What is the best programming language for game development? This question has been asked by thousands of game developers, students and other beginners who want to enter this exciting field. As you may know, unlike other fields, there are no clear answers to this. There are many options available in the market today. Trying to get to know each of them can be quite hectic . But don’t worry. I will let you try out these best programming languages.
Did you know that there are more than 1,300 programming languages available today? That’s right. But considering that almost 80% of them are rarely used, the question is: which one should you pick? Also, do you even need a programming language to build games for Android and iOS? Let’s see.
JavaScript
About
JavaScript is commonly known as one of the core pillars of web development. It first appeared in 1995 and was designed to suit the new ECMAScript specifications that were attempting to standardize the web and web browsers. While HTML informs web layouts and CSS informs web aesthetics, JavaScript is the true computer programming language that breathes life into websites, adding most amounts of interactivity you see on a day to day basis.
However, with the emergence of HTML5, JavaScript has also become the core pillar of HTML5 game development in terms of programming languages. As it was originally designed with both object-oriented and event-driven systems for web user interaction, this made it the perfect choice to extend for games. Additionally, with Flash now being obsolete, it also made way for these sorts of HTML5 games to rise up and become the mainstay of browser-based game development.
Pros
- As HTML5 games are based on the web, JavaScript makes it easy to make browser-based games and mobile games.
- Given JavaScript is a core part of the web, it’s easy to integrate such games with JavaScript-based frameworks and libraries, like Node.js and Express, for multiplayer game creation.
- HTML5 games are generally the easiest to share since they can be hosted directly on a website for anyone to visit.
- JavaScript is generally less resource-intensive for game development, meaning it’s great if you don’t have a powerful computer to develop games on.
- Since JavaScript is an extremely stable programming language due to its need for the web, HTML5 games are easier to maintain and don’t require the same sort of updating games made with engines do.
Cons
- Options for 3D graphics are limited to specific frameworks, generally forcing most people to rely on 2D graphics for their games.
- It is a rather high-level programming language, so it isn’t as efficient as other programming languages on this list in terms of how fast it performs tasks.
- Due to not being as efficient, HTML5 games have more limits in terms of scope and size of the games you can make.
- While JavaScript itself receives lots of support for web development, HTML5 game communities are a bit smaller compared to other popular programming languages and engines.
C++
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.
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.
C#
C# is a top-notch programming language that uses the XNA framework for developing games for Xbox and Windows. It uses Xamarin and Unity3D, enabling the development of games for several platforms to offer scalability and efficiency. C# is used to develop Super Mario Run and Pokemon Go.
Pros
- Comparatively, C# is a very beginner-friendly language with fairly easy to read code.
- Automatic memory management means you don’t have to do a deep dive into those aspects and can focus more on just developing your game.
- As a language developed by Microsoft, it is a top choice for games on Windows PCs. However, it is capable of working on most modern systems.
- C# is a type-safe language, meaning your games will have more security and won’t exhibit tons of unexpected behaviors.
- It is relatively efficient and scalable, meaning it’s well-suited when used to create game projects.
Cons
- With some exceptions, outside of game engines, C# isn’t widely used for games. Thus, an engine is almost required in this case for community support.
- While more efficient than JavaScript, it isn’t as efficient as C++ or Java, meaning game performance can suffer if the game is sufficiently complex.
- As the language was designed to work specifically with Microsoft’s .NET framework, it isn’t as flexible as other programming languages on the list.
- In the business world, while in high-demand for general business applications, it isn’t as demanded for game developers as C++ is.
Python
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.
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.
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.
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.
Conclusion:
The best programming language for games is a common question that’s been going around for a while now. If you’re a programmer, it’s a good idea to first understand the basics of programming before you start learning about how to develop a game from scratch. If you want to create a big name in the gaming industry, then you should definitely learn from one of the best programming languages for games.