Many entry-level programmers are interested in learning 3D game development. “Best programming language for games” is one of the most common questions asked on web development forums.
The gaming industry is very attractive right now because of the fast advances in mobile technology for smart phones and tablets. It means that there are millions of potential customers for any game developer.
Kotlin
Kotlin is a general-purpose programming language originally developed and unveiled as Project Kotlin by JetBrains in 2011. The first version was officially released in 2016. It is interoperable with Java and supports functional programming languages.
Kotlin is used extensively for Android apps, web application, desktop application, and server-side application development. Kotlin was built to be better than Java, and people who use this language are convinced. Most of the Google applications are based on Kotlin. Some companies using Kotlin as their programming language include Coursera, Pinterest, PostMates among many others.
Kotlin developers earn an average of $136,000 a year, with the potential to earn up to $171,500.
| Level: | Intermediate to advanced |
| Skills Needed: | Prior experience with programming languages, particularly Java |
| Platform: | Web, Mobile, Desktop, Server |
| Popularity Among Programmers: | Increasingly popular; used for Android applications |
| Benefits: | Less code-heavy than Java and other languages;Relatively easy to adoptFully compatible with Java |
| Downsides: | Fluctuating compilation speed; no static keyword in Kotlin |
| Degree of Use: | Widely used; highly applicable |
| Annual Salary Projection: | $136,000 |
Python
Python is perhaps the most user-friendly programming language of any on this list. It’s often said that Python’s syntax is clear, intuitive, and almost English-like, which, like Java, makes it a popular choice for beginners.
Also like Java, Python has a variety of applications that make it a versatile, powerful option when choosing the best programming language for your use case. If you’re interested in back-end web development, for example, then the open-source Django framework, written in Python, is popular, easy to learn, and feature-rich. Django has been used in the development of some popular sites like Mozilla, Instagram, and Spotify.
Python also has packages such as NumPy and SciPy that are commonly used in the fields of scientific computing, mathematics, and engineering. Other Python libraries such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, and OpenCV are used to build programs in data science, machine learning, image processing, and computer vision. Python’s science and data applications make it a great choice for the academically inclined.
Udemy
Udemy is a cool online platform that offers more than 100,000 courses on a whole host of subjects, including coding. The platform has a huge variety of free programming fundamentals courses, so you can pick and choose or stack courses back-to-back based on your interests.
There are free courses covering introductory Python, coding in Javascript, and the basics of Java programming. And even if you have absolutely no experience with coding, you can still get your feet wet — courses like “Programming for Non-Programmers” help break it down and make learning to code fun and simple.
Codecademy
Take your pick of more than a dozen coding languages, including C++, Python, Ruby, SQL, Java, and beyond with the online offerings of Codecademy. Codecademy offers both paid and free courses, so you can customize your learning to meet your needs and your budget. The free membership option lets you access basic courses that feature interactive lessons and daily practice options. You’ll need to upgrade to the pro membership to get beyond the basics, however.#
Coursera
Coursera is unique in that it offers courses from universities and companies, many of which don’t cost a dime. This online learning platform offers an array of free classes in computer science that cover topics like Python, C#, Java, HTML, CSS, Javascript, and much more. The courses are offered by leading institutions like the University of Michigan and the University of Colorado, as well as top companies like Google and IBM. And if you decide you like coding, you can continue your studies with paid certification programs and series.
Khan Academy
Designed for students at all levels, Khan Academy is a great way to get a broad understanding of computer programming principles. The platform offers short, easy-to-digest tutorials in topics like JS, HTML/CSS, SQL, and tons of other topics. On top of that, Khan Academy is partnering with Code.org on its “Hour of Code” initiative, which features an interactive curriculum with fun coding challenges for beginning programmers everywhere.
Fun fact: our CEO, Harsh Patel, volunteered for Khan Academy and even used their lessons to help students during his time as a Teach for America instructor.
