So, which languages do you recommend most for making video games? The answer lies in the kind of game you want to create. For example, if you want to create a 2D platformer, you may choose a language such as Lua or JavaScript. However, C++ and C# languages may be more appropriate for creating a first-person shooter in 3D.
Here we’ll examine the top languages for making games and talk about the many games that may be made in each.
What Exactly Is Gaming Development?
Gaming development involves planning, producing, and coding a game. This step may be taken in various ways, each appropriate for its respective game genre and development team size.
Whether interested in graphics, plot, or gaming mechanics, you may choose from various games, including text-based, 2D, 3D, and real-time single-player and multiplayer options. But I’m sure you already know that, so let’s dive into game design!
The Top Game Development Programming Languages
Each of these languages has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, but they’re all widely used for making games. Let’s analyze each language individually.
C++
Because of its speed and efficiency, C++ is a great language for making video games. C++ is used to produce high-performance games because of its abundance of debugging tools, which is crucial in creating games.
Other languages, like Python, are intended to be easy to understand and comprehend. Given this, Python is great for quickly testing new game concepts, but there are better fits for creating a full-fledged game.
C++, a compiled language, is turned into machine code before being executed on a computer. This means C++ code can be executed much quicker than code written in an interpreted language like Python. Multiple programming styles, including object-oriented and data-driven, are available in C++.
Popular game engines often support C++, giving programmers access to various game design resources.
The following are popular gaming engines that use C++:
- Amazon Lumberyard
- Unity
- Unreal Engine
- CRYENGINE
C++ has several drawbacks that make it less desirable than other programming languages. These include its high learning curve, memory management features, and lack of mobility to other platforms.
Java
Java is employed in many different fields because of the language’s flexibility and capability. As it shares many of C++’s benefits and is compatible with many other platforms, it is also a suitable option for game development.
Java games, a platform-independent language, may operate on any operating system, like Windows, macOS, and Linux, owing to the Java virtual machine (JVM). Since iOS and Android can run Java, it has become a popular alternative for creating mobile games. Actually, Java is the language for creating native applications using Android Studio.
Examples of Java-based game engines include:
- libGDX
- jMonkeyEngine
- Java 3D
Java’s general drawbacks:
- It’s not as user-friendly and sometimes sluggish, especially on older devices.
- It’s less popular than C++, though.
JavaScript (with HTML and CSS)
Another flexible language used in game creation is JavaScript (JS), which has the added benefit of being simple to pick up. JavaScript’s slower performance compared to C++ and Java makes it a viable choice for creating 2D games.
HTML and CSS aren’t programming languages but useful tools for making video games. HTML is used to establish a game’s framework, while CSS is utilized to style the game.
JavaScript games are portable because they may be played in any web browser. However, games written in JavaScript are less popular than those written in other languages.
The following are popular gaming engines that use JavaScript:
- PixiJS
- Phaser
- Cocos2d-x
Overall drawbacks of JavaScript:
- Slower than some other languages
- Less often used
- For browser-based games
C#
Microsoft developed the C# programming language. It’s a great option for creating both 2D and 3D games, and it has many benefits with C++.
C# has the benefit of being simpler to learn than C++. Because C# is a cross-platform language, games written in it may be played on several operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Cdebugging #’s and testing tools, as well as the tools with which they are integrated into Microsoft’s Visual Studio, are top-notch.
The following are popular gaming engines that use C#:
- Unreal Engine
- Unity
- Godot
General drawbacks of C#:
Restricted to the Microsoft environment and not as popular
Lua
Lua, a simple but powerful scripting language, is widely utilized in many fields, including video game creation. It’s quick (a rare combination!) and simple to learn and use.
Since Lua can be integrated into other programming languages, it is often used for developing game logic. As a result, it is a viable option for creating games with intricate gameplay systems.
Lua isn’t as popular as other languages for game development, but it’s a fantastic option for creating 2D games, and several game engines support it.
The following are popular gaming engines that use Lua:
- LÖVE
- Solar2D
- Gideros
General disadvantages of Lua:
Used mostly by the video game industry and seldom elsewhere
Which Game Programming Language Should Beginners Use?
Naturally, Lua! As we’ve established, Lua is an approachable, lightweight programming language. For this reason, it should come as no surprise that Lua provides a solid foundation to develop more advanced games, especially for those new to programming.
Also, several well-known games have included Lua; therefore, many resources are available. In addition, you may use it to code on a wide variety of game engines as you learn C++ for more involved projects.
Conclusion
The world of game creation is ever-evolving, as new technology and platforms appear every few years. This means that game development languages will also need to evolve.
Lua and Python are great languages to learn as a beginner. These languages are simple to pick up and use and provide a solid groundwork for creating more involved video games.
You’ll need a more robust programming language to create an intricate game. For complex games, C++, C#, or even Java may be the best option for development.
Greater control over the game’s inner workings is possible with low-level languages like C++, but this comes at the cost of more development and testing time.