C++ is one of the most popular programming languages when it comes to game development. It has been used in some of the most successful games ever released. It’s not even just used for desktop games though, it’s also widely used in game consoles and mobile games.
This article intends to give you an overview of why C++ is so popular in game development. We’ll try to look at what would make people choose C++ over other programming languages when developing their game, and we’ll briefly go over why C++ is chosen over other programming languages like Java or Python for game development.
C++
Despite its high entry barrier, C++ is one of the most popular and commonly used programming languages for game designers. It offers a high abstraction level for both fine object-oriented programming and generic programming, providing direct control over hardware and graphical processes.
It should not come as surprising seeing C++ as the best programming language for games in almost every guide you read. The pioneer of modern game programming languages, C++, adds Object-Oriented Programming(OOP) onto its predecessor C. The ability to control very low-level system components has contributed to a very fast running time for C++ programs, a much-needed element in game programming.
Most high-end games that you play today depend on C++ codes in one way or the other. Popular gaming consoles such as the Xbox and PlayStation both utilize this game programming language heavily. C++ is the must-know language if you anticipate yourself developing futuristic games.
Additionally, C++ allows the optimisation of special parts to a very high level– a feature almost impossible to achieve with other languages.
C++ is used to build most big console and Windows games. Apart from that, popular games built using C++ include Counter-Strike, Football Pro, Starcraft, Master of Orion III.
Java
Given Java’s versatility and rich collection of open-source material, it is popularly used for the development of indie and mobile games. It is easy-to-use, is beginner friendly and can write a range of reusable system-agnostic code. When compared with C++, Java offers easy writing, debugging, learning and compiling.
Games including the likes of Mission Impossible III, Minecraft, FIFA 11, and Ferrari GT 3: WOrld Track, have all been created using Java.
HTML5
HTML5 is one of the top choices by game developers to build cross-platform and cross-browser apps and games. Further, it can be interchangeably used with JavaScript.
Despite your struggle to believe, HTML5 has become one of the most common game programming languages for the web. A vast majority of mobile games that you play today utilize this markup language. You can easily create a highly sophisticated web-based game blending HTML5 with JavaScript for interactivity and WebGL for graphical components.
HTML5 games are also increasing exponentially as developers don’t require complex theoretical knowledge of advanced data structure and algorithms. As things are going pretty smoothly for HTML5, we can easily anticipate it to become one of the best programming languages for games shortly.
HTML5 is widely preferred for game development for its ultimate gaming engines. Game Frameworks including Construct 2, ImpactJS, Phaser, Turbulenz and Booty5 have taken the responsibility of the HTML5 Game Development process.
Some popular games built with HTML5 include Cookie Clicker, Gods Will Be Watching, World Cup Penalty 2018.
JavaScript
JavaScript is one of the best programming languages for interactive online games. It integrates with web technologies including CSS and HTML, allowing the development of cross-platform mobile games.
JavaScript is often used along with HTML5 since the latter cannot create animation or interactivity. Additionally, contributing to its popularity is JavaScript’s humongous online community and large number of frameworks.
Although it was not meant for developing large-scale games, JavaScript is turning the convention as days pass. It’s one of the most-used languages of the web and integrates pretty easily with any web application. As we continue to progress more and more towards a web-based industry, online games are becoming familiar every day.
JavaScript is definitely the best video game programming language for games for building interactive online games. The ability to integrate JavaScript codes easily with conventional web technologies like HTML and CSS also contributes rapidly to an increasing number of cross-platform mobile games.
Java
Java takes a prominent role in the industry and is one of the best programming languages for games and good reasons. It uses the same OOP principle utilized by C++ but offers a broader range of systems to play for. Java codes typically run on the Java Virtual Machine(JVM) and translate into generic bytecodes that can be executed on any system.
So, Java is one of those few game programming languages that gives developers the ability to develop games for any given system. It’s also one of the primary languages used for developing Android games, thanks to an increasing number of open source third-party modules like LWJGL.
Some popular games made with JavaScript include Hangman, HexGI, Little Alchemy, Swoop and Polycraft.
Python
Although not as popular as Java or C++, Python is used for game development. Its PyGame library is developer-friendly, easy to use for building games and enables developers to prototype games quickly. Additionally, just like Java and C++, Python also runs on OOP principles. Its simple learning curve makes Python a go-to option for many game developers.
One of the most straightforward yet most versatile programming languages you can get your hands on today is Python. However, do not misinterpret its seemingly easy syntax and semantics inappropriate as a game programming language. Python offers full-fledged OOP(Object Oriented Programming) techniques to developers, just like C++ and Java.
