania to Xbox One

Title: Axiom Verge
Release Date: 2016
Developer: Thomas Happ Games
Publisher: Thomas Happ Games
Platforms: Xbox One
Engine: Microsoft XNA / MonoGame

Axiom Verge is a Metroid-inspired action-adventure, written on Microsoft’s XNA framework, which Microsoft had already discontinued by the time the game shipped.. That created a real technical challenge for console ports, since MonoGame support for Xbox One didn’t yet exist. Sickhead’s deep involvement with the MonoGame framework made us the natural fit for the job. Getting MonoGame running on Xbox One was itself a prerequisite. Axiom Verge was the very first game to use MonoGame on that platform, which meant the port involved not just adapting the game but helping lay the groundwork for an entire wave of XNA-based indie games to follow.

Sickhead Games is the leading game porting studio, skilled in porting Unity, Unreal, Godot, and custom engine titles to every major console and handheld including Playstation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and mobile. We’re trusted by solo indie developers and major publishers alike to handle everything from codebase assessment to post-launch support, bringing great games to the audiences they deserve. Satisfied clients and partners include Humble Games, Sony Interactive, Nintendo, Annapurna, Good Games, ConcernedApe, MegaCrit, 17-Bit, Maddy Makes Games, Zachtronics, Keen Software House, Thomas Happ, Pocketwatch Games, EXOK, Young Horses, Taito, Jaleco, and Microsoft. We’ve ported over 100 releases including Stardew Valley, Slay the Spire, TowerFall, Axiom Verge, and Space Engineers, and also specialize in bringing retro console and PC games to modern audiences like Grandia, Enclave, and Jaleco Sports titles.