Want to make video games? Awesome! However, before you start designing those amazing levels and creating those memorable characters, you’ve got a big decision in your hands: which programming language should you learn? There are so many choices out there, each with its strengths and weaknesses, it can be a bit overwhelming.
Some people will tell you there’s only one best programming language for game development, but that’s not true.
In reality, game development requires various languages, and each one brings its tools and capabilities to the table, making it suitable for different projects, teams, and game types.
Today, we’ll answer the question in the title and provide an overview of the most popular programming languages used in game development today!
Is there a best programming language for game development?
The short answer is no! While some languages are incredibly versatile and used for pretty much every aspect of game development, no single programming language is the absolute best for every project. The perfect choice depends on several factors, including your project goals and the platforms you want to target – more on those later.
Languages like C++ and C# are often favored for their overall versatility. They’re used in pretty much every part of game development – from engine creation to gameplay programming.
However, other languages are better suited to more specific tasks.
For example, you’ll need JavaScript if you’re developing a browser-based game, whereas C++ or C# are frequently used for traditional console and PC games. For mobile games, you might consider Java, Kotlin, C#, or even Swift. If you’re working on a smaller indie project where speed of development is key, you might opt for Python or Lua.
And then you have all the back-end shenanigans games require to run smoothly. Usually related to networking and database management, PHP is a powerful scripting language frequently used for developing server-side applications and web services.
It’s not directly involved in the core game logic, but it’s extremely important for managing multiplayer games that rely on servers for matchmaking, player data management, and communication. There’s also SQL and other languages for database management, too, but don’t fret about these details just yet.
Popular programming languages for game development
Alright, with the main question answered, let’s go through the most popular programming languages for game development, starting with the most powerful one according to many experts.
C++, the favorite among many top studios
C++ is one of the most popular programming languages for software and game development. In fact, it’s the primary language behind Unreal Engine, offering an extremely high degree of control over your game and its performance. This lets developers squeeze every ounce of performance from the hardware, which is crucial in modern AAA gaming.
Such power comes with disadvantages, though. Its learning curve is steep, making it more suitable for experienced programmers. Its complexity means a higher time investment and a greater likelihood of running into bugs, but if mastered it will be an invaluable skill.
C#, a great blend of power and ease
C# is a popular choice for many developers, especially those working with Unity and Godot. It provides a good balance between performance and ease of use.
Unity also offers visual scripting, a low-code option that allows developers to create game logic through a visual interface, so very little (if any) coding will be required. This makes Unity accessible to those with less programming experience. Godot also accepts C++ and GDScript, a proprietary scripting language that resembles Python.
Python, one of the most readable languages
Over the last decades, the Python community has seen massive growth, largely due to its ease of use, readability, and presence in AI and machine learning.
In the game development world, Python, with its numerous open-source libraries, is sometimes used as a back-end (like PHP and C#) and a quick prototyping tool. In other words, many developers use Python to quickly test out game ideas and mechanics before committing to a more complex language.
Python also sees use in indie game development through the Pygame library and Ren’Py is an excellent option for creating visual novels in a hassle-free way.
Java, a verbose but popular programming language
While you could probably rewrite the entire Bible before typing the code for “Hello, world,” Java is still one of the most popular and traditional programming languages. It’s very powerful and often seen in mobile and large game developments, and it also provides great cross-platform capabilities.
There are many frameworks for game development, with LibGDX being one of the most popular for the language.
By the way, the most popular game in the world (as of this article) is written entirely in Java.
JavaScript, the king of web game development
Today, JavaScript is the undisputed champion of browser-based game development. If you have played idle games like Cookie Clicker, Trimps, A Dark Room, and so on, then you know what we’re talking about.
The Phaser framework (used in Vampire Survivors, a revolutionary “bullet heaven” game) simplifies the game development process, providing tools and libraries to speed up the creation and deployment of web games.
Note: don’t confuse it with Java – they’re different beasts despite being similarly named.
Swift, Apple’s programming language of choice
Then, if you’re focused on developing games for iOS and macOS devices, Swift is the way to go. There’s also Objective-C, but Swift is the current most popular language.
Designed for building high-performance apps and games, Swift’s safety features and clean syntax make it a good choice for experienced and new developers alike!
What should I consider when choosing a language?
Picking the right programming language is a big decision affecting your entire game development process. Let’s break down the key factors you should consider:
First, you’ll want to think about which game engine you plan to use. Different engines support different programming languages. For instance, Unity primarily uses C#, while Unreal Engine uses C++. Choosing an engine first will often narrow your language choices, so take some time here!
Next, consider the availability of tools and learning resources. Some languages have more extensive online tutorials, documentation, and community support than others.
Picking a language with ample resources can significantly ease the learning curve and speed development. It can also help you find solutions to problems faster, as you can usually find someone who has already dealt with this issue.
Speaking of communities, a large and active community is also a big plus. A strong community can provide valuable support, assistance, and inspiration as you learn and develop your game. It’s also a great place to find answers to questions and to get help debugging your code. If you get stuck, having a large, active community to seek help is a great advantage.
Now, here are some factors that you might not think of at first!
If you’re working on a team, don’t ignore your team’s collective expertise. It’s much better to choose a language everyone feels comfortable with than to pick one that’s technically “better” but outside your team’s skillset.
Finally, consider the long-term implications of your decision. A language with strong community support is easier to maintain and update over time, so choose wisely!
Closing thoughts
What’s the best programming language for game development? Just like there’s no single “best” tool for every job, there’s no single best language for every game. The ideal choice depends entirely on your project, team’s skills, and overall goals. With dedication and practice, you can make fantastic games using any language!
That said, C++ and C# are popular choices, and mastering them can boost your chances of landing a game development job, so you can’t go wrong with either.
By the way, are you looking to translate your game ideas into reality? Main Leaf provides comprehensive game development services, offering support throughout the entire process, from concept to launch.
Contact us today to explore how we can help you create something amazing!
