Best Languages for Game Development

Technologies have been developing more and more rapidly lately, and of course one of the most popular industries – computer games – is also making progress. The field of video game development is also evolving, and even the average person has many tools available to create games.

In this article, you will explore some of the most commonly used programming languages for creating the best coding games, their characteristics, and their benefits. We will also give you recommendations on what you need to pay attention to when choosing a programming language for video games.

Most commonly used video game programming languages

In the world of computing, there are hundreds (even thousands) of programming languages created for an endless number of functions and workspaces. If we focus on the video game industry, one of the most prolific in the field of culture and entertainment, they will be significantly reduced.

What is the best coding language for games? Below we will talk about some of the most commonly used video game programming languages of different levels and purposes and also provide examples.

C++

C++ is a general-purpose programming language. Created in 1979, it was originally designed for facility management. When it comes to video games, despite its age, C++ is still popular for creating all types of games, from side-scrolling games to 3D adventures.

Here are some games created using C++: Clash Royale, Pokemon Go, and Brawl Stars.

Advantages

• Efficiency and productivity;
• The ability to directly manage system resources such as memory and hardware devices. This is essential for developing high-performance games and impressive graphics;
• It offers object-oriented programming features that make it easier to organize and maintain complex game development projects.

Disadvantages

• Its debugging is quite complicated. This is due to the errors that appear at the time of coding.

C#

C# is a very used programming language, especially in the Windows environment. This language is easier to learn than C++ and is a good option if you’re just starting or want more people to use it, regardless of device. It is a very powerful alternative that allows you to create Windows applications, web services, database tools, components, controls, and of course video games. Build reliable, durable software that lasts for a long time.

Best coding games using C# include Among Us, Final Fantasy, Pokemon Go, and Minecraft.

Advantages

• Simple use and intuitive syntax;
• Suitable for both beginners and experts;
• Integrating C# with Unity (best beginner game engine) gives you access to robust objects, and rich recursions, including libraries and assets that make it easier to create games in 2D and 3D.

Disadvantages

• Language is incomplete;
• The structure is very closed.

Python

Python is a powerful programming language that is becoming increasingly relevant for game development. It is a universal language that can be used to create applications of all types and sizes, from small text-based games to full-fledged 3D games. It is the best language for software development, along with several others.

Its use in video games is not as widespread as in other languages, but a popular game we find it in is Battlefield 2 and it is also used in the Panda3D video game engine.

Advantages

• Simplicity and versatility;
• Syntax-friendly and easy to learn;
• A wide range of libraries and frameworks such as Pygame and Panda3D make it easy and efficient to create 2D and 3D games;
• It provides an accessible entry into the world of video games and is especially popular among developers looking to experiment and learn about game programming.

Disadvantages

• It is one of the slowest programming languages;
• To run a game in Python you must have Python installed.

Java

Java is a programming language widely used for writing web applications. It allows you to write commands, computer instructions, and lines of code that are easily understood by any user. When it comes to video games, Java makes it easy to create games with a robust back-end system where you can register new players, update ratings, create game rooms, create dashboards with information about player participation, number of active players, etc. other tools. Java is considered one of the best game programming languages.

Java is present in games like Minecraft and various cross-platform games.

Advantages

• It is fast, safe and reliable;
• Offers a wide range of libraries and tools;
• It is a cross-platform programming language. There is no need to write different versions of the application for each specific platform;
• Mobility. It is mainly used in the development of mobile games for Android.

Disadvantages

• It has a slower performance;
• It requires more memory than other languages.

Considerations when choosing a programming language for video games

How to choose a programming language for creating video games? There are no programming languages that are better suited for this than others. Choosing the right one will depend on several factors, including the type of game you’re developing, your prior knowledge, and target platforms. When choosing, you should also consider:

• Previous experience. If you already have experience with a certain language, it may be more effective to continue using it in your game projects.

• Game type. Some languages are better suited for certain types of games. For example, C++ is ideal for high-end 3D games, while Python is better for simple 2D games.

• Target platforms. If you plan to release your game on multiple platforms, make sure the language you choose is compatible with all of them.

• Available equipment and resources. Consider the availability of resources, libraries, and tools for your chosen language. This can greatly simplify the development process.

If design complexity is high, multiple languages can be used to ensure all layers of the game work correctly. The best way to make a choice is to think about what famous game you want the one you are going to create to be like. Once this part is defined, you will know which languages it was developed in and start using them in your project for your game.

Looking to the future of the video game industry

As we look to the future of the video game industry, we can’t ignore two newcomers that are gaining attention: Rust and WebAssembly.

Rust

Rust is a programming language that is a modern alternative to C++. It promises to offer the same performance and granular control over system resources as C++ but with greater security and less error-proneness. Rust achieves this through a complex system and unique ownership model that prevents common pitfalls such as data concurrency and null pointers.

In the context of video games, Rust offers the following potential benefits:

• Its security guarantees can help prevent critical errors that can ruin your gaming experience;
• Its performance is on par with C++, making it suitable even for high-performance games.

WebAssembly

WebAssembly represents a significant step forward in web game development. It is a binary format that allows low-level code to run in web browsers with performance close to native code. With WebAssembly, you can bring high-quality games written in languages like C++ or Rust directly to web browsers. This could revolutionize the web gaming industry, allowing online casino games, MMO games, and other types of browser games to be created with quality and complexity never seen before.

While these languages and technologies are still relatively new, their promise of increased security, better performance, and new capabilities for web gaming suggest an exciting future for the video game industry.

FAQs

What programming language is best for game development?

Some of the most commonly used video game programming languages of varying levels and purposes are C++, Python, Java, and C#. Choosing the appropriate option will depend on several factors, including the type of game you are developing, your prior knowledge, and the target platforms.

Can Python be used for creating serious game projects?

Python itself has little or no use as the primary language for large game development. But it is often used as an auxiliary tool.

What programming language is easiest for a beginner game developer to learn?

For those who are willing to spend a lot of time learning the language, C++ is suitable. And who wants to do development faster – C#. Beginners in programming languages should choose Java.