The Best Programming Languages for Game Development Revealed — Pylogix

Video games are becoming increasingly popular day by day. So, the industry needs talented programmers. However, game development is a complex process that requires the use of specific game development languages.

For example, if you want to develop a 2D platformer, you might want to use a language like Lua and JavaScript. Modern tools like Unity (C#) and Godot (GDScript/C#) are also great for 2D games. But if you want to develop a 3D open-world adventure game, you might want to use a language like C++ or C#.

So, in this article, we’ll take a look at the best programming languages for game development, and discuss the different types of games that can be developed using each programming language for game development.

Key Takeaways

• The best coding language for game development depends on the type and complexity of the game being created. C++, C#, JavaScript, Lua, Python, and Rust are all popular choices, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.
• Lua and Python are highly recommended for beginners because they are easy to learn, lightweight, and ideal for prototyping simple games or developing 2D projects.
• C++ is the preferred language for complex, high-performance games like 3D first-person shooters and open-world RPGs, offering control over hardware optimization. However, it has a steeper learning curve.
• C# is widely used with Unity, making it an excellent choice for cross-platform and indie game development due to its balance of power and simplicity.
• Rust is an emerging alternative to C++ for performance-critical projects, offering memory safety and concurrency without a garbage collector, making it a rising star in programming for games.
• JavaScript is ideal for developing web-based games using engines like Phaser and PixiJS due to its browser compatibility.
• Java is platform-independent and still relevant for mobile game development (especially for Android), though it lags behind C++ and C# in terms of speed and performance.

What Is Gaming Development?

Game development is the process of designing, creating, and coding a game. This process can be done in various ways depending on the type of game and the size of the development team.

There are many different types of games:

• Text-based, 2D, 3D, and Real-time.
• Single-player and Multiplayer.
• Games can focus on graphics, storytelling, or gameplay mechanics.

About Game Engines

Game engine is a software development environment designed for video game developers. It provides a framework for working and can be used to create both 2D and 3D games. The choice of engine often depends on the best programming language for games you are comfortable with, as different engines support different languages.

Here are some of modern game development’s most popular game engines:

You can also check out 11 tools to get you started making video games, by D. M. Moore on The Verge.

The Best Programming Language for Game Development

These game programming languages are all popular choices for game developers, and each has its own strengths and weaknesses. Let’s take a detailed look at each best language for game development:

1. C++

C++ is a good programming language for game development because it’s fast and efficient. Game developers use C++ to create high-performance games, and it also has plenty of debugging tools, which is important for game development.

As a compiled language, C++ is converted into machine code before it’s run on a computer. This makes C++ programs run faster than interpreted languages such as Python. C++ also offers a variety of programming paradigms, such as object-oriented and data-driven programming.

Many of the most popular engines support C++, which means that game developers can use a variety of tools and libraries for creating games.

Popular Game Engines Using C++:

• Unreal Engine
• CRYENGINE
• Amazon Lumberyard

Cons of Using C++:

• It’s difficult to learn
• It’s a memory-managed language
• It’s not cross-platform*

*Technically, you can write C++ code that will compile on different platforms. However, the compiled binaries will not be cross-platform. Also, many features and libraries are platform-specific; writing truly cross-platform C++ code would take a great deal of care, and likely be quite limiting when developing games.

2. Java

Java is a versatile and powerful programming language widely used in many industries. As a platform-independent language — thanks to the Java virtual machine (JVM) — Java games can be run on any operating system, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.

This makes Java another popular choice for developing mobile games, especially for Android devices. Java is, in fact, the language to develop native apps with Android Studio.

While some engines support Java, it’s not as fast as C++, which can be a drawback for some types of games.

Popular Game Engines Using Java:

Cons of Using Java:

• Declining popularity outside of Android platforms.
• Slower performance compared to C++ or Rust.

3. JavaScript (with HTML and CSS)

JavaScript (JS) is another versatile programming language that is used for game development. It is relatively easy to learn, and while it isn’t as fast as C++ or C#, it’s still suitable for developing 2D games, especially for browsers.

While HTML and CSS aren’t programming languages, strictly speaking, they can be important technologies for game development. HTML is used to create a game’s structure, while CSS is used to style it.

JavaScript games can be run on any web browser, which makes them easy to distribute. However, JavaScript games aren’t as widely used as games developed with other languages.

Popular Game Engines Using JavaScript:

Cons of Using JavaScript:

• Not suitable for high-performance games.
• Not as widely used for games.
• Limited to the browser.

