6 Top Programming Languages for Game Development In 2024

When it comes to turning your game development idea into a high-performance game, a wise tech selection matters the most. Choosing the right technology isn’t a big deal, however, you need to know about various technologies to differentiate and choose the best programming language for game development. This blog will let you know the top 6 programming languages for game development to assist you in choosing what’s best for your project.

Game development includes a variety of aspects such as analyzing game ideas, gauging market requirements, hiring game developers, selecting the right technology, game design and development, and finally deployment. However, all these are crucial, tech selection is one of the significant ones that may take a toll on the app’s performance and ROI, if not chosen wisely. 

Right from features and functionalities to cross-platform capabilities, the development cost, as well as the ROI  get influenced based on the tech stack you choose. They immensely affect the outcome of your game development project. There are several languages like JavaScript, Java, C++, and C# that you can choose for game creation.

Best Programming Languages for Game Development

The following list includes the top 6 programming languages with their comprehensive assessment, allowing you to choose the best coding language for game development.

1. JavaScript

When it comes to building high-performance games, JavaScript is the right choice for developers worldwide. Many attributes like enhanced accessibility, ease of learning, and the competency to create games for multiple devices make JavaScript the right choice for game development. 

Many tools and helpers such as Three.js, and Phaser, make the game app development convenient with JavaScript. Moreover, the programming languages have a large community, offering tutorials and guidelines to optimize the convenience of game developers. Using JavaScript, you can develop games like Alchemy, Angry Birds, Gods Will Be Watching, and Cross Code. 

JavaScript Libraries & Frameworks for Game Development

• Matter.js: The JavaScript library provides a 2D physics engine, allowing developers to develop objects with a variety of shapes and properties capable of corresponding to physical behavior.
• PhysicsJS: This JS library tends to be a graphic-focused engine, enabling you to make use of physics simulation in the game you create.
• Kaboom.js: One of the flexible and lightweight JS game development libraries, enabling developers to engineer 2D games.
• Three.js: It is a cross-browser JavaScript library and application programming interface that lets you create interactive and engaging 3D graphics within web browsers ensuring VR experiences.
• PhaserJS: It’s a 2D game framework built using JavaScript that tends to support both WebGL and Canvas, easing 2D game development.

Features of JavaScript

• Lightweight: JavaScript isn’t a compiled programming language, hence, the source code needn’t change to byte code prior to running time. Thanks to its lightweight nature, JavaScript runs seamlessly on even low-end devices.
• HTML, CSS Integration: JavaScript integrates with CSS and HTML, allowing developers to develop groundbreaking games that run directly on web browsers. With the advent of HTML, JavaScript-enabled games can run not only on web browsers but also on iOS and Android platforms.
• Versatility: The programming language can be employed for both back-end and front-end game development.
• Frameworks and Libraries: JavaScript has a wider ecosystem of frameworks and libraries, such as Angular, React, and jQuery.
• Ease of use: JavaScript comes with a simple syntax, making it easy to learn.

Pros and Cons of JavaScript

Sr. No.	Pros	Cons
1	Reduces Server Load: JavaScript tends to run on the client side, keeping the server from executing the code and focusing more on other tasks.	Security Vulnerabilities: JavaScript tends to be vulnerable to security threats.
2	Easy to Learn: It’s easier to learn JavaScript for beginners compared to other complex languages.	Debugging Tools: The debugging tools in JavaScript aren’t that advanced.
3	Enhanced Speed: Since it’s an interpreted language, compiling isn’t needed every time it runs, making JavaScript fast and efficient.	Browser Inconsistencies: JavaScript is more likely to have browser inconsistencies.
4	Rich Interface: JavaScript automatically executes itself irrespective of platforms, simplifying the creation of rich interfaces.	–
5	Cost-Effective: Because it makes use of open-source technologies, JavaScript is a cost-effective alternative for game development.	–

2. Java

Cross-platform game development competencies, multithreading capabilities, ease of use, and support for socket programming, make Java the best language for game development. Using Java, developers can develop games for multiple platforms. Java provides socket programming so that you can seamlessly create multiplayer games. 

