5 Best Programming Languages For Game Development In 2024

This time at TechloSet, we will explore some of the best programming languages for game development. As we all know, choosing the right programming language is crucial in game development.

Every programming language has its own advantages and disadvantages. These can affect different aspects such as performance, ease of development, and compatibility with game engines. Nowadays, game developers have a wide range of options to choose from, each of which caters to different requirements and preferences.

Let you guys know that as per Statista, the video gaming industry is projected to reach a revenue of US$282.30bn. It is also expected to grow at an annual rate of 8.76% between 2024 and 2027. Let's talk about the average salary of a game developer in the U.S.. Builtin states that the average salary for a game developer with experience of more than 7 years is around $121,078.

From classic arcades to immersive experiences, gaming has evolved into a captivating industry. But how are these incredible games developed? It is quite simple; game developers use programming languages to develop games. Now let us explore some of those programming languages that they used to develop top-notch games.

5 Best Programming Languages for Game Development

1.   C++

C++ is a widely used programming language that works as an extension of the C programming language. It was developed in the 1980s by Bjarne Stroustrup at Bell Labs. C++ is considered one of the best programming languages for game development.

This programming language adds object-oriented programming (a.k.a. OOP) to C which makes it a versatile language for multiple applications.

Role of C++ in the Game Development

C++ plays a key role in the game development. This programming language is widely used by game developers for the following reasons:

Performance: C++ offers high performance and efficiency which makes it well-suited for resource-intensive tasks in game development. These include rendering complex graphics, physics simulations, and AI calculations. Its ability to directly access hardware resources and memory allows developers to optimize code for maximum performance.

Control: This programming language gives developers precise control over system resources at a low level. This enables them to customize their code for specific hardware configurations and performance needs. Such control is vital in game development where optimizing performance can significantly enhance the overall gaming experience.

Portability: Although C++ is not inherently platform-independent, it balances portability and performance. Game developers can use C++ to write platform-specific code while maintaining a common codebase for multiple platforms, such as PCs, consoles, and mobile devices.

Integration with Game Engines: Some of the most widely used game engines, such as Unreal Engine and Unity are developed using C++ as their primary programming language. This means that game developers using these engines often write game logic, gameplay systems, and performance-critical code in C++.

2.  Java

Java is a popular and one of the best programming languages for game development. It is a high-level object-oriented programming language developed in the 1990s by Sun Microsystems.

Java is now owned by Oracle Corporation and the best thing about thing programming languages is that it can run on any device or operating system having Java Virtual Machine (JVM) installed.

Role of Java in the Game Development

Java is an excellent option to get started in game development through its incredible tools and libraries. This programming language enables developers to scale their projects from a simple foundation. It can be used in different aspects of game development by offering several advantages and disadvantages. Some of them are:

Cross-platform Development: One of the key benefits of Java in game development is its platform independence. Java programs can run on any device or operating system with a Java Virtual Machine (a.k.a. JVM) installed. This allows game developers to create games that can be played on multiple platforms without significant modifications to the codebase. This ultimately reduces development time and effort as well.

Graphics and Multimedia: Java provides robust libraries and APIs for graphics rendering and multimedia programming. The Java 2D API allows developers to create 2D graphics, animations, and visual effects for games. Besides this, JavaFX provides a modern toolkit for building rich user interfaces and multimedia applications. This makes it suitable for developing interactive and visually appealing games.

Networking and Multiplayer Support: Java programming language offers built-in support for networking to make it possible to create multiplayer games that can be played over the internet. The Java Networking API provides classes for implementing network communication which allows developers to create real-time multiplayer games with features including matchmaking, chat, and online leaderboards.

Game Logic and AI: Java is a programming language that is ideal for creating game logic and AI algorithms due to its object-oriented nature. With Java, developers can build sophisticated game systems such as physics simulations, pathfinding algorithms, and decision-making logic for non-player characters (NPCs). This plays a key role in significantly improving the overall gameplay experience.

3.  Python

Python is a popular interpreted, object-oriented, high-level programming language with dynamic semantics. This programming language is known for its simplicity, versatility, and readability.

Python was developed by Guido Van Rossum and first released in 1991. The noticeable thing about this programming language is that it emphasizes code readability and productivity. This makes it a popular choice for both beginners and experienced developers.

Role of Python in the Game Development

This programming language plays multiple key roles in the game development. It helps developers in the following ways:

Prototyping and Rapid Development: Python's simplicity and readability make it an excellent choice for game design, specifically for rapid prototyping & iterative development. Game developers can use Python's expressive syntax to implement and test game mechanics, logic, and features quickly. This will reduce development time and allow for faster iteration cycles.

Scripting and Automation: Python is also widely used in game development as a scripting language to automate repetitive tasks and streamline workflows. Game engines such as Unity and Godot support Python scripting as well. This enables developers to extend their game's functionality and create custom tools.

