Coding is something that only the elite few can get their heads around. And even for developers, knowing what the right programme language is for game development is always a decision that takes a lot of considering.
Whether it be crafting an indie adventure, designing a tricky puzzle game or even building out a high-spec casino simulation, there’s a lot to consider and each project has different demands on performance and other circumstances.
Take the latter as an example. Even within online casinos there are so many types of game and the market is forever advancing too. A look amongst the online casinos in Canada Slotsjudge and you’ll find sites have games these days ranging from the traditional slots and blackjack to gameshow like games and, of course, a rise in virtual reality too.
But that’s a similar story across many gaming niches too, not just casinos. So what language do you use? Ella Houghton, the gaming expert, takes a look at the coding languages being used in gaming and which might work best for your upcoming titles…
C++: A real powerhouse in performance
C++ has long been the go-to for developers who want high performance from their gaming. There are some brilliant gaming engines out there written in C++, from Unreal Engine to Godotdot, with the former’s fifth iteration proving a real hit.
Volodymyr Ivanov, Technical Director of UE Technology at Dragons Lake said that the “innovations have paved the way for game creators to overcome previously insurmountable challenges and create visually stunning and complex game environments that were unachievable using older tools.”
C++ is commonly used when ultra-high speeds are required, perfect for all manner of games whether it be high-spec shooters or the regular spinning of reels in a casino.
Pros
● Great performance and memory control
● Giant ecosystem
● Ideal for highly realistic simulations
Cons
● There’s a lot to learn!
● Takes a lot more time to get all the detailing right
C#: A favourite with the indies
When it comes to indie game development, C# has become a real hit, with Unity leading that drive. Unity has proven a user friendly tool that allows its creators to build stunning looking games without the real need for too much boilerplate code.
It’s versatile and has been gaining real traction, particularly more recently in the casino industry, but you’ll find others too, particularly sandbox games like Distant Worlds, which has elements of C# in it.
Pros
● Easy to learn
● Available and supported by Unity, one of the more accessible machines
● Strong in both front-end and back-end
Cons
● Slower than C++
● Heavily tied to Unity for gaming
Python: Perfect for prototyping, but not high-spec gaming
One of the most well-known codes, it’s not frequently used for more commercial games, but it does work well with simulation, data analysis and probability modelling, something that the casino industry needs to work well.
When it comes to other games, Purrfect World Software explains: “Imagine you’re playing a fast-paced action game. Bullets are flying. Enemies are swarming. The graphics are intense. And then suddenly, a tiny lag ruins everything.
That’s exactly the kind of thing game developers work hard to avoid.
Python, being an interpreted language, is just not built for speed.”
It is easy to use though, so can come in handy for things like testing game balance or generating statistical models that then inform gameplay design.
Pros
● Easy to write
● Large libraries for maths, probability and data analysis
● Good for prototyping
Cons
● Generally slow
● Not suitable for performant gameplay loops
JavaScript & TypeScript: Web-based game king
For games running in a browser, whether it be a puzzle or a casino game, JavaScript or TypeScript are often among the most popular to turn to for developers.
Engines like Phaser, Three.js and Babylon are among the better and more sophisticated engines to use and they’re easy to then deploy both 2D and 3D games.
Pros
● Can be used with any device that has a browser
● Fast and easy development and deployment
● Strong ecosystem for 2D games and lightweight 3D offerings
Cons
● Less performant than other coding programmes
Rust: A rising star for speed
Rust is one of the emerging coding types that is becoming a real hit. It combines C++ level performance but has strict memory safety guarantees too. Engines like Bevy are really showing the potential on offer by Rust and they’re providing a solid and legitimate alternative to older frameworks.
Rust is certainly one to watch!
Pros
● Memory-safe while not sacrificing performance
● Modern syntax
● Ecosystem is growing
Cons
● Not as many learning resources compared to other coding languages
● Not many established engines
So Which Language Is Truly the Finest?
Well, it’s horses for courses really. If you want AAA-like realism and need that high performance then your best choice will undoubtedly be C++. However, Python may be better for those wanting statistical modelling or simulation.
Browser friendly gaming, look towards JavaScript, while C# is great and a real hit with indie gaming titles. So, it’s determining what your game is and matching the code to its needs rather than there being a single “best” out there.