
7 Best Languages for Game Development in 2024
Game Development
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September 20, 2023
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5 min read
Table of Contents
The top three global programming languages in 2024 among developers are JavaScript, Python, and CSS for developing software. It sparks another question about the best languages for game development.
There are about 700 programming languages, making it hard for beginner game developers to choose one to start their journey. However, a few game programming languages will help you get started with it.
In this blog, we will explore the seven best languages for game development and their main features that make them qualified for creating games. This blog will be an explanatory guide, from gaming platforms and game engines to the seven best languages and coding languages comparison.
What is Game Development and its Process?
Game development is an entire lifecycle for creating games starting from ideas, conceptualization, game animations, gameplay mechanics, game UI, coding, testing, and game release. Here is quick process to develop games:
Idea Generation
It requires brainstorming of ideas to come up with an engaging storyline, game genre, and entire game design. It is the first and foremost important process of starting the game lifecycle and moving it to the production stage.
Conceptualization
After idea generation, research and development, the game development team starts to transform the ideas into concept art form. In this process, the concept artist draws game characters, environments, props, and other objects.
Pre-production
At this stage, the developers and artists coordinate to transform the concept art into the development phase. Through sprints and timely coordination of the allocated resources, the game development process gets the speed from onwards.
Production
In this process, all the sprints for animation, game design, and overall game development comes into the actual development phase using various tools, engines, and software such as Blender, Maya, Unity, Unreal, etc., as per the game requirements.
Game Testing
Once the game has been developed, it moves to the testing phase for quality assurance. The QA team checks for bugs, lags, and errors that can hinder a good gameplay experience. After identifying issues, it goes back to the relevant game development resources to make fixes and ensure that all the issues are resolved.
Game Release and Post-Release Maintenance
The game is released onto the required app store whether it is Google Play Store or Apple App Store. After the audience starts downloading from the suitable app store and gets reviews, the post-maintenance team ensures that there are no game-related issues that can affect the gameplay experience.
What Makes a Language Good for Game Development?
Various factors and requirements for a game determine if a specific programming language would be suitable for creating games. However, the following are the main factors that make any programming language ideal for developing games:
- Performance: The language should allow efficient execution, as games demand real-time responsiveness and smooth graphics.
- Control: Low-level access to hardware and memory enables precise optimization for resource-intensive tasks.
- Libraries: A strong collection of libraries and frameworks simplifies everyday tasks, like graphics rendering and physics simulations.
- Cross-Platform: Cross-platform compatible languages save time and effort in porting games to different devices and operating systems.
- Tools and IDEs: Good development tools and integrated development environments (IDEs) enhance productivity.
- Networking: Multiplayer and online functionality often require robust networking capabilities.
- Memory Management: Memory management features, such as garbage collection, can ease the burden on developers.
- Ecosystem: Integration with game engines and middleware supports streamlined development.
- Compatibility: Compatibility with popular platforms and consoles broadens a game's potential audience.
- Adaptability: Flexibility to cater to different game genres and styles ensures versatility.
A good coding for development for games balances performance, convenience, and community support to enable efficient, creative, and enjoyable game creation.
7 Best Languages for Game Development
1. C++
If we speak of one of the best languages for game development, then it’s C++. The prominent features of C++ is its high-performance, quick execution speed, and versatility. These factors are important for the game development process and producing efficient results. Not only that but C++ runs the native code quicker as compared to other languages.
It has an optimized memory management that is extremely important for developing high-performance games. With quick execution, and excellent memory management, it is one the top-notch languages.
Pros of C++ | Cons of C++ |
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2. C#
Developed by Microsoft in 2000, C# is another recommended coding language for game creation. The main feature of C# is that it is an object-oriented programming language that works in conjunction with the .NET framework. Moreover, C# is an easy language to learn, and beginner game developers can quickly get started with it.
As C# works with Unity and .NET frameworks, developers can have access to a large set of libraries and tools to develop gaming applications. Furthermore, it is a statically typed language that supports multithreading and parallel programming, which enables developers to write code that can concurrently use hardware resources seamlessly.
Pros of C# | Cons of C# |
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3. JavaScript
JavaScript is one of the best languages for developing web-based games. Moreover, for creating 2D games, JavaScript is a suggested programming language due to its simplicity and speed. In addition, it is a dynamically typed language that entails that all the type checks are found at the run-time, unlike statically typed languages.