C++:
Like C++ and Java, Python also offers an Object-Oriented approach but with simple syntax and execution. You see, unlike the previously mentioned programming language, Python is very slow. Thus complex games are never developed with Python. Only a particular API or Framework of Python will be used. The major strength of Python in game development is rapid prototyping. This means that with just a single command, we can create our gaming package.
For example, if you want to develop an android game, all you need to do is use builder API. So here is a command called buildozer.init, which, when run, creates an APK file.
C++ is simply an extension of the C programming language with added features like OOP or Object-Oriented Programming. C++ has a fast running time. This is owing to its ability to control low-level system components. It is platform-independent and has better memory management, broad libraries, high scalability, strong compilers, and enhancers. It can be deployed for both small and large game development and will have better control over game performance.
Some of the game engines and frameworks using the C++ language are Unreal Engine, Godot, Cocos, Simple, and Fast Media Library (SFML). Some of the popular games using C++ includes The Witcher 3, Counter-Strike, Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Gears 5, and Dark Souls.
C++ is a commonly used programming language that offers fine object-oriented programming, high abstraction level, providing direct control, and graphical processing. The programming language allows developers to optimise high-level code, big console, etc. C++ is used to develop Master of Orion III, Starcraft, Football Pro, etc.
Java:
Created as an OOP language for computer programming in general, Java finds its usage in game development too. A large number of desktop games, mobile games, and apps are made with Java. It is one of the most sought-after programming languages when it comes to Android devices. It effectively uses modern technologies and is suitable for server development. It can help create multiplayer games easily by enhancing game performance.
Java is a rich and versatile open-source programming language that is considered a beginner-friendly platform. The programming languages help the coders to write agnostic code and is easy to learn, debug, write, and compile, code. It is used to develop games like Ferrari GT, FIFA 11, Minecraft, etc.
Some of the game engines and frameworks using Java coding language are libGDX, Lightweight Java Game Library (LWJGL), LITIengine, and jMonkeyEngine. FIFA 11, Project Zomboid, Minecraft, and RuneScape are some of the popular games using Java coding language.
3. 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.
It is a programming language with multiple paradigms, covering object-oriented and component-oriented programming disciplines. It was created to work with the .NET framework. Due to the scalability and relative efficiency of C#, the gaming industry took an interest. So much so that, C# became the Unity game engine’s default programming language.
The automatic memory management feature of C# enables developers to focus more on other aspects of game development. It is a language that is type-safe enabling more security and less deviant game behavior. It is cross-platform compliant and is the most preferred choice when it comes to game development on Windows PCs.
Some of the popular games developed with C# are Hearthstone, Stardew Valley, Cuphead, and Osiris: New Dawn. Unity, CryEngine, Godot, Microsoft XNA Game Studio, and Stride are some of the game engines and frameworks using C# coding language.
JavaScript:
It is a high-level, multi-paradigm programming language conforming to the ECMAScript for standardizing the web and web browsers. For interactive online games, JavaScript is one of the best programming languages. The JavaScript code integrates with conventionally used web technologies such as HTML and CSS. This has led to an increase in the development of cross-platform mobile games.
Since HTML5 on its own cannot create interactivity or animation, it has to be supported by JavaScript. They can help create less resource-intensive browser-based and mobile-based games that are easier to share.
Phaser, Babylon.js, PixiJS, and GDevelop are some of the game engines and frameworks using JavaScript. Some of the popular games made with JavaScript are CrossCode, Miner Dash, HexGL, and Gods Will Be Watching.
HTML5:
If you are making games for web browsers emphasizing user experience, HTML5 is a necessity. It has become one of the common game programming languages for the web. By blending HTML5 with JavaScript one can create highly complex web-based games with improved interactivity and graphics.
Some popular games made with HTML5 coding language alone are CrossCode, HexGL, Treasure Arena, Sketchout, and Bejeweled. Some of the HTML5 based game engines are Three.js, Babylon.js, Phaser, and PlayCanvas WebGL game engine.
Conclusion
The choice of a programming language for games is one of the most important decisions when starting your own project. You’ll have to study tons of articles and discuss with other developers to find the right way for you.