Check out the books HTML5 Games: Novice to Ninja, by Earle Castledine, Learn to Code with JavaScript, by Darren Jones, and How to Build a Game with Vue.js.

4. C#

C# was created by Microsoft. It has many of the same advantages as C++ and is a particularly good choice for developing 2D and 3D games. One advantage of C# over C++ is that it’s easier to learn. C# is also a cross-platform language, which means that games developed with C# can be run on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

The integration between C# and Unity remains its strongest feature. Visual Studio (also created by Microsoft) continues to provide excellent debugging and testing tools in 2024.

Popular Game Engines Using C#:

Cons of Using C#:

• Limited to Unity and Godot ecosystems.
• Not as widely adopted in AAA studios compared to C++.

5. Lua

Lua is a lightweight scripting language that’s easy to embed into other programming languages. It’s widely used for scripting in engines, and it’s known for being simple, fast, and efficient.

Lua is often used to develop game logic and can be embedded into other languages. This makes it a good choice for developing games with complex mechanics.

Popular Game Engines Using Lua:

Cons of Using Lua:

• Not as widely used for standalone game development.
• Limited primarily to scripting within engines.

6. GDScript

GDScript is a Python-like scripting language specifically designed for the Godot Engine. Its simple and readable syntax makes it beginner-friendly, while built-in tools like signals and real-time feedback simplify prototyping and development.

GDScript is ideal for 2D games and small-to-medium 3D projects, especially for indie game developers who prioritize fast iteration and an open-source ecosystem. Although GDScript is not as performant as C++ or C#, its flexibility and ease of use make it a great choice for creating gameplay mechanics.

Popular Game Engines Using GDScript:

Cons of Using GDScript:

• Limited to Godot projects.
• It is not as performant for AAA-scale games as C++ or C#.

7. Rust

Rust is a modern programming language that’s growing rapidly due to its memory safety and high performance without requiring a garbage collector. It provides C++-level performance with modern safety features, making it ideal for systems programming and game development.

Frameworks like Bevy and Macroquad are growing in popularity, offering game developers tools for data-driven and cross-platform game development. Rust’s support on concurrency and reliability makes it especially useful for real-time multiplayer games and systems programming.

Popular Game Engines Using Rust:

Cons of Using Rust:

• Smaller ecosystem compared to C++ and C#.
• Steeper learning curve for beginners.

Which Programming Language Should a Beginner Start with for Game Development?

If you’re looking for the best programming language for games as a beginner, Lua and Python are ideal starting points. They are simple, versatile, and help you quickly grasp the fundamentals of programming for games.

Additionally, Lua has been used in a number of popular games, so there are plenty of resources out there to help you get started. Game engines like Solar2D, Defold, and LÖVE make Lua especially effective for 2D games.

On top of that, it’s a language that you can later use for scripting on many engines while coding more complex projects in C++!

Python as a Game Development Language

Although we didn’t get to mention it, Python is yet another language that’s popular among beginner game developers. Just like Lua, it’s very easy to learn; and unlike Lua, it’s a general-purpose language that can open doors beyond the game development industry, such as data science, automation, and artificial intelligence.

It’s not quite as lightweight as Lua, but it’s still a good option for beginners who want to develop simple games. Aside from being a scripting language supported by many engines (Delta3D, Godot (with some hacks), Source), it also has some engines:

• Pygame (simple 2D games).
• Ren’Py (interactive storytelling/visual novels).
• Kivy (cross-platform GUI applications that can including games).
• Panda3D (3D game engine used for prototypes and small games).

However, expect less functionality and performance compared to modern game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine.

Check out The Python Apprentice book by Austin Bingham and Robert Smallshire to learn more.

Top Programming Languages for Simple Games

If you want to develop a simple game, such as a 2D platformer, puzzle game, or browser-based game, you can use any language that you are comfortable with.

Again, Lua and Python can be good starting points for prototyping. Still, even JavaScript can make for a good 2D shooter that can be created extremely fast, especially when using assistive programming, such as OpenAI’s Codex.

Check out the Build Your Own Wordle For Numbers: Numble article by Olivia Gibson, or even the book Build a Rock Paper Scissors Game from Scratch with React, by Madars Biss.

Top Programming Languages for Complicated Games

If you want to develop a 3D first-person shooter, open-world RPG, or highly interactive multiplayer game, you’ll need to use a more powerful programming language.

• C++ is probably your best choice for developing complicated games. It’s a low-level language, giving the programmer more control over the game’s inner workings. This control enables optimization and efficient use of hardware, which is critical for high-performance games. Many AAA engines like Unreal Engine and CryEngine rely on C++.

