Are you curious to know the secret behind your all-time favorite video games? Do you want to develop a video game on your own? Here is the top 10 programming languages used to create video games:
1. C++
C++ is an object-oriented language that uses internal structures to organize code into reusable blocks. C++ allows direct control of hardware and graphical processes. C++ is the backbone of many game engines, including Unreal Engine & CryEngine. It provides platforms for the game developers to create the games, host their interactive worlds and provide technology in every aspect, including graphics, sound, and behavior of AI-powered game bots. Some popular games encoded by this language are Counter-Strike, King Quest, and Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands.
2. Python
Python is a widely used language due to its simplicity, ease to use, and fast development chain. It emphasizes code readability with its easy-to-read and written syntax. It is used for rapid prototyping, game scripting, and AI development. Programmers can create games by using the game creation library provided by Python. Python has installers for Windows and macOS. Some games encoded by this language are Toontown Online, Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines, EVE Online, Frets on Fire, Battlefield 2, and PUBG.
3. Java
Java is a general-purpose programming language that ensures the best Android and iOS games. It was built in 1991 by James Gosling, Mike Sheridan, and Patrick Naughton. Java runs on Java Virtual Machine (JVM), which implies that systems with different hardware and OS configurations will run programs efficiently. Java code is easy to write, run, and debug. It supports the most powerful 3D engine, and multithreading allows one to perform multiple operations together while consuming less memory. Java thread allows carrying lightweight processes. Some popular games developed using Java are Minecraft and Mission Impossible III
4. JavaScript
JavaScript is the first web development language, used to develop interactive elements. Developers use JavaScript to create games leading to more cross-platform mobile games. JavaScript is widely favored as the “language of the Internet” because of its popularity. JavaScript enjoys the highest support amongst developer communities. It is possible to create animations and interactive elements using JavaScript. A few examples coded by JavaScript are American Girl, Angry Birds, and Aquaria.
5. C#
C# is a high-level programming language that allows users to create complex game mechanics with high-level details, pronounced as “C Sharp.” It was developed by Microsoft. It has a set of tools, and a runtime environment, which makes it suitable for the Xbox or Windows. This scripting language is for a popular game engine called Unity 3D. The game engine is famous for virtual reality games (VR). Some games include Temple Run, Pokemon Go, and Super Mario Run.
6. PHP
PHP stands for Hypertext Preprocessor. PHP is a widely-used programming language as it is an open-source scripting language. PHP can run on various platforms like Windows, Linux, Unix & Mac OS X. PHP is compatible with commonly used servers such as Apache, IIS, etc. PHP helps in the creation of dynamic web pages. PHP allows you to interact with databases and thus acts as a critical feature to server-side languages. Examples of PHP-encoded video games are Snake Game and The Mummy Slot
7. Dart
Dart is an optimized language for developing apps. It allows multi-platform development, along with a runtime platform for the app. Dart is used due to its simplicity. There are Dart frameworks and libraries for advanced game development, such as a game loop. A few examples coded by Dart are Chess Variants – Omnichess, 4 Pics 1 Word, Kelimelik
8. HTML5
HTML5 supports multiple platforms, which play a vital role as gamers prefer online-based platform games. This language is easy to learn, does not require any complex programming knowledge of algorithms to learn, and it is becoming a popular option for game developers. HTML5 allows massive improvements in the speed the game runs and loads. Bejeweled, 2048, Angry Birds and Tic-tac-toe are some games based on html5.
9. SQL
SQL language provides libraries, frameworks, graphics, physics, and gameplay. SQL is used primarily for multiplayer games. SQL allows users to manipulate and manage data stored in tables. The relational databases store account information, which allows games to interact smoothly. Commonly played games encoded by SQL are SQL Murder Mystery, SQL Island, SQL Police Department, and Schemaverse.
10. Lua
Lua is a multi-platform, lightweight, simple scripting language. It supports procedural programming and object-oriented programming. Lua provides a low learning curve, high expressive power, great flexibility, and ease of integration. It is fast due to automatic memory management & garbage collection, which makes it ideal for configuration, scripting, and rapid prototyping. It is easy to learn and type. A few games encoded by Lua are Baldur’s Gate, Age of Conan, Civilization V, The Elder Scrolls Online, World of Warcraft, and Angry Birds.