What Programming Languages are Best for Game Developers to Know?

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A career in game development is one of the most appealing options available today. Not only are they often passion projects but, also, it’s an industry that shows no signs of halting its growth. But what languages are best for the development of games?

C++ for high performance

C++ is known for its high performance, flexibility, and extensive use in game engines like Unreal Engine. Its object-oriented structure enables game developers to create efficient, reusable code – particularly helpful in large and complex games. The language allows for precise control over hardware resources, which is important for graphics-intensive games. Games built with C++ include Counter-Strike, a hugely popular game worldwide and among the popular games in New Zealand.

C++ has been fundamental to Counter-Strike’s success by allowing for precise performance optimization, real-time physics, and reliable multiplayer networking. The game started as a Half-Life mod but evolved into one of the most enduring FPS games. C++, allowing for low-level memory management, was important for a game where minimal input lag and smooth frame rates were required – even the smallest delay in this type of game can mean the difference between victory and defeat. 

C#

C# is the main language used for Unity, another of the popular game engines. Unity has lowered the barriers for game development, making it a top choice for new and indie developers and smaller studios. C# is a simple, powerful object-oriented language, with strong community support. Unity’s cross-platform capabilities make it easy to develop for multiple devices. C# is a more accessible language and a good choice for beginners.

Hollow Knight and Monument Valley are among the games developed with C#. Monument Valley was widely lauded for its stunning visuals and Escher-inspired architecture, with the player moving through mazes full of optical illusions. The game was originally made for iOS before being adapted for Android and other platforms. C# enabled Ustwo Games to develop complex mechanics where the player rotates and shifts parts of the environment. By using classes and objects, the developers created reusable elements like moving platforms to simplify the coding of these intricate interactions.

Java

Java is often used for mobile game development, especially for Android games. It also offers strong cross-platform support. There’s a large Java ecosystem with extensive libraries and frameworks. The language enables open-ended, modular design and cross-platform accessibility. Game worlds can be procedurally generated, meaning a game can algorithmically create a new world based on a seed value, resulting in endless and unique worlds. Many developers choose Java for its portability and ease of use. It’s not ideal for high-performance, graphics-heavy games, but has significant strengths. Java code can run on any device that has the Java Runtime Environment (JRE), making it possible to play the game on Windows, MacOS, and Linux, without major reworking of the code. The cross-platform nature allowed games to reach a bigger audience.

JavaScript – the long reigning king for web games

JavaScript is primarily used for web-based games and is a great choice for developers focusing on browser games (check the last section for more info). Often combined with HTML5 and WebGL, JavaScript lets you create lightweight games without the need for installations. HTML5-based games are popular in casual gaming, where simplicity and accessibility are priorities. These games can be played on nearly any device. 

Browser games

For browser-based gaming, JavaScript, WebAssembly, C++, and TypeScript are rated among the best languages to learn. WebAssembly excels at physics simulations, complex game worlds, and tasks that are CPU-intensive. C++ is suitable for graphics-heavy games. Python can be used for prototyping (before you transfer the code to another language like C++ for a final build). 

Final thoughts

Knowing multiple programming languages is often beneficial. C++ and C# are likely the most crucial to learn for developers wishing to work on AAA titles or in widely used engines like Unreal and Unity. Python provides a nice entry point for beginners, and JavaScript is great for web-based games. 

Published by Rohit