Hey everyone! I'm completely new to programming and I'm looking to dive into game development just for fun. After I get a hang of it, I'd also like to experiment with OpenGL or Vulkan. What programming languages would be best for someone starting out? Also, if you could suggest where I can learn them for free that would be super helpful since I'm just doing this as a hobby. Thanks!
5 Answers
The best approach is to start with general programming, which will make your game development journey smoother. I suggest starting with Python and checking out resources like the 'Python Programming 2026' course. After that, you can get into PyGame and then transition to Godot with GDScript, which is similar to Python. If you're looking to work with Vulkan or OpenGL later, you'll have to tackle C++; however, that's a bit more complex for beginners. Alternatively, you could go for C# and start using Unity.
If you're serious about game development, C++ is the way to go! You can start by making a simple game using Raylib to test the waters. Just be aware of memory management because it can get tricky. If you want to avoid memory-related issues, Rust is a good choice too, but it can be quite challenging for beginners!
But aren't both C++ and Rust pretty hard for a beginner hobbyist?
I'm also new and want to create a working game in my free time. If you're interested, we can learn together!
What are you starting with? I'm planning to focus on basic programming first to get the hang of the fundamentals.
I'd recommend starting with general programming concepts first before jumping into game development. It's a long journey, so take your time to build a solid foundation. Once you feel more comfortable, you can dive into game development! Learning C is a great way to kick things off since it provides a good base for many other languages. Just remember, the game engine you choose will influence your language choice!
Totally agree! Learning C really helps you understand fundamental programming concepts.
For sure, I'm looking for guides as well! Any recommendations?
Check out PICO-8! It's a fantasy console that uses Lua and really helps you get a feel for the entire game dev process without overwhelming you. You can also explore PyGame, Gamemaker, Love2D, or GDevelop to see what resonates with you. Lazy Devs on YouTube is a great resource to learn more about this stuff.
Do you think C# is beginner-friendly?