The Best Programming Languages ​​for Games: A Complete Guide

There are over 156.5 million gamers in the United States alone in 2022. This shows the importance of video games as an entertainment option for many. The real challenge in video game development is to create games that everyone can enjoy without sacrificing interface and usability. This is why knowing the best game programming languages ​​is important.

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A career in game development can be lucrative. Game developer earn an average of $81,092 per year, with increasing experience even up to $120,000 in the United States of America. If you want to become a game developer, this article provides insight into game programming and recommendations for the best languages ​​for game development.

What are games?

Digital games are defined as any game played using an electronic device, whether standalone or online. This can be a multiplayer or a single player game. The most popular games include Destiny 2, Counter-Strike, PUBG: Battlegrounds, Apex Legends and Rocket League. The most popular games played on mobile apps are PUBG Mobile, Pokémon Go and Subway Surfers.

As a game developer, your job is to create and program every aspect of a video game. Video game development is a complex process that requires skills beyond just programming. You also need a solid understanding of psychology, storytelling, and gameplay principles to create an engaging and entertaining game.

What are programming languages?

A programming language is a computer language that allows programmers to instruct a computer or computing device to perform specific tasks. Developers use programming languages ​​to create software, programs and scripts for the computer to follow. There are dozens of languages, some of which run in the background of the applications you use most.

Each language has unique characteristics that relate to different aspects of development. Some languages ​​are better suited to game development than others. The best gaming programming language can help you create user-friendly interfaces and create a positive user experience. The most popular languages ​​for game development include C++, C#, Java , Python and Lua.

If you want to develop a game without programming languages, you will like this video:

What programming languages ​​are used by game developers?

Game developers use programming languages ​​such as C++, Java, C#, Lua, UnrealScript, and many others to create the various components of a video game. These popular languages ​​for game developers are used to ensure that the games work smoothly and provide users with a smooth gaming experience.

Every programming language has its advantages and disadvantages. Some offer direct control over processes and hardware, while others are more lightweight and suitable for multiplatform applications. Depending on what you want to develop, certain languages ​​will be best suited to your intended use.

The best languages ​​for game development

Game programming isn't all that different from software development, aside from the unique game features you want to develop. This is why the best programming languages ​​for game development are also some of the most used programming languages ​​for all developers today. The following sections highlight the 10 best gaming programming languages ​​out there.

• C++
• C#
• GML
• Java
• JavaScript
• Lua
• Python
• Rust
• SQL
• UnrealScript

C++

It's easy to see why C++ used for games. It is a powerful language that gives developers a lot of control over how they interact with the code. C++ supports object-oriented programming, meaning developers can organize their code into reusable blocks. Many also prefer C++ for game development because it works well with many game development kits.

C++ has already been used in Windows games and major consoles, as well as popular games such as Starcraft, Counterstrike, Master of Orion III and Football Pro. If you want to develop a game similar to these, there are many resources that can help you learn C++ for game development. You can also attend a coding bootcamp to get accelerated training in game development.

C#

C# is one of the best languages ​​for game programming because it is known to be coherent. It has a huge library filled with high-level features. Another reason developers love using C# for game development is that it allows them to develop a wide range of games for various platforms such as Windows, Xbox, PlayStation, Android, and iOS.

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Thanks to its object-oriented paradigm, game development in C# also means shorter development time. C# is used by both smaller game studios and larger developers to create games we know and love, like Pokémon Go and Super Mario Run. Learning C# can also help you develop a solid understanding of programming in general.

GML

GameMaker Language (GML) is a popular choice for game development. It is developed by GameMaker Studio, a development platform that is very popular among independent and new developers. There are two variants of GML, namely GML Code and GML Visual. The first variant allows you to develop from scratch, while the second variant contains pre-coded building blocks that you can easily access.

GML is considered an easy programming language to learn, especially if you are already familiar with languages ​​such as JavaScript or C++, as they share many similar features. However, GML only makes sense if you want to use GameMaker Studio to develop 2D games like Undertale, Hyper Light Drifter and Katana Zero.

Java

Another language that game developers like to use is Java because it is versatile and available as an open source program. Java is good for game development because it allows you to write multiple reusable, system-independent codes, which can speed up the entire development cycle. Additionally, when developing games in Java, it is easy to compile, debug, and write code.