JavaFX library by Java offers tools that make work with graphics and animation convenient. The availability of game engines for example Jake2, jMonkeyEngine, and LibGDX, makes Java an excellent alternative for high-performance game development.   

You can find a wide range of gaming apps out there built using Java like Runescape, Minecraft, Mission Impossible III, jMonkeyEngine, Jake2, and LibGDK.  

Java Libraries & Frameworks for Game Development

• Slick2D: An easy-to-use set of utilities and tools wrapped around LWJGL OpenGL bindings intending to make game development easier.
• JInput: A cross-platform library, offering access to input devices such as Joysticks, gamepads, and keyboards.
• LWJGL: It’s a lightweight and open-source software library, providing buildings to multiple C libraries for game development.
• LibGDX: It is a framework for Java that provides all the necessary tools and libraries for creating 2D and 3D games across different platforms
• Ardor3DA: A strengthened and flexible game engine that allows developers to craft impressive 3D games with optimal ease and convenience.
• JBox2D It is a 2D physics engine that can be used to add realistic physics to games to any Java engine.

Features of Java

• Platform-Agnostic And JVM: Games built based on Java Virtual Machine (JVM) perform like an abstraction layer between code and underlying hardware, enabling Java games to run on multiple platforms such as Windows, Linux, and macOS, along with mobile devices.
• Support for Multithreading: Java supports multithreading, enabling developers to develop many threads in gaming programs and start them. It cuts down a huge chunk of time, as it helps conduct multiple operations simultaneously.
• Socket Programming And Multiplayer Competencies: The socket programming capabilities provided by Java enable game developers to establish real-time connections among gamers for multiplayer gaming experience.
• Enriched Ecosystem: Java provides a multitude of libraries that developers can utilize to build high-performance gaming applications.
• Native Mobile Support: Being a default programming language for Android development, Java is an excellent choice for mobile-based game development. Impending

Pros and Cons of Java

Sr. No.	Pros	Cons
1	Object-Oriented Programming: Java tends to be an object-oriented programming language with easy implementation and robust security.	GUI: Java has a poor GUI.
2	Socket Programming: Java provides support for sockets, making it convenient to craft multiplayer games.	Memory Space: Java needs a large amount of memory storage in comparison to C/C++.
3	Multithreading: The built-in support for multithreading in Java, allows apps to perform tasks simultaneously. It makes Java an excellent choice for developing a responsive user interface and server application.	Code Complexity: Java is more likely to have verbose and complex coding issues.
4	Cross-Platform Compatibility: Codes written in Java can be used on multiple platforms with no need to rewrite.	–

3. C#

From object-oriented programming competencies to integration with Unity 3D, and beginner-friendly syntax, Java is one of the best programming languages for games. Developers can make use of Unity’s robust features to build complex and immersive gaming experiences. C# provides an extensive range of well-maintained frameworks and libraries, making it one of the best coding languages for game development. What’s more, using this very framework you can build games for a variety of platforms and genres. 

C# Libraries & Frameworks for Game Development

• UnrealCLR: The very C# library ensures the creation of complex games with a minimal count of codes. Using UnrealCLR, developers can develop games for both Windows and macOS.
• ForgeNetworkingRemastered: It comes embedded with built-in support for authoritative client and server side, assisting game developers to integrate real-time chat, networking functionalities, and stream services into the games in just a matter of a limited time.
• ET: This library comes embedded with a built-in physics engine and networking system, enabling developers to develop multi-player games with realistic objects and environments.
• Duality: Built using C#, Duality offers a multitude of built-in scene editors, making game development way easier for developers.

Features of C#

• Object-Oriented Programming (OPP): C# is an object-oriented programming language that allows developers to organize codes into reusable and modular objects. The very feature is crucial in game development as it helps create complex games, interactive elements, and character behaviors. OOP tends to foster code maintainability, enabling developers to conveniently update and extend functionalities without affecting the entire codebase.
• Unity 3D Integration: C# easily integrates with Unity’s APIs and components, easing the creation of interactive environments, game mechanics, and character behaviors. That level of integration abilities allows developers to focus on game design and logic while Unity tends to handle the underlying physics and rendering systems.
• Rich Library: C# provides libraries like UnrealCLR, and ET and many inbuilt functionalities, making game development faster and convenient.
• Versatility: C# tends to be a versatile programming language for game development that developers employ to craft Xbox and Microsoft One games via the MonoGame framework. The scripting competencies of the very language contribute to numerous console games and PlayStation.

