Top 10 Programming Languages For Game Development

Have you considered recreating the fun Chrome Dinosaur game, you play, when your internet connection goes down? If Yes! You’ve got the game development traits already. That said, you are off for a good start!

The code that runs a video game is what provides the user interface with the user experience. 

So, Programming languages are an important element for software development. They are responsible for our experiences and interactions with the gaming platform. A smooth, seamless gaming experience can be accomplished with well-written code.

Game development is a domain of highly skilled and professional programmers. Millions of dollars are invested in the game development industry. It is a highly progressive project that often necessitates technical proficiency. 

What are the 10 Best Programming Languages for Game development?

Firstly, Programmers must comprehend the limitations and benefits of different programming languages. Then, they have to choose the correct option that caters to their particular requirements.

This is to say, the real deal is to choose the best programming language for game development. We’ve put together a list of the best game design programming languages for you. So, master these programming languages. Then find yourself in a place to conquer game development easily!

#1 Objective C

The first on our list and essentially the must learn programming language for any beginner is Objective C. It combines the syntax of Smalltalk and C to provide easy-to-use solutions for creating iOS games. 

Advantages of Using Objective C for game development

The user-friendliness approach of C makes it one of the best programming languages for game development. 

It can also program in an Object-oriented approach, which helps in faster rendering. 

C is used by game engines such as Core3D and Cocos2D, and it allows C programmers to create games in an Object-Oriented approach.

Certainly, it enables game developers to build small yet feature-rich games.

Disadvantages of Using Objective C

It is not as effective as the more modernized languages used in advanced game engines.

Popular Games created using Objective C

Some of the popular games developed through Objective C

• Star Trek: Rivals 
• Jewel Smash
• Anomaly
• Wordscape

#2 C++

Another programming language that is best for Game Development in C++. It is a highly optimized coding language that enables better memory management. C++ is an essential programming language in high-poly, high-definition video games.

Primarily, the ability of C++ programs to control very low-level system components has led to them having a very fast running time, which is a critical component in game programming. 

Advantages of Using C++

It gives you more direct control over the hardware and graphics which improves the game’s efficiency and user experience.

Disadvantages of Using C++

The challenge in using C++ for game development is that since it has a higher learning curve than most languages, beginners will find it tough to learn.

Popular Games created using C++

• Counter-Strike
• Doom III Engine
• King Quest
•  Warcraft III
• Football Pro
• Master of Orion III 

#3 Python

Python is one of the most popular programming languages available because of its robust library support. Like C++ and Java, Python provides complete OOP (Object Oriented Programming) techniques to developers.

Before diving into the next section, ensure you’re solid on Python essentials from basics to advanced-level. If you are looking for a detailed Python career program, you can join GUVI’s Python Career Program with placement assistance. You will be able to master the Multiple Exceptions, classes, OOPS concepts, dictionary, and many more, and build real-life projects.

Also, if you would like to explore and learn Game Development using PyGame through a Self-paced course, try GUVI’s Game Development using PyGame Self-Paced course.

Advantages of Using Python

Python achieved the milestone of being one of the best programming languages for game development in a very short span. Get to know the reasons why it is majorly used.

The Pygame framework, which is based on Python, allows developers to prototype games in record time. Python is also easy to learn due to its simple syntax and semantics.

Master Game Development Using PyGame

Disadvantages of Using Python

The only disadvantage of using Python is that native Python development is not supported on Android. So, tools and platforms are required to turn Python apps into Android packages that can run on the Android operating system.

Popular Games created using Python

Now that we know Python is so dramatically used in game development. Let us find out which are some of the popular games developed using Python are games like 

• Battlefield 2
• Freedom Force
• Bridge Commander
• Civilization IVs
• Toontown Online
• Sims 4

#4 Java

A large number of already developed games have Java at their core. That is to say, Java is one of the best and oldest programming languages available for game development. It is ideal for Android game development. 

Advantages of Using Java

Java follows the same OOP principles as C++, but it supports a broader range of systems.

Java programs run on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). They are converted into generic bytecodes that can be executed on any system. 

Hence, Java is versatile and can be used on various platforms, making it very useful for developers. 

Disadvantages of Using Java

However, in comparison to other languages, Java has a limited number of game-specific engines and libraries.

Popular Games created using Java

A few of the popular games developed using Java are

• Minecraft
• RuneScape
• Project Zomboid
• FIFA 11

#5 Javascript

Javascript is one of the best programming languages for game development, for a long time.

Advantages of using Javascript

When it comes to making interactive online games, Javascript is indisputably the best video game programming language. 