Java is one of the languages ​​used for Android development. It is also used for the development of top games such as Ferrari GT, Minecraft and FIFA 11. Developing a video game with Java is not difficult if you have a good command of the programming language. There are a variety of online Java courses, classes, and training that can help you master Java and get into game development.

JavaScript

Developing games with JavaScript can be a lot of fun because it allows you to create interactive, dynamic game applications that run on various platforms. Additionally, because JavaScript is an interpreted language, it reduces the time that other programming languages ​​such as Java take to compile.

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Major companies like Google, Paypal, and Amazon use JavaScript because it works seamlessly with most programming languages. JavaScript is best suited for developing mobile and browser-based gaming applications. This high-level language was used for the development of Hangman, HexGI, Swoop, Polycraft and Little Alchemy.

Lua

Lua is a cross-platform language that, although simpler, is very compatible with other complex languages. The simple syntax and efficient use of memory make Lua a suitable language for game development. Some of the most popular games developed with Lua include Aquaria, Angry Birds, Age of Conan and American Girl.

Lua may have some limitations as it does not support inheritance and classes. But since Lua is lightweight and easy to use, it is considered one of the best programming languages ​​for mobile game development. If you are looking for a programming language for game development that does not require complex graphics or heavy programming, Lua is a good choice.

Python

Python is not as popular in game development as other programming languages. Nevertheless, Python can be used for game development due to its developer-friendly features. It is an object-oriented language with a simple syntax that allows programmers to quickly prototype games. It is used for the development of games such as Eve Online, Battlefield 2 and Disney's Toontown Online.

Additionally, Python is well suited for game development because its built-in libraries allow developers to perform multiple actions with minimal code. Popular Python libraries for games include Pygame, Python-Ogre, Cocos2d, Pyglet, and Kivy.

Rust

Rust is typically used for full-stack web development, but also for game development. It is statically typed and designed for security and performance. This is a benefit for memory management and secure concurrency. Rust's syntax is also often compared to C++.

Rust's memory model makes it harder to make common programming mistakes. Errors such as buffer overruns, dangling pointers and other similar bugs can be quickly identified when programming in Rust. This is probably one of the reasons why Rust has been the most popular language for seven years in a row, according to Stack Overflow. Some of the games written in Rust are Veloren, Zemeroth and Nox Futura.

SQL

SQL Although not used in game development or design, it is very important for games with large data components. SQL is used as a backend database to access accounts and other server activities. Another advantage of SQL is its high speed and the ability to retrieve large amounts of records instantly.

Learning SQL can be a good choice as it does not require a large amount of code to manage the database system. It is portable and can be used on laptops, desktops and mobile phones. It is also considered an interactive language. She can communicate with the database and get answers quickly.

UnrealScript

UnrealScript is an object-oriented programming language used by the Unreal Engine, a popular gaming engine used to develop popular games such as Fortnite, Final Fantasy VII Remake, Kingdom Hearts IV, and Valorant. UnrealScript does not require recompilation and provides programmers with robust functionality for in-game use.

UnrealScript provides native support for time network and state replication, making it suitable for game programming with the Unreal Engine. This language helps make event-based gameplay more accessible and efficient. Popular games supported by this language include America's Army, Advent Rising, Batman-Arkham Knight and The Wheel of Time.

Which programming language should I learn first?

If you want to get into game development, you should first learn C++. This simple language teaches you the basics of object-oriented programming while providing a high level of flexibility not available in other popular game programming languages.

C++ is recommended for optimizing performance, which is an essential factor when gaming. It has been used for decades and allows games to run on various platforms such as Android, iOS, Linux, Windows and Mac. C++ also supports powerful features, which is crucial in game design. You can see C++ in action when you play games like Witcher 3, Counter-Strike, or World of Warcraft.

Is it possible to choose the "wrong" programming language?

Yes, it is possible to choose the wrong programming language, especially if you want to focus on game development. Each programming language has its own unique characteristics that make it particularly suitable for certain projects. For example, a language that is great for web development may be completely unsuitable for game development and vice versa.

