So, you want to develop a game, and you don’t know which programming language to do that with? There’s no problem.
There are close to seven hundred programming languages in existence, and a lot more being created as we speak. With the array of possibilities, it is understandable for the choice to be tough. But we’re here to help you out.
There are a few programming languages commonly used by game developers everywhere. Their choices are based on a few criteria. These include:
- The intended platform of the game.
- The availability of support for the language.
- The relative ease of programming with the language.
- The performance of the language.
- Ease of error-checking and diagnostics.
After their analysis from the multitude of programming languages available, there are a few languages that game developers usually pick for their projects. These include:
1. C++
C++ has proven itself to be one of the most versatile programming languages available since it was released in 1985.
Some developers say it is a complicated language to learn, but its handiness makes learning it worthwhile.
C++ allows for the precise amount of tweaking necessary for stylized games and high definition games. It is the language of choice for many indie game developers.
C++ runs on many platforms; this is thanks to game engines like UnrealEngine.
2. Java
For Android gaming, many developers advise getting at least a bit of knowledge of Java. And seeing as Java isn’t so hard to learn, it isn’t much of an issue.
Java is one of the most versatile programming languages out there. It is compatible with almost all platforms, and with tons of open-source material, it is easy to pinpoint and correct mistakes.
It is universally acclaimed as one of the best programming languages for gaming.
3. C#
Microsoft released this language in 2000. As it is based on an XNA framework, C# is suitable for games designed for Xbox or Windows.
It is easier to learn than C++, but that isn’t the only thing going for C#.
With the help of game engines like Unity3D, you can use C# to build games on all platforms. And for a lot of developers, it is the best language to build IOS games (with the help of Unity3D, of course.)
This is because Swift (a programming language created by Apple), while being perfect for IOS apps, is sorely limited in cross-platform capability.
4. JavaScript
Is your dream game going to be played online? Well, this language is the one for you. JavaScript is excellent for online games.
Inspired by Java, it can work well across platforms (with the help of libraries) and is compatible with some other programming languages like HTML5 and CSS.
There are many tutorials and learning materials online, making the learning process a lot easier. The community is also extensive, with a lot of JavaScript tips and tricks circulating online.
5. HTML5
HyperText Markup Language (HTML) started as a language for web development, but over the years, it evolved into something bigger.
HTML5 works with JavaScript and some other languages to create the backend of some online games. And thanks to HTML code being compatible with almost all browsers, its cross-platform range is vast.
The language is easy to learn, with many tutorials and blogs on the language all over the internet.
Conclusion
Due to the myriads of programming languages available, the options on which to learn are numerous.
However, making the wrong choice would be a waste of valuable time and energy. You would be better off using those to develop a game that might one day grace a list like this one.
Each programming language has specific qualities that make it unique and suitable for certain aspects of game development. One size doesn’t fit all.
The learning process has also been made easier with tutorial videos, webinars, and online classes on the language of your choice. All that is left is for you to make a choice.
Who knows? In a short while, your very own brainchild might be the next big thing.
