Introduction
I am a professional full-stack programmer, but I have started my programming journey by trying to write computer games using QBASIC and Pascal. Even though I didn't yet manage to create any complete games yet, these days I learn game development as a hobby and I even started a new game development course on my YouTube channel (feel free to check it out: Writing games in Python - YouTube).
But what would be the best programming language when it comes to game development? I analyzed popular game engines used these days and came up with the Top 4 Programming Languages for Game Development.
Game Engines and Programming Languages
Game engines, such as Unreal Engine and Unity, provide developers with the tools and resources to develop immersive and interactive gaming experiences.
Almost any game engine would require at least some programming. So being able to use programming languages is a mandatory skill for people who would like to create computer games. The choice of programming language would largely depend on the type of game you want to create and your experience level.
Let's dive into some of the most popular programming languages for game development.
C++: Powering High-Performance Game Engines
C++ is one of the most widely-used languages in game development, mostly because of its power and resource efficiency. It is often the language of choice for building game engines (the frameworks that facilitate game creation). C++ offers low-level control over hardware resources, making it ideal for creating high-performance games with complex graphics and advanced mechanics.
One of the main advantages of C++ is its close proximity to the hardware, allowing developers to optimize their code for maximum efficiency. Additionally, C++ has a robust community and extensive documentation, making it easier to find support and resources.
However, C++ has a significant learning curve, making it more suitable for experienced developers or those willing to invest time in learning a powerful language.
Outside of game development C++ is used for system development and sometimes application development, so if it is something you might be interested in - consider checking C++.
C#: Powers Unity Engine - arguably the most popular Game Engine
C# has gained popularity in the game development community, mainly because it is the main scripting language for the Unity game engine. Unity is a versatile and widely-used engine that empowers developers to create games for various platforms, including mobile, desktop, and consoles. C# serves as the primary scripting language for Unity, enabling developers to write code that controls the game's behaviour, interactions, and mechanics.
Compared to C++, C# offers a more beginner-friendly syntax and an easier learning curve, making it a better choice for aspiring game developers. It provides a wide range of features and libraries that simplify the development process, allowing developers to focus more on writing games than "reinventing the wheel".
In addition, C# is also used outside of game development, so investing in learning C# could help you to find job opportunities outside of game development should you need this.
However C# is still not the most beginner-friendly language on our list, it has rather bloated syntax and will certainly take some time to master.
Lua: Bridging Simplicity and Power
Lua has become one of the most popular languages for game development, offering a unique balance between simplicity and power. It is a lightweight and versatile scripting language that is used by many game engines. Lua's simplicity and ease of use make it an attractive option for beginners and experienced developers alike.
One of the key advantages of Lua-powered game engines is cross-platform compatibility, allowing developers to create games that run on multiple platforms, including gaming consoles (something Python can't do, for example). Additionally, Lua offers a flexible and intuitive syntax, making it easier for developers to write and maintain code.
Lua finds extensive use in game engines like Love2D, Solar2D and platforms like Roblox, enabling developers to create a wide variety of games, from 2D platformers to multiplayer adventures. Its versatility and adaptability have made it a go-to language for many game developers seeking a powerful yet accessible tool.
The downside though is that Lua is almost non-existent outside of game development, making it pretty much a niche language.
Python: Empowering Learners and Prototyping
Python is known for its simplicity and readability. Python has gained popularity in various fields, including game development. While it may not be the first choice for large-scale production game development, Python serves as an excellent language for beginners and prototyping. Its clean and minimalistic syntax is easy to learn and understand, allowing aspiring developers to grasp the basics of programming concepts fairly quickly.
Python offers several game development libraries, such as Pygame, Pygame Zero and Arcade, which simplify the creation of 2D games. These libraries provide a range of functionalities for handling graphics, sound, and user input, enabling developers to quickly prototype and test their game ideas. Python's vast ecosystem and community provide developers with a wealth of resources and tutorials.
While Python may not offer the same performance as languages like C++ or C#, it excels in its simplicity and versatility. Its ease of use and rapid development capabilities make it an excellent choice for learners, hobbyists, and developers looking to quickly iterate on game ideas.
Also, Python is a very popular language for Web Development and Machine Learning, so learning Python can be a great strategic choice.
The Diverse World of Game Development
Game development is a diverse field, with various genres, platforms, and target audiences. Depending on the type of game you're planning to create you may incline towards different game engines and hence, programming languages.
2D Game Development
Lua and Python are popular choices for developing 2D games due to their simplicity and ease of use. Lua, with its lightweight nature, finds extensive use in game engines like Love2D and Solar2D which focus on 2D game development.
Python, with the help of Pygame and Arcade, can also be used to create engaging 2D games. Pygame and Arcade abstract away many low-level details, allowing developers to focus on game design and mechanics. Their simplicity and extensive documentation make them ideal choices for beginners and learners interested in exploring the world of game development.
If you are committed to game development I'd suggest learning Lua, however, if you think it is just a hobby - Python may be a better choice.
3D Game Development
When it comes to developing immersive 3D games, C++ and C# take the spotlight. C++ offers the low-level control and performance required to build complex 3D game engines. Engines like Unreal Engine, built with C++, provide developers with the tools and frameworks to create visually stunning and highly interactive 3D games.
C#, with its strong integration with Unity, has become a popular choice for 3D game development. Unity simplifies the process of building 3D games, providing a wide range of features and assets to accelerate development. With C#, developers can easily control the game's behavior, physics, and interactions, bringing their 3D worlds to life.
One notable mention could be a Roblox game engine, which uses Lua for 3D game development. It is not as versatile as Unity but still can be used to create fun experiences.
If 3D Gaming is something you're looking forward to, I would recommend going for C#.
Mobile Game Development
Mobile game development requires a focus on performance, efficiency, and cross-platform compatibility. Lua and C# powered Game Engines work great in this domain, offering developers the tools and flexibility needed to create captivating mobile games.
There're many game engines which are allowing mobile game development using Lua. As Lua is a minimalistic and rather simple programming language it makes an excellent choice for mobile game development.
C#, with its integration with Unity, empowers developers to create mobile games that can run on both Android and iOS platforms. Unity's cross-platform capabilities and C#'s flexible syntax provide developers with all they might need for mobile game development.
Conclusion
If you are thinking about writing computer games you should probably consider your project requirements, target audience, as well as your own skill level when selecting a programming language.
Each language offers unique advantages and caters to specific game types, platforms, and development goals.