How to Get Started With Game Programming

If you want to get started with game programming, the first step is to choose the language you are going to use.

Popular choices include C++, C#, Java, and Python. Each language has its own pros and cons, so do some research and decide which one is right for you.

Once you’ve chosen a programming language, it’s time to start learning it.

Start with the basics, such as variables, data types, and control flow. Take your time to understand the concepts and explore the language.

Game engines are the software tools used to build video games.

Popular game engines include Unreal Engine, Unity, and CryEngine. Each engine has its own features and capabilities, and you should research which one is the best fit for your project.

Game Development Platforms such as Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store allow developers to easily distribute their games to players around the world.

Research these platforms and decide which one you’d like to use for your game.

Now it’s time to start coding games! Use the platform and game engine you chose to create a simple game.

Try adding different features and experimenting with different gameplay mechanics.

As you become more comfortable with game programming, keep learning more about the language, engine, and platform you’re using.

Rinse and repeat, and continue to experiment with different game designs and features. Before you know it, you’ll have a fully-functional game!

Top programming languages for developing games

There are a few popular languages that can be used to develop a game.

C++: It is a high-performance, object-oriented programming language, and also fast, efficient, and versatile, it allows for low-level access to hardware and systems.

C#: Modern, object-oriented programming language that is used for game design, it is simple, powerful, and flexible.

It can be used for rapid prototyping and development.

Java: Java is a popular, object-oriented programming language and portable, robust, and secure.

Need cross-platform compatibility and deployment? Then Java is the answer!

Python: A versatile, interpreted programming language, it is simple, readable, and extensible.

And you can also do rapid prototyping and experimentation.

Lua: Lightweight, scripting programming language and used for easy integration and customisation.

JavaScript: JavaScript is a dynamic, interpreted programming language. It is also a popular and versatile well supported by a large community.

JavaScript allows for web-based and browser-based games.

Swift: A modern, compiled programming language that is fast, safe, and intuitive.

Swift allows for native iOS and macOS game development.

Top 10 game engines

Though the list of programming languages is given above, nobody should really try to make games using a language from the list. Why? Because it is tremendously hard!

Instead, use Game Engines!

Game engines are software development systems designed to create video games.

A game engine typically construction, scripting, modelling, animation, artificial intelligence, networking, and a user interface.

The list below is just for starting out and explore. Game developers should explore the engine environment thoroughly and settle on one!

Unity3D

Unity3D is an extremely popular cross-platform game engine, used to create games ranging from small indie projects to AAA masterpieces.

It comes with all the basic tools you need to start developing games quickly and offers a wide range of additional features ranging from 3D modeling to monetisation and analytics.

In addition, Unity has its own scripting language known as C#, making it relatively easy to use, even for beginners.

Unreal Engine

Unreal Engine is another powerful game engine that gives developers the The ability to create immersive and stunning 3D visuals, as well as convincing virtual and augmented reality experiences.

Unreal is also very popular for creating virtual and interactive locations for movies, television and other entertainment mediums, and it even supports game modes like MOBA, Battle Royale, and Sandbox game types.

CryEngine

CryEngine is a powerful game engine from Crytek that is used to create visually stunning and realistic visuals in games.

It supports a wide variety of platforms and comes with a lot of tools and features that can bring your games to life, including advanced lighting and particle systems, environmental effects, and physically-based rendering.

Construct 3

Construct 3 is a relatively newer game engine that has been growing in popularity due to its powerful tools and simple user interface.

It allows developers to quickly create apps, games and websites, with drag and drop components that enable seamless building of 2D and 3D games.

Gamemaker Studio 2

GameMaker Studio 2 is a popular game development software from YoYo Games that focuses on creating 2D games for a variety of platforms.

It features a powerful drag and drop scripting language, making it easy for even beginners to create great games with minimal effort.

Corona

Corona is a great cross-platform game engine with a focus on mobile game development.

It has a great set of tools that make it easy to create games for both iOS and Android, with a strong focus on performance and graphical fidelity.

In addition, it features UI creation, monetization and analytics tools.

3D-Rad

3D-Rad is a newer game engine that supports 3D game development and VR/AR simulations.

It offers powerful tools such as real-time editing, physics engine support and particle systems, that make it easier to create magnificent games.

Amazon Lumberyard

Amazon Lumberyard is a free game engine that grew in popularity due to its integration with the Amazon Web Services network.

With Amazon Lumberyard, developers can create powerful 3D game experiences and use the wide range of web services for analytics, streaming and more.

Orokos

Orokos is a powerful game engine with a focus on real-time graphics development.

It comes with a revolutionary asset library, a powerful physics engine, advanced lighting and particles, and scene composition tools.

It is also integrated with AR and Mobile platforms, allowing developers to create superb experiences.

AppGameKit

AppGameKit is a great game engine that focuses on making it as easy as possible to create and deploy cross-platform games.

It comes with a wide range of tools, including a visual editor, asset store, physics engine and complete development environment.

Top 20 companies for game developers

If you are good at what you do, you can try your luck in these companies –

  1. Electronic Arts (EA)
  2. Ubisoft
  3. Nintendo
  4. Activision Blizzard
  5. Microsoft
  6. Sony Interactive Entertainment
  7. Naughty Dog
  8. Rockstar Games
  9. Square Enix
  10. ZeniMax Media
  11. Bungie
  12. Sega
  13. Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
  14. Bandai Namco Entertainment
  15. NCSoft
  16. 2K Games
  17. Capcom
  18. Take-Two Interactive
  19. Riot Games
  20. Tencent

These companies are picked in no particular order. Do your own due diligence and research before you apply.

Apart from these companies, you can also try the regular job boards.

How to monetise a game

If you are more likely to work as a freelancer, you will want to know how to make money developing games!

Here are some of the most common approaches used to monetise a game –

In-game Currency: Players use the in-game currency to purchase virtual items, power-ups and other content. You can set the prices of virtual items and currency as per your choice.

Offer Virtual Goods: Another way to monetise your game is to offer virtual goods that enhance the game-play experience.

Examples of virtual goods includes extra lives, additional levels and exclusive bonuses.

Set Up Subscription Models: Subscription models are a great way to monetise your game.

Players can choose to subscribe to a monthly, yearly or lifetime membership to access extra content or special features.

Charge for Downloads: You can also charge players for downloading your game.

Price the game according to your target market and use discounts and promotions to encourage downloads.

Display Advertising: Showing ads in your game is one of the most popular and easiest ways to monetise it.

You can partner with reputable advertising networks to integrate ads into your game.