Developing video games from the ground up is a dream career for many people all across the world. Nothing compares to the creative fulfillment of seeing your imagination brought to life, and if you already love video games, it’s natural that you’ll want to make a move into developing your own. However, to do so, you’re going to need a lot of specialist knowledge, as making games isn’t the most straightforward endeavor. As well as having to understand how to create assets, one of the most important skills you need to learn is how to code.
Code is the building block of games and is what gives them their functionality, so it’s a good idea to learn about some of the most widely used types of code. Learning all three will give you a wide array of knowledge and open up more opportunities. Here’s a look at three different types of code that can help you get into the video game-creating industry.
#1 C++
Easily the most important code for prospective game developers to get to grips with, C++ also happens to be one of the most difficult. It has an extremely high entry-level and is quite hard to learn with multiple layers of complexity. As a result, few coders start by learning C++, and it’s always recommended that you begin with something easier like HTML5. Nonetheless, nothing compares to the sheer power and versatility of this programming language.
Whatever the genre of game you hope to work on, from first-person shooters through to strategy games, C++ will be essential. It allows you to control graphic and hardware processes. Since it’s object-based, C++ is flexible and lets you order code into blocks. C++ is essential even aside from its versatility, C++ is essential because some game engines (including the popular Unreal Engine) only accept this language. Neglecting it puts up big barriers to any career within the gaming industry.
#2 Java
If you have even a passing interest in programming, the chances are that you’ve heard of Java. The beauty of Java lies in its sheer applicability. It’s involved in the running of everything from household hardware like printers to intricately programmed game engines. It underpins vast portions of the internet too, and many websites use Java plugins to provide a better and more streamlined user experience.
Plenty of popular video games, including Runescape and Star Wars Galaxies, use Java. It’s a complex language (as reflected in its many uses), but there is some good news. Java is markedly similar to C++ in many areas, and prospective programmers often learn the two simultaneously. It might seem like a daunting task, but the similarities between these languages can actually speed up the learning process for both.
#3 HTML5
HTML5 is a web-based language, although it’s occasionally used to replace Java in certain circumstances. Depending on the type of games you want to work on, it could be an essential language to learn. If your studio of choice focuses more on browser-based games like Kingdom of Loathing or Roll It, then HTML5 is the way to go. It’s one of the most powerful programming languages and is generally used to give websites structure.
Unlike the other languages on this list, HTML5 is easy to learn and doesn’t have a high entry-level. Although it’s often used in conjunction with Java, it’s powerful enough to code games in its right. The vast majority of online games and websites utilize the HTML5 function. Many game developers consider HTML5 as a gateway language. It gives them a foundational understanding to develop in-browser games, which they can expand later with more complex languages.