Speaking of the features of JavaScript, it allows a very intuitive and developer-friendly language. It is an event-driven and non-blocking language that provides a seamless development process and performance as it doesn’t depend on API integrations. The server moves on the new requests if a response is made later. JavaScript is considered the best programming language for games requiring multiple session requests.
Pros of JavaScript | Cons of JavaScript |
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4. Swift
Another programming language known for game development on the Apple Platform is Swift. Being a high-performance language, Swift is highly recommended for developing games as Swift code is compiled into machine code. The compilation of codes makes it run efficiently for games, thus completing tasks quickly.
Another prominent characteristic of Swift programming language is its robust type system and automatic reference counting (ARC). It ensures code safety, security, and easy maintenance. Furthermore, it also offers libraries like SpriteKit and SceneKit that developers can leverage to add high-quality 2D and 3D graphics to the game.
Pros of Swift | Cons of Swift |
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5. Java
Java is a versatile programming language that offers a robust foundation for developing games. With its powerful libraries and tools, Java is commonly used to create both 2D and 3D games. Its cross-platform compatibility ensures games can run on various devices. Java's object-oriented nature simplifies code organization, aiding in complex game mechanics.
Additionally, Java's active community provides ample resources and support for game developers. Overall, Java's blend of performance, portability, and developer-friendly features makes it a popular choice for building engaging and dynamic games.
Pros of Java | Cons of Java |
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6. Lua
Another critical cross-platform game development programming language, yet not so popular, is Lua. The main features of Lua as a language for developing games include its ease of embedding, fast execution, and short learning curve.
If we talk about its role in developing and coding games, it is used to develop game mechanics and script gameplay logic. Game developers use Lua to modify the game behavior and modification of game interfaces. Lastly, Lua is also one of the best languages for web applications and image processing.
Pros of Lua | Cons of Lua |
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7. Python
It might not be the language you can think of when developing games. Nonetheless, Python offers a lot of potential for developing games and rapid prototyping. It is an object-oriented programming language for scripting interfaces that can modify game logic and mechanics without writing code.
In addition, Python, a general-purpose programming language, is used for iterating and refining the game design and visuals. Another interesting fact about Python is that it offers PyGame. It is a free library for developing games using Python. PyGame contains free installers for Windows and MacOS and mix-match core modules.
Pros of Python | Cons of Java |
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What Is the Best Language for Game Development?
The "best" language depends on factors like project complexity, platform, and personal expertise. C# is excellent for Unity-based games, Python for quick prototyping, and C++ for high-performance AAA titles. Consider your game's requirements and your familiarity with the language when choosing.
Factors for Choosing Best Languages for Game Development
There are different factors that determine if a programming language is suitable for the characteristics of the game you want to achieve. However, here are the factors that can help you determine the best language for game development:
1. Platform Compatibility
The programming language you choose must be compatible with the platforms you intend to release your game on. For example, if you're developing for mobile devices, you'll need a language that supports iOS and Android, such as Swift or Java.
2. Performance Requirements
Your game's performance demands should dictate your language choice. High-performance games may require languages like C++ for their efficiency and low-level control, while less demanding games could opt for languages like C# or Python.
3. Development Team Expertise
Consider the skills and familiarity of your development team. Using a language they are experienced with can significantly expedite the development process and minimize potential errors.
4. Game Genre and Design Goals
Different game genres and design objectives may benefit from specific programming languages. For instance, real-time strategy games may lean towards C++ for complex simulations, while interactive narrative games might prefer scripting languages like Lua for flexibility.
5. Integration with Game Engines
If you're using a game engine like Unity or Unreal Engine, ensure the language you choose is compatible and can seamlessly integrate with the engine's tools and features. This integration can greatly simplify development and improve productivity.
Choose Best Programming Language for Your Game Project
Elevate your game project by choosing the ideal programming language tailored to your specific needs and requirements of the project. Reach out to us today, and let's take your project to new heights with the perfect language selection.
Table of Contents
The top three global programming languages in 2024 among developers are JavaScript, Python, and CSS for developing software. It sparks another question about the best languages for game development.
There are about 700 programming languages, making it hard for beginner game developers to choose one to start their journey. However, a few game programming languages will help you get started with it.
In this blog, we will explore the seven best languages for game development and their main features that make them qualified for creating games. This blog will be an explanatory guide, from gaming platforms and game engines to the seven best languages and coding languages comparison.
What is Game Development and its Process?
Game development is an entire lifecycle for creating games starting from ideas, conceptualization, game animations, gameplay mechanics, game UI, coding, testing, and game release. Here is quick process to develop games:
Idea Generation
It requires brainstorming of ideas to come up with an engaging storyline, game genre, and entire game design. It is the first and foremost important process of starting the game lifecycle and moving it to the production stage.