The ability to seamlessly combine Javascript codes with web technologies such as HTML and CSS is superb. Apparently, helping in the exponential growth of cross-platform mobile games, Javascript is one of the important advantages of using this language. 

Disadvantages of using Javascript

One of the cons of using Javascript for game development is that options for 3D graphics are limited to specific frameworks. Hence developers are forced to rely on 2D graphics for their games.

Popular Games created using Javascript

Games developed using javascript include 

• HexGl
• Sketchout
• CrossCode
• Bejeweled
• Angrybirds
• The Wizard
• Little Alchemy
• New Super Resident Raver

#6 HTML5

HTML5 is another interesting programming language that has gained traction very quickly. It has become one of the most common web game developing programming languages. By combining HTML5 with JavaScript for interactivity and WebGL for graphical components, you can easily construct a sophisticated web-based game.

Advantages of using HTML5

The advantage of using HTML5 is that it does not require developers to have a deep theoretical understanding of advanced data structures and algorithms. 

Disadvantages of using HTML5

However, it lacks or has only partial WebGL support on mobile devices. Thus, it has a low efficiency on mobile devices if optimization is not done.

Popular Games created using HTML5

Here are some of the popular games developed with the help of HTML5

• The Kingdom of Loathing
• Nothing to Hide
• Gods Will Be Watching
• Roll It
• Cookie Clicker 

#7 Squirrel

Squirrel is another new game design programming language. It is a high-level, imperative language with object-oriented programming capabilities. 

The language is inspired by C++ and Lua. Moreover, it is designed to solve complex real-time problems with high bandwidth requirements.

Advantages of Using Squirrel

It has various features like dynamic typing, tail recursion, exception handling, and automatic memory management. 

Disadvantages of Using Squirrel

It could be a little challenging for beginners to master Squirrel.

Popular Games created using Squirrel

The language has been used to develop many popular games such as 

• Left 4 Dead 2
• Portal 2
• Alien Swarm
• OpenTTD
• Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
• Shadow Warrior
• War Thunder

#8 LUA

Lua is a simple and effective choice of programming languages for game development.

CryEngine, Corona SDK, and Gideros Mobile are few examples of modern game engines that use Lua as their primary game design programming language.

Advantages of Using LUA for Game Development

It is a cross-platform programming language that is highly compatible with more complex languages.

It is light and quick to understand. Also, it can be used for several games, web applications, and image processing. 

Disadvantages of Using LUA for Game Development

However, debugging and memory management in Lua are not ideal for game development.

Popular Games created using LUA

Some of the popular games made with LUA are 

• Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising
• Doctor
• Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords
• Escape from Monkey Island
• Star Wars: Battlefront

#9 Papyrus

Ever heard before? Yes! Though Papyrus is comparatively a new scripting language, it is used for advanced programming concepts. Some concepts like functions, objects, events, and variables. Bethesda Studios created it for use with their Creation Engine.

Creation Engine powers the games like The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim and Fallout 4.

Disadvantages of Using Papyrus for Game Development

The disadvantage of using Papyrus is the lack of support community available online.

Popular Games created using Papyrus

Some of the popular games made with Papyrus are 

• Indianapolis 500: The Simulation
• IndyCar Racing
• Nomad
• NASCAR Racing, 
• Links: The Challenge of Golf
• Road Rash

#10 UnrealScript

UnrealScript is a native scripting language for the Unreal engine, and it is one of the most innovative game programming languages of the last decade. 

It operates with Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, SteamOS, Android, PlayStation VR, and other major gaming platforms.

Disadvantages of Using UnrealScript for Game Development

The disadvantage of using UnrealScript is that the engine is not suitable for making simple games, and also, you need a licensed copy for working for using it.

Popular Games created using UnrealScript

Some of the popular games developed using UnrealScript

• Arkham City
• Fortnite
• Bioshock
• Devil May Cry

Conclusion

Thus, as the gaming industry grows at an ever-increasing rate, it necessitates hiring expert developers who are well-versed in the best game programming languages. 

Moreover, game developers use various programming languages or scripting languages to build the game’s settings and mechanics. The game designers depend on a talented pool of game developers to bring their imagination to life. So, If there is a question of which programming language is best for game development. Hope you consider the aforementioned points before making a choice.

We have attempted to list the features of different programming languages for game development in this article. This would assist you in creating the best interactive games. Finally, ensure you have a clear understanding of some of these best programming languages. If you want to enter into this multibillion-dollar industry, then have an understanding of these programming languages and enhance your skillset.

Kickstart your Programming journey by enrolling in GUVI’s Python Career Program where you will master technologies like multiple exceptions, classes, OOPS concepts, dictionaries, and many more, and build real-life projects.