AI and Game Logic: Python's dynamic typing, high-level data structures, and extensive standard library make it well-suited for implementing AI algorithms and complex game logic in modern game development. Developers can use Python to create sophisticated AI behaviors, pathfinding algorithms, and procedural content generation in games.

Game Engines & Frameworks: Python is integrated into several game engines and frameworks. This allows developers to use it as the primary scripting language. Pygame is a popular Python library for game development that offers access to multimedia and gaming capabilities. This makes it suitable for creating 2D games and interactive applications.

4.    Unreal

Unreal Engine is a popular and powerful game development platform developed by Epic Games. It is not a programming language itself but rather a game engine that supports multiple programming languages. It primarily supports C++ and a visual scripting language called Blueprints.

Role of Unreal in the Game Development

Its advanced features and powerful tools contribute to its prominence and effectiveness in game development. Here are some key roles Unreal Engine plays in the game development process:

High-Quality Graphics and Rendering: Unreal Engine is well-known for its advanced graphics and rendering capabilities. It offers developers top-of-the-line rendering technologies. These include; physically-based rendering (a.k.a. PBR), dynamic lighting and shadows, advanced particle effects, post-processing effects like bloom, and motion blur. These features enable developers to create visually impressive and immersive gaming experiences with realistic environments.

Cross-Platform Development: Unreal Engine supports cross-platform game development that allows developers to create games for a wide range of platforms, including PCs, consoles, mobile devices, and virtual reality (VR) platforms. Its robust cross-platform compatibility enables developers to reach a broader audience and maximize the potential reach of their games across different devices and platforms.

Powerful Content Creation Tools: Unreal Engine provides a comprehensive suite of content creation tools for designing and developing the game content. These tools include a visual scripting system called Blueprints, which allows developers to create gameplay logic, user interfaces, and interactive experiences without writing code.

Flexible and Extensible Architecture: Unreal Engine's architecture is designed to be flexible and extensible. This helps developers to customize and extend its functionality to suit their specific needs. It provides a rich set of APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) and development tools that enable developers to integrate third-party libraries, plugins, and middleware seamlessly. This flexibility empowers developers to implement custom features and enhance the capabilities of Unreal Engine to meet the demands of their projects.

5. Swift

Swift is one of the best and most intuitive programming languages for all Apple platforms. It was first introduced in 2014 and quickly gained popularity among developers for its simplicity, safety, and performance.

This programming language is designed to work seamlessly with Apple's ecosystem, including iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. This makes it the primary language for developing applications and software on Apple's platforms.

Role of Swift in the Game Development

While Swift is primarily known as the programming language for developing applications on Apple's platforms, its role in game development is relatively limited compared to other languages like C++ or Python. However, Swift can still play a role in certain aspects of game development:

iOS Game Development: Swift can be used to develop games specifically for iOS devices, such as iPhones and iPads. Most game developers prefer using game engines like Unreal Engine as it primarily uses C# and C++, respectively. Swift can still be used for writing the gameplay logic, user interfaces, and other components of iOS game development.

Game Development Tools: Swift is a programming language that can be utilized to create various tools and applications that can support game development. For instance, developers can use it to build productivity tools such as level editors, asset management tools, build automation scripts, and more. These tools can greatly help streamline the game development workflow and enhance developer productivity.

Game Development Libraries: Swift is equipped with different libraries and frameworks that can be utilized for game development. Although Swift doesn't have as many game-specific libraries as languages like C++, developers can still utilize general-purpose libraries for tasks such as graphics rendering, physics simulation, and audio processing. Moreover, developers can integrate third-party Swift libraries or SDKs that offer game development-relevant functionalities.

Game Development Education: Swift can be used as a teaching language for introducing beginners to game development concepts. Since Swift is designed to be easy to learn and understand, it can be a suitable language for teaching fundamental programming principles, such as variables, functions, and object-oriented programming.

Conclusion

After examining the roles of C++, Java, Python, Unreal (which primarily uses C++), and Swift in game development, it becomes apparent that each language has its own unique strengths.

C++ is particularly adept at performance, control, and integration with engines like Unreal, making it a top choice for resource-intensive tasks. On the other hand. Java's cross-platform compatibility, graphics support, and networking make it versatile, especially for mobile games. Also, Python's simplicity, rapid development capabilities, and AI implementations are ideal for quick prototyping and complex game mechanics.

Whereas. Unreal Engine, while not a language, stands out for its advanced graphics, cross-platform support, and flexible tools, leveraging C++. Swift is also primarily utilized for iOS development and has limited roles in game development but can be used for iOS games and development tools.

Overall, C++ leads with its performance and could be the best programming language for game development. However, the choice of language depends on project requirements and developer preferences.