Conceptualization
After idea generation, research and development, the game development team starts to transform the ideas into concept art form. In this process, the concept artist draws game characters, environments, props, and other objects.
Pre-production
At this stage, the developers and artists coordinate to transform the concept art into the development phase. Through sprints and timely coordination of the allocated resources, the game development process gets the speed from onwards.
Production
In this process, all the sprints for animation, game design, and overall game development comes into the actual development phase using various tools, engines, and software such as Blender, Maya, Unity, Unreal, etc., as per the game requirements.
Game Testing
Once the game has been developed, it moves to the testing phase for quality assurance. The QA team checks for bugs, lags, and errors that can hinder a good gameplay experience. After identifying issues, it goes back to the relevant game development resources to make fixes and ensure that all the issues are resolved.
Game Release and Post-Release Maintenance
The game is released onto the required app store whether it is Google Play Store or Apple App Store. After the audience starts downloading from the suitable app store and gets reviews, the post-maintenance team ensures that there are no game-related issues that can affect the gameplay experience.
What Makes a Language Good for Game Development?
Various factors and requirements for a game determine if a specific programming language would be suitable for creating games. However, the following are the main factors that make any programming language ideal for developing games:
- Performance: The language should allow efficient execution, as games demand real-time responsiveness and smooth graphics.
- Control: Low-level access to hardware and memory enables precise optimization for resource-intensive tasks.
- Libraries: A strong collection of libraries and frameworks simplifies everyday tasks, like graphics rendering and physics simulations.
- Cross-Platform: Cross-platform compatible languages save time and effort in porting games to different devices and operating systems.
- Tools and IDEs: Good development tools and integrated development environments (IDEs) enhance productivity.
- Networking: Multiplayer and online functionality often require robust networking capabilities.
- Memory Management: Memory management features, such as garbage collection, can ease the burden on developers.
- Ecosystem: Integration with game engines and middleware supports streamlined development.
- Compatibility: Compatibility with popular platforms and consoles broadens a game's potential audience.
- Adaptability: Flexibility to cater to different game genres and styles ensures versatility.
A good coding for development for games balances performance, convenience, and community support to enable efficient, creative, and enjoyable game creation.
7 Best Languages for Game Development
1. C++
If we speak of one of the best languages for game development, then it’s C++. The prominent features of C++ is its high-performance, quick execution speed, and versatility. These factors are important for the game development process and producing efficient results. Not only that but C++ runs the native code quicker as compared to other languages.
It has an optimized memory management that is extremely important for developing high-performance games. With quick execution, and excellent memory management, it is one the top-notch languages.
Pros of C++ | Cons of C++ |
|
|
2. C#
Developed by Microsoft in 2000, C# is another recommended coding language for game creation. The main feature of C# is that it is an object-oriented programming language that works in conjunction with the .NET framework. Moreover, C# is an easy language to learn, and beginner game developers can quickly get started with it.
As C# works with Unity and .NET frameworks, developers can have access to a large set of libraries and tools to develop gaming applications. Furthermore, it is a statically typed language that supports multithreading and parallel programming, which enables developers to write code that can concurrently use hardware resources seamlessly.
Pros of C# | Cons of C# |
|
|
3. JavaScript
JavaScript is one of the best languages for developing web-based games. Moreover, for creating 2D games, JavaScript is a suggested programming language due to its simplicity and speed. In addition, it is a dynamically typed language that entails that all the type checks are found at the run-time, unlike statically typed languages.
Speaking of the features of JavaScript, it allows a very intuitive and developer-friendly language. It is an event-driven and non-blocking language that provides a seamless development process and performance as it doesn’t depend on API integrations. The server moves on the new requests if a response is made later. JavaScript is considered the best programming language for games requiring multiple session requests.
Pros of JavaScript | Cons of JavaScript |
|
|
4. Swift
Another programming language known for game development on the Apple Platform is Swift. Being a high-performance language, Swift is highly recommended for developing games as Swift code is compiled into machine code. The compilation of codes makes it run efficiently for games, thus completing tasks quickly.
Another prominent characteristic of Swift programming language is its robust type system and automatic reference counting (ARC). It ensures code safety, security, and easy maintenance. Furthermore, it also offers libraries like SpriteKit and SceneKit that developers can leverage to add high-quality 2D and 3D graphics to the game.