• C# is another excellent choice for complex games, particularly for Unity developers. It’s easier to learn and use than C++ but still powerful enough to develop advanced 3D games, mobile games, and cross-platform projects.
• Rust is emerging as a strong alternative to C++ for performance-critical projects. It offers similar control and optimization but ensures memory safety at compile time. Frameworks like Bevy allow for building modern, data-driven 3D games, while Macroquad is suited for simpler cross-platform projects.

Conclusion

With new technologies and platforms emerging every few years, the landscape of game development is constantly changing. As a result, the programming languages used to develop games also have to change.

If you’re new to programming, we recommend starting with Lua or Python. These languages are easy to learn and use, giving you a good foundation for building more complex games. JavaScript is often considered the best coding language for games in browsers.

If you want to develop a more complex game, you’ll need to use a more powerful programming language. C++, C#, and Rust are your best choices for building advanced games. C++ gives you unparalleled control over hardware performance but requires more effort to master.

C# provides a balance of power and usability, especially when paired with Unity. Rust, as a modern alternative to C++, ensures safety and performance for cutting-edge game development.

FAQs About Best Programming Languages for Game Development

What Are the Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Programming Language for Game Development?

When choosing a programming language for game development, several factors should be considered. Firstly, the type of game you’re developing will significantly influence your choice. For instance, a language like Python might suffice if you’re developing a simple 2D game.

However, for more complex 3D games, you might need a more powerful language like C++ or C#. Secondly, consider the platforms on which your game will run.

Some languages are more suited to certain platforms than others. For instance, Swift is ideal for iOS games, while Java is commonly used for Android games. Lastly, consider your own proficiency in the language. It’s always easier to develop in a language you’re comfortable with.

How Does the Complexity of a Game Affect the Choice of Programming Language?

The complexity of a game can greatly affect the choice of programming language. A basic language like Python or JavaScript might be sufficient for simple games. These languages are easy to learn and use, making them ideal for beginners or for simple game projects.

However, for more complex games, especially those with 3D graphics, a more powerful language like C++ or C# might be necessary. These languages offer more control over the hardware and allow for more complex operations, making them suitable for complex game development.

Why Is C++ Often Recommended for Game Development?

C++ is often recommended for game development due to its high performance and control over system resources. It allows developers to manage memory manually, which can lead to more efficient resource use in games.

Additionally, C++ supports object-oriented programming, which is useful for managing large, complex game projects. Many game engines, like Unreal Engine, are also written in C++, making it a natural choice for developers using these tools.

Can Python Be Used for Game Development?

Yes, Python can be used for game development, especially for simpler games. Python is an easy-to-learn language that’s great for beginners. It also has several libraries, like Pygame, that are specifically designed for game development. However, Python is not as powerful as languages like C++ or C#, so it might not be suitable for more complex games.

What Are the Advantages of Using Java for Game Development?

Java is a versatile language that can be used for various game types. It’s object-oriented, which can help manage complex game projects. Java is also platform-independent, meaning games developed in Java can run on any device with a Java Virtual Machine (JVM). This makes it a great choice for web-based games or games that need to run on multiple platforms.

How Important Is It to Know Multiple Programming Languages for Game Development?

Knowing multiple programming languages can be very beneficial for game development. Different languages have different strengths and weaknesses, and the best language for a particular game can depend on many factors. By knowing multiple languages, you can choose the best one for each project.

Additionally, many game engines and tools use different languages, so knowing multiple languages can give you more options when choosing your development tools.

Is C# a Good Language for Game Development?

Yes, C# is a great language for game development. It’s simpler and easier to learn than C++, but still very powerful. C# is the primary language used in the Unity game engine, one of the most popular engines for indie game development. This makes it a great choice for many game developers.

What Role Does JavaScript Play in Game Development?

JavaScript is commonly used in web-based game development. It’s supported by all modern web browsers, making it a natural choice for games that are meant to be played in a browser. JavaScript can also be used in conjunction with HTML5 and CSS for creating games with complex, and interactive visuals.

Are There Any Specific Tools or Engines That Are Beneficial for Game Development?

Yes, there are many tools and engines that can greatly aid game development. Game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine provide a framework for game development, handling many of the complex aspects of game programming. Other tools, like Blender for 3D modeling or Audacity for sound editing, can also be very useful.

How Can I Start Learning Game Development?

There are many resources available for learning game development. Online tutorials and courses can be a great place to start. Many game engines, like Unity and Unreal Engine, also have extensive documentation and tutorial resources available. Additionally, practicing by creating your own simple games can be a great way to learn and improve your skills.