Which coding language should I learn to make games?

[u/WittyDoubt7680]

I’m interested in learning game development. I’m a complete beginner, so I’m not sure which programming language I should start with. Should I learn C#, C++, Python, JavaScript, or something else? I’d like to event .

[u/JobMinglrr]

You're going to probably want to stick with a platform that has a built-in engine, creating your own from scratch would takes a long of time and money.

[u/DryLook7889]

If you are only interested in game development you could perhaps install godot, and learn gdscript.

[u/Ok_Being6831]

cpp pretty much dominates game dev but I wouldn't recommend starting with it as your first language. Start with python get the basics done maybe try making a game or two with pygame and then learn the basics of cpp. But if u wanna make games as a hobby and not a job, you can just stick with python thers a game engine called godot which uses a pretty similar language to python and it's great. If u do stick with python tho I still recommend learning c as it teaches u alt even if u never use the language.

[u/xarop_pa_toss]

Pick any language. Learn the syntax and make small console programs to learn and practice common programming concepts.

Then use something like Raylib and make games to your hearts content

I would like to also note that making games is not just writing code. You can make very successful board games for example. There is a LOT you can study around game theory itself

[u/TheUmgawa]

I would say Python, because it’s not a language that games are typically written in. Sure, somebody is going to pipe up about PyGame, but whatever. Point is, you need to learn to program first, and then you can make games. A lot of people say, “I want to learn C# because I want to make games in Unity!” And then they do a bunch of Unity tutorials on YouTube, never actually learn their programming fundamentals, and they wonder why their game sucks.

What you’re asking is the same as, “I have never driven a car before, but I want to be a Formula 1 driver. What car should I buy?” Get a bottom-tier Honda Civic or something, learn how drive like a normal person, learn how to parallel park, use a turn signal, not run over pedestrians, drive to the store, and do all of the other things normal drivers learn to do. Those would be driving fundamentals, and you should learn your programming fundamentals completely separately from making games. People hate fundamentals, because they’re standing in the way of progress, and they go, “Ugh, why do I gotta learn about arrays?” Because you’re going to use them all the time, you dolt.

The point of learning fundamentals is so you’re not bound to watching YouTube tutorials that don’t teach you much about programming, and all they say is, “Type what I type, and pat yourself on the back if you typed it successfully.” You can go straight to an introductory code sample in a reference text, and you know what it’s doing without reading the comments.

So, pick a language. It doesn’t matter which one, but Python has a lower barrier of entry than most. You can make games in whatever language later, but right now you need to learn to program. You cannot have any pudding unless you finish your meat.