Pros of Swift | Cons of Swift |
|
|
5. Java
Java is a versatile programming language that offers a robust foundation for developing games. With its powerful libraries and tools, Java is commonly used to create both 2D and 3D games. Its cross-platform compatibility ensures games can run on various devices. Java's object-oriented nature simplifies code organization, aiding in complex game mechanics.
Additionally, Java's active community provides ample resources and support for game developers. Overall, Java's blend of performance, portability, and developer-friendly features makes it a popular choice for building engaging and dynamic games.
Pros of Java | Cons of Java |
|
|
6. Lua
Another critical cross-platform game development programming language, yet not so popular, is Lua. The main features of Lua as a language for developing games include its ease of embedding, fast execution, and short learning curve.
If we talk about its role in developing and coding games, it is used to develop game mechanics and script gameplay logic. Game developers use Lua to modify the game behavior and modification of game interfaces. Lastly, Lua is also one of the best languages for web applications and image processing.
Pros of Lua | Cons of Lua |
|
|
7. Python
It might not be the language you can think of when developing games. Nonetheless, Python offers a lot of potential for developing games and rapid prototyping. It is an object-oriented programming language for scripting interfaces that can modify game logic and mechanics without writing code.
In addition, Python, a general-purpose programming language, is used for iterating and refining the game design and visuals. Another interesting fact about Python is that it offers PyGame. It is a free library for developing games using Python. PyGame contains free installers for Windows and MacOS and mix-match core modules.
Pros of Python | Cons of Java |
|
|
What Is the Best Language for Game Development?
The "best" language depends on factors like project complexity, platform, and personal expertise. C# is excellent for Unity-based games, Python for quick prototyping, and C++ for high-performance AAA titles. Consider your game's requirements and your familiarity with the language when choosing.
Factors for Choosing Best Languages for Game Development
There are different factors that determine if a programming language is suitable for the characteristics of the game you want to achieve. However, here are the factors that can help you determine the best language for game development:
1. Platform Compatibility
The programming language you choose must be compatible with the platforms you intend to release your game on. For example, if you're developing for mobile devices, you'll need a language that supports iOS and Android, such as Swift or Java.
2. Performance Requirements
Your game's performance demands should dictate your language choice. High-performance games may require languages like C++ for their efficiency and low-level control, while less demanding games could opt for languages like C# or Python.
3. Development Team Expertise
Consider the skills and familiarity of your development team. Using a language they are experienced with can significantly expedite the development process and minimize potential errors.
4. Game Genre and Design Goals
Different game genres and design objectives may benefit from specific programming languages. For instance, real-time strategy games may lean towards C++ for complex simulations, while interactive narrative games might prefer scripting languages like Lua for flexibility.
5. Integration with Game Engines
If you're using a game engine like Unity or Unreal Engine, ensure the language you choose is compatible and can seamlessly integrate with the engine's tools and features. This integration can greatly simplify development and improve productivity.
Choose Best Programming Language for Your Game Project
Elevate your game project by choosing the ideal programming language tailored to your specific needs and requirements of the project. Reach out to us today, and let's take your project to new heights with the perfect language selection.
frequently asked questions
C# and C++ have different characteristics for game development. If you want to develop a game from scratch then C++ is the best choice as it has better memory management, customization options, and control over hardware. However, for game scripting, C# is a better choice by working on its frameworks.
Python is one of the easiest coding languages for games due to its simple syntax and extensive libraries. Similarly, C# Unity offers beginner-friendly tools and resources. These languages enable quicker learning and prototyping, making them great choices for newcomers to start their journey of developing games.
Python and Java both have their own merits. Python's simplicity and extensive libraries make it great for rapid prototyping and 2D games. Java's strong performance and cross-platform compatibility suit larger projects and Android games. Python's ease of use can lead to faster development, while Java's robustness can handle more complex game mechanics. Choose Python for quick projects and beginners, while Java suits more demanding games and experienced developers.
C++ is better than Python for various reasons. The major reasons are that C++ has various libraries and is also compatible with various gaming engines.
Python and C++ cater to different needs to create games. Python's simplicity and readable syntax are ideal for quick prototyping, smaller games, and scripting in larger projects. C++ offers better performance, making it a standard for AAA games and graphics-intensive projects. While Python eases development, C++ grants fine-tuned control and optimization. Choose Python for simplicity and C++ for high-performance, intricate games. Consider project scale, performance demands, and your programming familiarity when deciding between the two.

Written By:
Schouzib I.
Content Lead
Know More About Gaming Industry

