Choosing the right programming language is one of the first important decisions when starting game development.

Different programming languages are used for different types of games, engines, platforms, and development goals.

For example:

• C# is widely used with Unity.
• C++ is heavily used in Unreal Engine and AAA development.
• GDScript is popular with Godot.
• JavaScript is useful for browser games.
• Java can be used for Android and certain game-development frameworks.
• Lua is widely used for scripting and modding.
• Python is useful for learning, tools, prototypes, and some simple games.

There is no single best programming language for every Game Developer.

The best language depends on what you want to build.

This guide compares the best programming languages for game development, their advantages, disadvantages, popular engines, use cases, and which language beginners should learn first.

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What Programming Languages Are Used in Game Development?

Some of the most commonly used programming languages in game development include:

• C#
• C++
• GDScript
• JavaScript
• TypeScript
• Java
• Lua
• Python
• Rust
• Swift

Each language serves a different purpose.

For example, someone building a high-performance PC game may choose a different language than someone creating a simple browser game.

---

Best Programming Languages for Game Development

Here is a quick comparison:

Language	Best For	Difficulty	Common Tools
C#	Unity, indie, mobile games	Beginner–Intermediate	Unity
C++	AAA, Unreal, engines	Advanced	Unreal Engine
GDScript	Godot, beginners	Beginner	Godot
JavaScript	Browser games	Beginner–Intermediate	Phaser, Three.js
TypeScript	Structured web games	Intermediate	Phaser, Babylon.js
Java	Android and framework-based games	Intermediate	LibGDX
Lua	Scripting and embedded game logic	Beginner	Defold, LÖVE
Python	Learning and prototypes	Beginner	Pygame
Rust	Performance and modern engine work	Advanced	Bevy
Swift	Apple-platform games	Intermediate	SpriteKit, SceneKit

Let’s look at each language in detail.

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1. C#

C# is one of the best programming languages for beginner and intermediate Game Developers.

It is strongly associated with the Unity game engine.

C# is used to create:

• Player movement
• Combat
• Enemy AI
• UI
• Inventory
• Save systems
• Multiplayer logic

Unity supports both 2D and 3D game development.

---

Why Is C# Good for Game Development?

C# provides a good balance between:

• Performance
• Readability
• Developer productivity
• Object-Oriented Programming

Its syntax is easier for many beginners than C++.

Example:

public class Player
{
    public int health = 100;

    public void TakeDamage(int damage)
    {
        health -= damage;
    }
}

The syntax is structured and relatively easy to understand.

---

What Games Can You Build With C#?

C# is suitable for:

• 2D games
• 3D games
• Mobile games
• PC games
• Indie games
• VR games
• AR games

It is especially useful if you plan to use Unity.

---

Advantages of C#

Advantages include:

• Beginner-friendly compared with C++
• Strong Unity integration
• Object-Oriented Programming
• Large learning ecosystem
• Suitable for 2D and 3D development
• Good tooling

---

Disadvantages of C#

Possible disadvantages include:

• Less low-level control than C++
• Not the primary language for many custom AAA engines
• Strongly associated with particular frameworks and engines in game development

---

Who Should Learn C#?

Learn C# if you want to become:

• Unity Developer
• Mobile Game Developer
• Indie Game Developer
• Gameplay Programmer

For many beginners, C# + Unity is a practical starting combination.

---

2. C++

C++ is one of the most important programming languages in professional game development.

It is widely used for:

• AAA games
• Game engines
• Unreal Engine
• Graphics programming
• Engine programming
• High-performance systems

C++ gives developers much more control over memory and performance.

---

Why Is C++ Popular in Game Development?

Games often need extremely high performance.

C++ provides:

• Low-level memory control
• Fast execution
• Direct hardware access
• Fine-grained performance optimization

This makes it useful for demanding real-time applications.

---

C++ and Unreal Engine

Unreal Engine uses C++ extensively.

Developers can use C++ to create:

• Gameplay systems
• Characters
• Weapons
• AI
• Networking
• Engine extensions

Unreal also provides Blueprints for visual scripting.

A common learning path is:

Blueprints → Basic C++ → Unreal C++

---

What Games Can You Build With C++?

C++ can be used for:

• AAA games
• PC games
• Console games
• Multiplayer games
• Game engines
• Simulation games

It is one of the strongest languages for high-end professional game development.

---

Advantages of C++

Advantages include:

• Excellent performance
• Powerful memory control
• Widely used in AAA studios
• Unreal Engine integration
• Suitable for engine development
• Strong for graphics programming

---

Disadvantages of C++

C++ has a much steeper learning curve.

Beginners need to understand concepts such as:

• Pointers
• References
• Memory
• Object lifetime
• Templates

Bugs related to memory can also be difficult to debug.

