Learning a programming language can often seem daunting, but there are many rewards to be found in developing your coding skills. Here we look at why game development in particular can benefit from coding knowledge.
For many, the idea of game development instantly conjures up images of large teams of artists, musicians and developers working in unison to create giant, spectacular games. While this may be true to a certain extent, there are many benefits to developing skills in game programming.
The power of an engine
Programming can be an extremely powerful tool when it comes to game development. By learning to code as part of the game development process, you can unlock the potential of game engines such as Unreal and Unity. These engines provide powerful pre-made programming solutions that can help you save time by reducing tedious tasks such as coding repetitive motions or rendering visuals.
More than just graphics
Although visuals are often the most eye-catching element of game development, programming languages are used to create many of the most important elements within a game. AI, physics, scripting, character movements, dialogue, and more can all be created through the use of code. Learning how to program can make it much easier to create complex, engaging game mechanics, and can help you think in a more efficient and creative way.
Accessibility and portability
Aside from the many benefits to game mechanics that can be derived from coding, there are plenty of practical advantages to having knowledge of programming. By learning to code, a single game can be written once and then ported to multiple platforms with ease. This could be anything from PC to console, Android to iOS, and beyond. Code can also bridge the gap between different types of software, such as allowing an online leaderboard to interact with a game’s code or integrating online multiplayer.
In conclusion
Game development often requires the collaboration of many different members of a team, each bringing their own skills to the table. But coding can go a long way to making game development easier and more accessible. For those willing to take the time to learn it, coding can provide a wealth of rewards, from improved game mechanics to greater portability.