What Programming Language Should I Learn for Game Development?

Working as a game developer lets you turn your creativity and technical skills into something people can enjoy: playable, immersive games. Whether you're building for consoles, mobile devices, or educational and business settings, game development offers the chance to create meaningful experiences for others while pursuing work you care about.

Computer programming is one of the most important skills to develop for a career as a game developer. Explore several programming languages to learn for game development and beyond. If you’re ready to get started today, consider enrolling in the Meta Android Developer Professional Certificate, where you’ll learn how to create applications for Android, including how to build and manage the lifecycle of a mobile app using Android Studio.

Why are programming languages important for game development?

Programming languages are essential for game development because they allow you to build the systems, features, and mechanics that bring a game to life. Different areas of game development use different programming languages, depending on the platform, purpose, and performance needs. For example, you find C++ used often to build high-performance game engines. Kotlin is popular for Android mobile games, and Python works well for scripting and prototyping 2D games. Without programming languages, video game concepts and ideas would simply remain ideas, rather than becoming playable experiences. 

Programming languages you should learn for game development

Game development involves a range of technical tasks, from building engines to scripting gameplay, and different programming languages support different areas of this process. The language you choose may depend on your specific role, the platform you're targeting, or the performance needs of the game you're building. Some languages are better suited for developing complex engines, while others work well for mobile apps or browser-based games. Understanding how each language fits into the development pipeline can help you decide which ones to prioritize. Programming languages you should learn for game development include:

• C++: C++ is the go-to language used to program many of the biggest video games in the industry, as it powers Unreal Engine and enables high-performing games with high-quality graphics.

• Java: Java is an especially popular option for developing games for mobile devices that use Android. Java also provides support for developing the back-end structure of video games. 

• JavaScript: If you plan on developing smaller-scale games for web browsers, JavaScript is a great language to learn as it offers frameworks like three.js to assist with game development.

• HTML5: The latest version of HTML is HTML5, and with this language, you can develop games for web browsers that users can access on both desktops and mobile devices. HTML5 is a key component in the development of all Instant Games on Facebook.

• Python: Best suited for developing 2D games, Python enables efficient prototyping, developing, and testing, and is a good option for developing simpler games like those for educational environments. 

• Swift: Developing games for Apple iOS is made easier through Swift, which enables efficient development of iPhone and iPad games, partly due to its ability to integrate with Objective-C. 

• Kotlin: Another popular language for developing mobile games—but this time for Android—Kotlin integrates with Java and uses a simple syntax for quick development without sacrificing performance.

How to learn programming languages

After choosing a programming language, the next step is deciding how to learn it. From online courses and boot camps to formal degree programs, you have a variety of options to match your timeline, learning style, and professional aspirations.

Online courses

Online courses offer a flexible, accessible way to build programming skills, ideal if you're balancing learning with other responsibilities. Many courses support beginners through hands-on projects and structured lessons, while also offering intermediate and advanced options for those ready to deepen their knowledge. For aspiring game developers, online courses often include practice with game-specific tools and languages. For example, Crash Course on Python for Google, available on Coursera, introduces core concepts and syntax through exercises that can help lay the foundation for game scripting and logic development.

Boot camps

Boot camps give you a fast-track way to gain the programming skills you need for roles like game developer, often in six months or less. These intensive, immersive programs focus on building job-ready skills through hands-on projects, real-world coding challenges, and career support services like resume reviews and interview prep. Many boot camps also offer flexible formats, including part-time, full-time, online, and hybrid options, to help you balance learning with other responsibilities. While boot camps don't typically result in a degree, they can be a strong alternative to traditional education if you want to enter the field quickly. 

Formal education

Pursuing a bachelor's degree in a field like computer science, information technology, or software engineering can be an effective way to build programming skills for game development. Degree programs typically cover core topics such as algorithms, data structures, and software design, along with programming languages like C++, Java, and Python. A formal education also offers access to experienced instructors, peer collaboration, and opportunities to apply your skills through labs and projects.

Learn more about programming languages on Coursera

On Coursera, you can find highly-rated courses to help you learn different programming languages. Whether you want to develop a new skill, get comfortable with an in-demand technology, or advance your abilities, keep growing with a Coursera Plus subscription. You’ll get access to over 10,000 flexible courses. 

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