---

Who Should Learn C++?

Choose C++ if you want to become:

• Unreal Engine Developer
• AAA Game Programmer
• Engine Programmer
• Graphics Programmer
• Network Programmer
• Performance Engineer

---

3. GDScript

GDScript is the scripting language most closely associated with the Godot engine.

Its syntax is designed to be simple and readable.

Example:

var health = 100

func take_damage(damage):
    health -= damage

The language feels approachable to beginners.

---

Why Is GDScript Good for Beginners?

GDScript allows beginners to focus more on game-development concepts and less on complicated language syntax.

You can quickly learn:

• Variables
• Functions
• Conditions
• Loops
• Classes
• Signals

Then apply them directly inside Godot.

---

What Games Can You Build With GDScript?

It is suitable for:

• 2D games
• Indie games
• Puzzle games
• Platformers
• Small and medium 3D projects

Godot is especially popular among independent developers.

---

Advantages of GDScript

Advantages include:

• Easy syntax
• Fast to learn
• Strong Godot integration
• Good for prototyping
• Excellent for beginners

---

Disadvantages of GDScript

Possible disadvantages include:

• Mostly associated with Godot
• Less useful outside the Godot ecosystem
• Smaller professional-job market than C# or C++

---

Who Should Learn GDScript?

Learn GDScript if you want:

• An easy introduction to game development
• To use Godot
• To build indie games
• To create 2D games quickly

---

4. JavaScript

JavaScript is one of the most important languages for browser-based game development.

It can run directly inside web browsers.

Developers can use JavaScript with technologies such as:

• HTML5 Canvas
• WebGL
• Phaser
• Three.js

---

What Games Can You Build With JavaScript?

JavaScript is useful for:

• Browser games
• Casual games
• Puzzle games
• 2D games
• Multiplayer web games
• Educational games

One major advantage is distribution.

Players can often open the game directly in a browser.

---

Advantages of JavaScript

Advantages include:

• Runs in browsers
• Huge ecosystem
• Easy to distribute games
• Useful outside game development
• Good for 2D web games

---

Disadvantages of JavaScript

Possible disadvantages include:

• Not usually the first choice for AAA games
• Browser performance limitations for certain demanding projects
• Dynamic typing can create maintainability challenges in larger projects

---

Who Should Learn JavaScript?

Choose JavaScript if you want to create:

• Browser games
• Web-based multiplayer experiences
• Interactive websites
• Casual web games

---

5. TypeScript

TypeScript is based on JavaScript but adds static typing.

Example:

let health: number = 100;

function takeDamage(damage: number): void {
    health -= damage;
}

TypeScript can make large web-game projects easier to maintain.

---

Why Use TypeScript for Games?

TypeScript provides:

• Type checking
• Better editor support
• Cleaner large projects
• Improved maintainability

It can be used with game and graphics libraries such as:

• Phaser
• Babylon.js
• Three.js

---

TypeScript vs JavaScript for Game Development

JavaScript is simpler to start.

TypeScript becomes attractive when your project grows.

For larger browser games, TypeScript can help prevent many common coding mistakes.

---

Who Should Learn TypeScript?

Choose TypeScript if you already understand JavaScript and want to build:

• Larger web games
• Structured browser games
• Multiplayer browser applications

---

6. Java

Java is another language that can be used for game development.

It has been used for:

• Android games
• Desktop games
• Cross-platform game projects

One popular framework is LibGDX.

---

Why Use Java for Game Development?

Java provides:

• Object-Oriented Programming
• Cross-platform support
• Mature tools
• Large ecosystem

It can also be useful if you already know Java from Android or backend development.

---

Advantages of Java

Advantages include:

• Mature language
• Strong OOP support
• Cross-platform capabilities
• Large developer ecosystem

---

Disadvantages of Java

Java is less dominant in modern game engines than C# and C++.

If your primary goal is Unity or Unreal, another language may make more sense.

---

Who Should Learn Java?

Learn Java if you:

• Already know Java
• Want to use LibGDX
• Want to explore Android or framework-based game development

---

7. Lua

Lua is a lightweight scripting language.

It is often embedded inside game engines and applications.

It is used for:

• Gameplay scripting
• Modding
• Game logic
• Embedded scripting

---

Why Is Lua Popular in Games?

Lua is:

• Lightweight
• Fast to embed
• Easy to learn
• Flexible

This makes it useful when game engines need a scripting layer.

---

Game Development Tools Using Lua

Examples of Lua-related game tools include:

• LÖVE
• Defold

Lua has also historically been used in game scripting and modding ecosystems.

---

Advantages of Lua

Advantages include:

• Simple syntax
• Lightweight
• Fast scripting
• Good for embedded systems
• Useful for modding

---

Disadvantages of Lua

Lua is not generally used alone for large AAA engine development.

