The best programming language for games: an overview

Behind every video game is the code that executes it. Finding the best programming language for games is an integral part of the development of this type of software. The different codes that are used in the design and development of video games are responsible for how we experience and interact with them.

Well-developed code can provide a smooth gaming experience. Having a good knowledge of what languages are used for video game programming is the first step to become a specialist in their creation.

Want to know more? In this article, we are going to review the main codes and their most frequent uses in different types of projects.

 

Programming video games: the basic concepts

A language for programming games, script, or code, is the system used by game programmers to shape the settings and mechanics of a game. That is, it represents the machinery that makes a video game work in a certain way.

In this sense, each programming language used in video games has specific objectives and is used for a specific reason. As such, different codes present a different syntax and will be more efficient to perform certain tasks.

C++ is the most widely used programming language in triple A video game development.

However, many programming languages overlap and are compatible with each other, each contributing to the overall game experience. For this reason, it is not uncommon for programmers, in the development of certain games, to use a multitude of languages, which we are going to cover in the following sections.

 

The best programming language for games: a list

The way a game is coded depends on many factors, such as the type of project being developed. For example, it is not the same to generate a game for consoles than to generate one for a computer.

Also, you don’t always need the same amount of memory or the same level of interactivity in a game, so many times the best programming for games will be one you can save money with because it’s much simpler.

Android and iOS have become the largest market for the video game industry.

Conversely, a project can also be very complex and require several programming languages for all the layers of the game to work as the design document intended.

As you can see, factors to consider what the best programming language for games is are variable and, in the end, it depends on what type of game is being developed, its intended platform and how complex you want your video game to be. We are now going to see, in detail, some of the most used programming languages for video games.

 

C++

C++ was released in 1985 and, today, it remains one of the most important and best game programming languages.

It is a highly optimized code that allows greater memory management, a necessary attribute in the development of high definition video games and with a large number of polygons.

C++ is a popular language for triple-A (AAA) titles, as well as independent games. The C++ language runs with most game engines such as Unity or Unreal, making it one of the most common choices for game programmers.

 

C#

C# is another of the most powerful game programming languages among the ones used today for the development of video games, especially those that use Unity as a graphic engine.

This popular programming language was released by Microsoft in the year 2000.

C # is relatively easy to learn and it’s common to use it as part of smaller game developments and by programmers who are starting out in the video game industry.

 

Lua

Lua is a simpler cross-platform language, while remaining compatible with more complex languages.

It is one of the easiest game programming languages to learn.

Lua is useful for different types of games, very small projects, and independent development projects for people who want to learn how to make video games. Furthermore, it is also used for web applications and image processing.

 

Java

Game development in Java is inspired by C++. It is a very versatile system and one of the most popular languages in use today.

Minecraft, in its early versions, was developed using Java. 

One reason for Java’s popularity among programmers is that its model can be constantly updated, allowing it to compete with newer technologies.

 

Javascript

JavaScript was highly influenced by Java in its beginning, and is now one of the most widely used programming languages for browser and web-based games.

In fact, it can be argued that it’s the best programming language for games that is used, above all, for web design and development.

 

Python

Similarly to what it happens with C++ and Java, Python is also based on object-oriented programming, but in this case with a much simpler syntax and execution.

Python allows programmers to generate prototypes in a faster manner, which can help make the game development process smoother.

 

Objective-C

This is an exclusive and dedicated programming language for Android or iOS mobile device operating systems.

An easier and more modern programming language, it is used in the most advanced game engines for specific development aimed at mobile platforms.

In this sense, Objective-C offers mobile game developers enough space to create small but complete games.

 

Learn video game programming!

For developers, video game programming languages represent a means to an end: to generate the most fluid gaming experience possible. As you have seen, there are many options available. It is up to you to choose which one best suits the needs of your project.

In this sense, Unity is one of the most powerful creation engines. An engine that uses C# as a foundation, considered by many as the best programming language for games,

In this context, joining the Master’s degree in Unity at Tokyo School represents a wise decision in terms of specialized training. The truth is, if you want to work in the video game industry, you will need to master this tool. Do not hesitate! Fill out the form below and get more information.