Over 300 different programming languages were known to exist as of the latest count. Maybe a dozen of these are regularly used. But which is the best coding language for games?
The most often used languages for creating video games are:
- C++
- Java
- C#
- Python
- JavaScript
But just because they’re the most widely used game programming languages doesn’t always indicate that they’re the greatest languages for game creation.
We’ll examine these well-liked choices now, including their advantages, disadvantages, and how to get started.
What is Game Programming?
You must know about game programming and the best coding language for games. What characteristics define the top coding languages for video games? How is game programming different from programming for other applications?
Every programming language has its strengths and weaknesses. For instance, certain languages (like R) are intended for data research whereas others are for web development (such as JavaScript).
The following features the best language for game development must have:
Speedy and light. A game development language must be quick to compile. A lot of gamers anticipate real-time activity.
Robust. The games of today are really complicated. Large data sets and intricate visuals must be supported by a video game programming language.
Well-integrated. Artists and designers must collaborate closely with game programmers. Art assets must be able to be imported into the game.
Well-supported. especially when it comes to game development tools and engines. Even if you utilize the finest game development languages available, they are pointless if no one else does.
In addition, a lot of game creators search for straightforward, quick, and deployable code. Game creators typically search for the finest programming language for starter games because so many of them are also one-person businesses.
Relationship Of Game Programming and Platforms
The game programming languages you have access to will depend on the platform you wish to publish games for.
For instance, since C++ is a popular language on PC games, you can select it if you want to create a game for the platform. You would need to utilize C++ or a game engine that can compile to C++ if you wanted to create a game for the PlayStation 4.
The majority of platforms offer good support for game coding languages. Java and C++ are both widely applicable.
However, there can be certain game programming languages to take into account for mobile games. Swift and Objective C are both often used for games on Apple devices.
Game development kits and game programming
Another thing to think about is the possibility that the greatest languages for game development may just be the ones that your kit supports the best.
Companies produce their own game development kits to facilitate game production. A GDK comes with (almost) everything a programmer requires to make a game. A GDK frequently has the ability to export the game to many platforms.
A GDK used to create games for the PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One is Unreal Engine 4. The C++ language is used by Unreal Engine, which is likewise built in C++.
As a result, game developers that want to use Unreal Engine must use C++ or the engine’s own Blueprints framework.
In addition, Utilizing a GDK that is as sophisticated as Unreal Engine or Unity has a lot of benefits.
Where can I get programming courses for game development?
Know about the best coding language for games. Let’s pretend you want to learn how to create video games. You don’t know what platform to use or what language to learn; all you need is a basic introduction to the theory underlying game creation.
To find out more, you can:
- Consult a book on the principles of game design.
- Take a game development and design course online.
- Consider taking a couple in-depth Unity game development classes to get even further.
Start by reading this introduction to game coding, which will take you through the key ideas of game design and the choices you’ll need to make to further your understanding.
The Best Game Programming Language
After going over some of the most crucial components of a game programming language, let’s have a look at some of the more well-liked ones.
These programming languages range from powerful general-purpose languages to those that are most typically used for video games.
- C++
- Java
- C#
- Python
- JavaScript
C++
C++ is the first best coding language for games. Powerful object-oriented language C++ is frequently used in the creation of video games. Although it might be challenging to understand, its status is earned via ubiquity. The majority of game development tools and frameworks support it.
Pros of C++
- Fast and efficient
- Widely supported by GDKs and frameworks
- Large community of programmers & open-source code
Cons of C++
- Complex and difficult for beginners
- Most game developers moved on to newer languages
Game Development Systems That Use C++
- Unreal Engine
- Godot
- CryEngine
Java
Java is the second best coding language for games. Games may be made in Java, a dependable and adaptable cross-platform language, and played on a variety of systems. It has a sizable development community and is rather simple to learn.
Pros of Java
- Easy to learn and use
- Cross-platform
Cons of Java
- Slower than many other languages because of how it’s interpreted
- Older language & deprecated in some developers’ eyes
Game Development Systems That Use Java
- Jake2
- jMonkeyEngine
- LibGDX
You should read our other blog, “Best programming languages you should learn in 2022″ to know about the top programming languages.
C#
C# is the third best coding language for games. Similar to Java and other C-class languages, C# is an all-purpose language. It has a large user base and provides excellent performance. It also has a greater entrance hurdle than many other more straightforward game creation languages.
Pros of C#
- Fast and efficient
- Frequently used for mobile game development
Cons of C#
- Can be complex
- Difficult to learn, compared to Python or JavaScript
Game Development Systems That Use C#
- Unity
- Godot
- HeroEngine
Python
Python is the fourth best coding language for games. Python is a popular, simple-to-learn language with excellent readability. In addition to being widely utilized in game production, it is also favored for applications involving machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Pros of Python
- Easy to learn and use
- The versatile language (that can be used for many different applications)
Cons of Python
- Slower than many other languages because how it’s interpreted
Game Development Systems That Use Python
- Pygame
- Ren.py
- Godot Engine
JavaScript
JavaScript is the fifth best coding language for games. JavaScript is a flexible language that can be used to build both powerful online apps and video games. It is well-liked by beginning programmers since it is simple to understand and use. It can, however, be somewhat restricted because it is primarily a web-first language.
Pros of JavaScript
- Easy to learn and use
- Popular for creating browser-based games.
Cons of JavaScript
- Slower than some other languages
- Mostly used for web development
Game Development Systems That Use JavaScript
- Phaser
- MelonJS
- PandaEngine
Conclusion
The game development platform you choose will have a big impact on the best coding language for games.
Whether you want to utilize Unity or Unreal or build Android or iOS apps, you must pick a language that is suited for your goals.
However, you can’t go wrong with C++, C#, Python, Java, or JavaScript if all you’re interested in learning is a practical, all-purpose language that is also used for game development.
These languages can be used to create games for both desktop computers and mobile devices.
We hope we are able to clear all your queries about the best coding language for games.
FAQs
What coding language do games use?
The most widely used language for making game engines, or the environments where game programmers design and host their interactive worlds, is C++. The technology for game engines includes everything from graphics, physics, and sound to the actions of AI-powered game bots.
What coding language to make games?
The majority of significant console and Microsoft Windows games are built on C++. It’s an object-oriented programming (OOP) language, which means that it divides code into reusable, standalone units. Because they are made to be mobile and reusable, you can code complex games without having to start from scratch.
Which programming language for mobile games?
C++
C#
JavaScript
Java
Lua
Python