Pros and Cons of C#

Sr. No.	Pros	Cons
1	Cross-Platform Compatibility: C# is a complete platform-agnostic programming language that allows you to build apps for various platforms.	Dependency: C# has dependencies on the .NET platform.
2	Easy Learning Curve: C# happens to be a next-level programming language with an easy learning curve.	Learning Curve: C# has a complex learning curve.
3	Efficient & Optimized: C# is highly efficient, optimized, and scalable, hence used to create various types of projects.	–

4. C++

When it comes to the best programming language for game development, C++ can be the right one. From exceptional performance to close-to-hardware competencies, and compatibility with game engines and libraries, many attributes make C++ the right choice for high-end game development. It allows developers to build games for many platforms like Windows, and macOS along with gaming consoles. Furthermore, C++ enables game developers to tailor codes in a way that suits their unique needs. League of Legends, World of Warcraft, AAA video games, and Minecraft are a few of the games built using C++. 

C++ Libraries & Frameworks for Game Development

• Boost.Geometry: It’s a C++ library to build games with complex geometry and spatial calculations.
• Unreal Engine 4 (UE4): A high-end library built using C++ for 2D and 3D game development.
• Simple DirectMedia Layer (SDL): A robust C++ library for cross-platform game development.
• Bullet Physics: The very C++ library is an excellent choice for games that require realistic interaction.
• Cocos2d-x: It is an open-source framework for game development to create 2D and 3D games.
• Irrlicht Engine: Built based on C++, Irrlicht is an open-source game development engine for 3D game development.

Features of C++

• High-Performance: C++ allows developers to have fine-grained control in terms of memory allocation and usage which leads to optimized and efficient code execution, making a smooth and responsive gaming experience.
• Cross-Platform Development: C++ can be the right programming language to build games for Windows, macOS, and gaming consoles.
• Memory Management: Excellent memory management allowed by C++, enables developers to manage resources such as models, textures, and audio files with ease.
• Customizability: Using C++, developers can modify codes to fit into specific business needs.
• Frequent Development Updates: C++ gets updated frequently intending to remain in line with ever-evolving game development requirements.

Pros and Cons of C++

Sr. No.	Pros	Cons
1	Optimized Speed: C++ is faster in comparison to other general-purpose programming language.	Hard for Beginners: C++ is more likely to be tricky to learn for beginners.
2	Enhanced Flexibility: C++ provides the next level of flexibility with its features and language constructs.	Compatibility: Some common programming projects are not very compatible with C++.
3	Large Community: C++ has a large community of developers, ensuring hassle-free assistance for users.	–

5. Swift

Swift is an excellent choice for those in need of iOS game development. This high-performance game development programming language helps you build complex and large games. Swift is well-known for its speed and robust security with the capability to create games with appealing designs. Apart from that, the language provides several libraries such as SceneKit, and SpriteKit, allowing you to add next-level 2D and 3D graphics to your iOS games. Some popular mobile games developed using Swift are Skillzone and Herodom. 

Swift Libraries & Frameworks for Game Development

• SceneKit: This Swift library is used to build games embellished with 3D and augmented reality.
• SpriteKit: Built using Swift, this library allows developers to create 2D games with physics, spirits, animation, etc.

Features of Swift

• Built-In Game Engine: Eases game development and allows direct deployment to the App Store.
• SwiftUI: Allows you to design a user interface and get it to work across platforms.
• Features from other programming languages: Swift incorporates multiple features from other programming languages like Objective-C and JavaScript.
• Xcode: An IDE with libraries to make it easier to use Swift.
• Easy to learn: Swift tends to be easy to learn, ensuring streamlined game development.