It is more commonly a scripting language inside larger systems.

---

Who Should Learn Lua?

Choose Lua if you want to work with:

• Game scripting
• Mods
• Lightweight game frameworks
• Embedded game logic

---

8. Python

Python is one of the easiest programming languages for beginners.

It can be used for simple games with libraries such as Pygame.

Example:

health = 100

def take_damage(damage):
    global health
    health -= damage

Its syntax is easy to understand.

---

Is Python Good for Game Development?

Python is excellent for:

• Learning programming
• Prototyping
• Small games
• Development tools
• Automation

However, it is generally not the first choice for performance-heavy commercial games.

---

What Games Can You Build With Python?

You can create:

• 2D games
• Puzzle games
• Educational games
• Simple simulations
• Prototypes

---

Advantages of Python

Advantages include:

• Easy to learn
• Simple syntax
• Excellent for beginners
• Useful beyond game development
• Fast prototyping

---

Disadvantages of Python

Limitations include:

• Lower performance than C++ for demanding real-time systems
• Less common in major commercial game engines
• Limited use for modern AAA development

---

Who Should Learn Python?

Python is good if you:

• Are completely new to programming
• Want to understand programming concepts
• Want to create small games
• Want to build game-development tools

---

9. Rust

Rust is a modern systems programming language focused on:

• Performance
• Memory safety
• Concurrency

It is increasingly discussed for engine and game-development projects.

Frameworks and engines such as Bevy allow developers to experiment with Rust for game development.

---

Why Use Rust for Game Development?

Rust offers:

• High performance
• Memory safety
• Modern tooling
• Strong concurrency support

It attempts to provide low-level performance while preventing many common memory errors.

---

Advantages of Rust

Advantages include:

• Strong performance
• Memory safety
• Modern language design
• Suitable for systems programming

---

Disadvantages of Rust

Rust can be difficult for beginners.

Concepts such as:

• Ownership
• Borrowing
• Lifetimes

can take time to understand.

Its game-development ecosystem is also smaller than Unity or Unreal.

---

Who Should Learn Rust?

Rust can be useful for developers interested in:

• Engine programming
• Systems programming
• Experimental game technology
• High-performance tools

For complete beginners, C# or GDScript may be easier starting choices.

---

10. Swift

Swift is Apple’s modern programming language.

It can be used to create games for Apple platforms.

Developers may work with technologies such as:

• SpriteKit
• SceneKit
• Metal

---

What Games Can You Build With Swift?

Swift can be useful for:

• iPhone games
• iPad games
• macOS games
• Apple-platform prototypes

---

Advantages of Swift

Advantages include:

• Modern language
• Strong Apple-platform integration
• Good development tooling
• Useful for native Apple development

---

Disadvantages of Swift

Swift is more specialized around Apple’s ecosystem.

It is not the main choice for most cross-platform game studios.

---

Who Should Learn Swift?

Learn Swift if your primary focus is:

• iOS games
• macOS games
• Apple-platform development

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C# vs C++ for Game Development

This is one of the most common comparisons.

Feature	C#	C++
Learning Curve	Easier	Harder
Major Engine	Unity	Unreal Engine
Memory Control	Managed	Manual / low-level
AAA Usage	Moderate	Very High
Beginner Friendly	Yes	Less
Engine Programming	Limited	Excellent
Mobile Indie	Excellent	Good

Choose:

C# for easier learning and Unity development.

Choose:

C++ for Unreal, AAA, graphics, or engine development.

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C# vs GDScript

Feature	C#	GDScript
Difficulty	Beginner–Intermediate	Beginner
Engine	Unity / Godot	Godot
Career Usage	Broader	More specialized
Performance	Strong	Suitable for typical Godot logic
Learning Speed	Fast	Very Fast

If you want broader programming experience, C# can be attractive.

If you want the easiest Godot path, GDScript is excellent.

---

C++ vs Rust for Game Development

Both can be used for performance-focused development.

C++ has:

• Larger game-development ecosystem
• Mature tools
• More AAA usage
• Unreal Engine

Rust has:

• Strong memory safety
• Modern tooling
• Growing ecosystem

For established AAA game-development careers, C++ currently remains the more traditional choice.

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JavaScript vs TypeScript for Game Development

Choose JavaScript if:

• You are a beginner.
• The project is small.
• You want fast prototyping.

Choose TypeScript if:

• The project is larger.
• You want static typing.
• You want better maintainability.

For professional web-game projects, TypeScript can become very useful.

---

Python vs C# for Game Development

Python is easier for learning programming.

C# is generally more practical for building larger games using Unity.

Choose Python if your goal is:

Learn Programming

Choose C# if your goal is:

Learn Programming + Build Unity Games

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Which Programming Language Is Best for Beginners?

