I want to teach myself game programming and design. What programming language should I learn first?

Question

I want to teach myself game programming and design. What programming language should I learn first?

Answer 1

Most games have a foundation language and then layer a scripting language on top. So, you see a lot of C++ paired with languages like python, lua, scheme, ruby, etc. Some games use java as a foundation. To give you a generic idea of what some game engines use... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_game_engines



Eventually, you'll have to learn C++, but I'd probably start with python as a scripting language, mostly because you don't have to compile (platform independent), the ease of learning it, the wide acceptance of it, and also due to the enormous number of tools and libraries available for it.

Answer 2

Java is not at all suitable for game programming.

But seriously, game programming is probably one of the hardest programming field and jumping to it without any knowledge of programming is foolish.

Professionally, C++ is used for making games. I suggest you learn programming first. Try C# ,C++ are good to learn if you want to get into games though it will take years before you can be good enough to use them in games. I suggest C# as there is a free game engine called Unity 3D with which you can make Indie games of very good quality. Unity 3d uses C#.C++ is the most hardcore of language. Its extremely difficult to master and used to develop the game engine or the core of the game. Instead of developing a game engine from scratch,its better to use engines already available. Many are free(unity 3d,ogre 3d) others cost millions( FrostBit, CryEngine) . These engines are written in c++ but they can be used to develop games using other languages like C# , javascript etc..Language isnt the criteria. You should get the base of programming as a whole solid.

Answer 3

I think your right. C++ is the foundation language for games development. I had to look it up last week. I would learn that first and not waste time with the scripting ones like java although some games run on Java.

Answer 4

python is really easy but u should really go for java script

Answer 5

I want to be a game programmer too :D

So, first, no Java.

Second, C++ would be the best choice to make games, C# is used in some scenarios, but I wouldn't recommend to start with that. I started with C to learn the basics easily, and my teachers say that with that basis I will be able to understand the other languages more easily. But any language you decide to start with, I would say relax, don't hurry to make games, or think your first class or something you will be making a game or something. It's important to learn everything with calm.

So, going back to the question, if you are really crazy for results haha, you can start with C++, but if you want a strong basis, C. Alongside these, you can use programs like Game Maker not to learn how to program, but to understand the logic that a game requires and stuff like that. Don't expect too much of the games you make with these programs, but just try to understand the concepts behind them.

But I will say it again, it will take some time to start making games. You will start with basic operations, math problems and stuff like that, but don't think these are not important! They are essential for any program, although in the beginning it is very difficult to notice that.