The Pygame framework, based on this popular language, is increasing in momentum every day, thanks to its ability to let developers prototype their games insanely faster. Python is gaining its share of glory as one of the best video game programming languages for games, and it certainly wouldn’t hurt you to learn it right now.
Some popular games built using Python include Battlefield 2, Disney’s Toontown Online, Eve Online and Frets on Fire.
UnrealScript
Unreal Engine has developed the programming language UnrealScript or UScript. Like Java, UnrealScript is object-oriented without multiple inheritance. Major gaming platforms including the likes of Microsoft Windows, Android, Linux and Playstation use UnrealScript.
However, in 2014, Epic Games had announced that Unreal Engine 4 would not be supporting UnrealScript.
One of the revolutionary game programming languages of the past decade, UnrealScript is a native scripting language for the infamous Unreal engine. It supports all major gaming platforms like Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, SteamOS, Android, and PlayStation VR.
The language combines complex features like OOP and multiple inheritances and fueled games like Arkham City, Fortnite, Bioshock, and Devil May Cry. Learning this language is a must if you want to develop your games on the popular Unreal Engine.
Some popular games developed using UnrealScript include Advent Rising, America’s Army, The Wheel Of Time, Batman- Arkham Knight and its series.
Lua
Lua is a light weight, high level and multi-platform programming language that is easy to run, making it fun and efficient to be used for video game development. It can be designed to embed into many applications, making it convenient for developers and players to alter the game.
Game engines including the likes of Gideros mobile, Corona SDK, and CryEngine, use Lua as its primary programming language.
A lightweight and multi-platform scripting language, Lua is continuing to gain momentum in the game industry. It has risen as one of the best programming languages for games thanks to its simple language structure and syntax.
A vast number of modern game engines utilize Lua as their primary game design programming language, which includes but is not limited to CryEngine, Corona SDK, and Gideros Mobile. If you’re a hard gamer like me, chances are you’ve already played games built on CryEngine. It’s the engine used by the famous German company Crytek and has produced games like Farcry and Enemy Front.
Some popular games developed using Lua are Age of Conan, American Girl, Angry Birds, and Aquaria.
C#
Despite considered easier than C++, C# is a powerful language. Its XNA framework makes it perfect for building games on Windows and Xbox. Additionally, C#’s game engine Unity3D and Xamarin enables developers to build games on all platforms including iOS, Android, PlayStation and Windows.
C# is as popular in the gaming industry due to its efficiency and scalability.
Popular games developed using C# include Pokemon Go and Super Mario Run.
Squirrel
A high level, an imperative language with object-oriented programming abilities, Squirrel was another the latest game design programming language to learn in 2018. The language itself is influenced by C++ and Lua and aims at solving complex real-time problems that require high levels of bandwidth.
It tackles complicated problems like tail recursion and exception handling in a pragmatic way. The language has been used extensively in popular games like Left 4 Dead, Portal 2, and Counter-Strike.
Courses yoy would love!
The C++ Programming Language (4th Edition) by Bjarne Stroustrup
Bjarne Stroustrup is the designer of C++ and has written many great books on the topic.
This book is divided into three parts.
The first part provides a tutorial introduction to C++ programming.
The second part presents a discussion of design and software development issues arising in connection with the use of C++, and the third part is a complete reference manual.
With the popularity of C++, several independent distributors of C++ have come forward, but the book discusses ‘pure C++;’ that is, no implementation-dependent extensions are used.
One of the best ways to learn a programming language is by writing small programs relevant to the item you study. There are exercises at the end of each chapter to apply your newly learned knowledge.
Effective C++: 55 Specific Ways to Improve Your Programs and Designs by Scott Meyers
Building large software with C++ takes design and discipline. If you are serious about C++, this book is a must-read.
It’s an expert’s guide for design of effective classes, functions, templates, and inheritance hierarchies. The book also discusses how C++ is different from other languages and how to do things “the C++ way”.
C++ Primer (5th Edition) by Stanley B. Lippman
The C++ Primer is a great book and will make learning C++ fun. It really is one of the best C++ books out there, but it assumes a lot of familiarity with programming concepts and a proficiency in C.
The latest edition of this book is excellent for programmers who want to get the most out of new and advanced features.
Conclusion
C++ is one of the most demanding programming languages. But is it the best programming language for games? Is C++ better than Objective-C, Java, or Python?