As a game programmer, it is important to first determine the type of game you want to develop. Think about what features, design, interactions, and story you want to include in your game. Then create a general plan for the different components and identify the tools at your disposal. This will help you find the best programming language for your game.

How to learn game development
The first step is to learn the best programming languages ​​for game development. The gaming industry is booming and in high demand, with job prospects for game developers expected to increase by 25 percent between 2021 and 2031. The following four steps will show you how you can learn to develop games as efficiently as possible.

Completion of a degree

The most traditional way to learn game development is with a degree in computer science or computer engineering. These are four-year university courses that cover a wide range of basic and advanced computer science topics. Depending on your course of study and school, you can choose to specialize in game development in your final years.

View tutorials

There are many step-by-step tutorials online that will help you with real-world applications and projects. You can do these during your studies or after you have completed your studies. Some of the best video tutorials are available for free on YouTube.

Start with small projects
Start working on projects to test your skills and slowly work your way up to advanced programming techniques. Practice the programming languages ​​you've already learned by creating a simple game like Tetris. Join projects or an online community where you can learn from other experienced professionals.

Attend boot camps

Improve your skills and learn new skills by attending a game development bootcamp. They are a cost-effective way to learn game development in a short period of time. Topics covered can range from rig models and scripts to game design. There are game development bootcamps that are both convenient and flexible, allowing you to learn remotely and at your own pace.

Game development resources

Aside from the above, there are also a variety of game development resources available for aspiring developers. You can opt for paid resources, which typically cover in-depth topics, or sign up for free courses and classes to get an introduction to game development. Our top five game development resources are as follows.

• Udemy. There are many courses on Udemy to get you started with game development, categorized by programming language and development area. These include C# Basics for Beginners: Learn C# Basics by Coding, and Complete C# Masterclass.
• Game Code School. This website offers Java, Kotlin, C# and C++ tutorials. It also offers game projects such as Android Studio, SFML, Kotlin, Unity, Unreal Engine and Gamemaker Studio.
• Gamedev Reddit. Forums are a great way to connect and contribute to a community. This online community forum allows you to ask questions about ongoing game development projects and help others with their projects.
• Lost Garden. Lost Garden focuses on the art of game design, which is an essential part of a successful video game. You can learn more about core game improvement and other relevant topics that will help you improve your development skills.
• Game Programming Patterns. This free online book is a good choice for beginners and aspiring game developers. It covers topics such as sequencing patterns, behavioral patterns, and optimization patterns.

Where to start game development

There are so many ways to get started with game development. It is recommended to learn the best gaming programming languages ​​so that you can develop a truly addictive and entertaining gaming application. Remember that each programming language has its own advantages, so take your time and do your research before you begin.

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There are a wealth of resources that can help you get started with game development. Studying computer programming, attending a coding bootcamp, or enrolling in an online course are all good ways to learn the basics of game development. Now that you have a better understanding of which programming language is best for gaming, it's time to get into this promising profession.

Is C# or C++ better for game development?

It is difficult to say whether C++ or C# is better for game development as both languages ​​are equally popular in the gaming industry. While both have their advantages, some unique features can help you decide between C# or C++ for gaming. C++ is a better choice for cross-platform purposes, while C# makes graphical interfaces simpler. C++ also offers better hardware control on the PC and the server.

What programming language is PUBG written in?

PUBG Video Game - Source: store.steampowered.com

PUBG is written in a programming language called C++. This free battle royale game is developed using a game engine called Unreal Engine 4, which also relies heavily on C++. Many players say they enjoy playing the game because it is accessible on mobile devices and offers realistic gameplay that contributes to an immersive experience.

What is the best programming language for 2D games?

The best programming languages ​​for 2D games include C#, JavaScript and GML. For example, if you are programming 2D games for Windows, C# is a better choice because of its compatibility. On the other hand, if you are using a game engine like GameMaker Studio, GML is the best choice as it is a proprietary language that offers straightforward and beginner-friendly features.

What is the best game programming language for beginners?

The best programming languages ​​for beginners are JavaScript and Python. JavaScript is a scripting language with simple syntax that can be used to create applications for browsers. It can also be used for mobile gaming application development. Python, on the other hand, is a powerful language with a syntax similar to English, making it accessible to all novice programmers.