Pros and Cons of Swift

Sr. No.	Pros	Cons
1	Fast performance: Swift is a high-performance programming language, excellent for developing gaming apps that need accelerated response time.	Limited to Apple Platforms: Swift has a limit and is operable merely on Apple platforms. You can’t use it in legacy apps, running on earlier versions of the operating system.
2	Easy to Learn: Swift tends to be easy to learn and use, specifically for those knowing Objective-C.	Lack of Backward Compatibility: Each new release of Swift lacks backward compatibility and, hence is considered to be unstable.
3	Safety: Swift has reduced crashes and cases of problematic behavior compared to other languages.	–

6. Python

Although not being used that widely for game development, Python is right for developers with specific requirements. The strength of this programming language lies in its many attributes like readability, simplicity, and extensive libraries, enabling it to be an excellent choice for developing 2D games and indie projects.

Moreover, Python provides beginner-friendly syntax and other resources, making it the best game development programming language even for entry-level developers. You can find many games built using Python including Toontown, Mount and Blade, and Battlefield 2. 

Python Libraries & Frameworks for Game Development

• Pygame: The open-source library enables developers to create feature-rich games and multimedia apps.
• Ren’Py’s: Developers employ Ren’Py’s to include sounds and images to create visual novels and life simulation games.
• Panda3D: This Python library aims at real-time 3D game development, visualizations, simulations, and experiments. What’s more, the library supports third-party libraries such as Assimp, model loaders, Bullet physics engines, OpenAL, and FMOD sound libraries.
• PyKyra: PyKyra is a Python framework that supports MPEG video, MP3, WAV direct image reading, Ogg Vorbis, and the like.
• Pyglet: It helps developers build visually appealing games for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X.

Features of Python

• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Python lets developers create games that run on multiple operating systems with minimized code changes.
• Easy-to-Learn: Python comes with simple syntax, making it the right choice for beginners as well as experienced developers.
• AI Integration: Using Python, you can integrate artificial intelligence in games.
• Rich Set of Libraries: Python has a complete suite of libraries such as Pygame, and Panda3D, making game development convenient.
• Large community: Python boasts a large and active community of developers, contributing to a variety of frameworks and libraries.
• Web-Based Games: Using Python, developers can create games with no sacrifice on quality.

Pros and Cons of Python

Sr. No.	Pros	Cons
1	Extensive Library: Python has several libraries such as Pygame and Panda3D aimed at game development. Besides, you can create your own library if you don’t find the existing ones with it.	Slow Performance: Python is slow in performance when compared to other programming languages like Java and C++. It may not be the right choice for games that require fast performance.
2	Wider Community Support: Python boasts a large and active community that offers help with questions and concerns.	Design Issues: Python developers are more likely to encounter complex design issues.

Best Programming Language For Game Development

Tech selection becomes way easier when you have an abundance of information available. It allows you to compare many technologies on diverse parameters and end up having selected the right one that suits your needs the most. Glance at the table below to learn different programming languages, game engines built on them, and the platforms they support! It’ll enable you to choose the best programming language for game development. 

Sr. No.	Programming Language	Game Engines	Platforms
1	C++	Unreal EngineCrown Engine 3DSpartan Engine 3D	iOS, Android, macOS, WindowsPC, etc.
2	C#	Unity, Stride	Windows, macOS, UWP,  and the Linux.
3	Java	jMonkeyEngine, Ardor3D, LITIENGINE	iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux, etc.
4	JavaScript	Phaser, PixiJS, Babylon .js, etc.	Windows, macOS, and Linux.
5	Swift	GateEngine, Cocos2d, etc.	macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS/tvOS, iPad, tvOS/iPhone, and HTML5.

Signing Off…!

Estimated at $217.06 billion in 2022, the global video game market size is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.4% from 2023 to 2030. That’s how the gaming market is expanding and why you should consider game development, opening the door to immense earnings. 

Game development can indeed be an excellent way to invest and greater ROI with minimalistic efforts, but for that to be possible, you need to get partnered with the right game development company. 

If you have a game development idea but got stuck selecting the right technology, the programming languages suggested in this blog will help you choose the right one. In case you still fail to come to a conclusion, get connected to the right tech partner to end up making the right decision. 

300Mind is a game development company, offering businesses comprehensive services to build high-end games that ensure enriched outcomes. Whether you need a game app consultation or want to build one from scratch, we help you get there with our complete suite of game development service offerings.

FAQs About Programming Language For Game Development