For most beginners, strong options include:

C#

Best if you want to use Unity.

GDScript

Best if you want to use Godot and prioritize simplicity.

JavaScript

Best for browser games.

Python

Best for learning programming fundamentals and simple games.

A very practical overall starting choice is:

C# + Unity

Another beginner-friendly combination is:

GDScript + Godot

---

Best Language for 2D Game Development

Strong choices include:

• C#
• GDScript
• JavaScript
• Lua
• Python

For beginners:

Godot + GDScript

or:

Unity + C#

can both work well.

---

Best Language for 3D Game Development

Popular choices include:

• C#
• C++
• GDScript
• Rust

For mainstream engines:

Unity → C#

Unreal Engine → C++

Godot → GDScript or C#

---

Best Programming Language for AAA Games

For AAA development, C++ is one of the most important languages.

AAA studios often use:

• C++
• Proprietary engines
• Unreal Engine
• Specialized internal tools

If your long-term goal is high-end engine or gameplay programming, learning C++ is highly valuable.

---

Best Programming Language for Indie Games

Popular indie choices include:

• C#
• GDScript
• C++
• Lua
• JavaScript

For small teams and solo developers, development speed is often very important.

C# and GDScript are both strong options.

---

Best Language for Mobile Game Development

C# is widely used for cross-platform mobile game development through Unity.

Other possibilities include:

• Java
• Kotlin
• Swift
• C++
• GDScript

If you want to publish the same game to Android and iOS, a cross-platform engine can simplify development.

---

Best Language for Browser Games

JavaScript is one of the strongest choices for browser games.

TypeScript is also excellent for larger projects.

Useful technologies include:

• Phaser
• Three.js
• Babylon.js
• WebGL

---

Best Language for Unreal Engine

C++.

Unreal Engine also supports Blueprints.

A good learning path can be:

Blueprints → C++ Fundamentals → Unreal C++

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Best Language for Unity

C# is the primary programming language used for Unity gameplay scripting.

Learn:

• C# fundamentals
• OOP
• Collections
• Events
• Unity scripting

---

Best Language for Godot

GDScript is often the easiest choice.

Godot also supports C# in supported workflows.

For beginners, GDScript offers the simplest learning experience.

---

Best Language for Game Engine Development

Game-engine development requires performance and low-level control.

Popular choices include:

• C++
• Rust
• C

C++ remains especially important in established commercial game-engine development.

---

Best Language for Graphics Programming

C++ is highly important.

Graphics programmers may also work with shader languages such as:

• HLSL
• GLSL

They often need strong knowledge of:

• GPUs
• Rendering
• Linear algebra
• Graphics APIs

---

Best Language for Game AI

Several languages can be used for game AI.

For example:

• C++
• C#
• GDScript

The language itself is less important than understanding:

• State machines
• Behavior trees
• Pathfinding
• Algorithms

---

Best Language for Multiplayer Games

Multiplayer games can use several languages.

Game-client logic may use:

• C++
• C#
• GDScript

Backend systems may use:

• Go
• Java
• C#
• JavaScript
• TypeScript
• Rust

Networking architecture often matters more than choosing one specific language.

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Should You Learn More Than One Programming Language?

Eventually, yes.

But not at the beginning.

A beginner should first become comfortable with one language.

For example:

C# → Unity → Build Games

Then later:

C++ → Unreal / Advanced Programming

Trying to learn C#, C++, Python, JavaScript, Rust, and Java simultaneously will usually slow your progress.

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Which Language Should You Learn First?

Choose based on your goal.

Goal	Recommended Starting Language
Unity Developer	C#
Unreal Developer	C++
Godot Developer	GDScript
Browser Game Developer	JavaScript / TypeScript
AAA Developer	C++
Mobile Game Developer	C#
Beginner Learning Programming	C# / Python / GDScript
Game Engine Developer	C++ / Rust
Apple Game Developer	Swift

---

Best Language Based on Career Goal

Gameplay Programmer

Learn:

• C#
• C++

AAA Game Developer

Learn:

• C++

Indie Developer

Learn:

• C#
• GDScript

Browser Game Developer

Learn:

• JavaScript
• TypeScript

Engine Programmer

Learn:

• C++
• Rust

Mobile Game Developer

Learn:

• C#

Graphics Programmer

Learn:

• C++
• Shader languages

---

Game Development Languages Learning Roadmap

A beginner can follow:

Choose Your Target Engine

↓

Choose One Language

↓

Learn Syntax

↓

Learn Functions

↓

Learn OOP

↓

Learn Data Structures

↓

Build Small Programs

↓

Learn Game Engine

↓

Create Movement

↓

Add Physics

↓

Add UI

↓

Add AI

↓

Build Complete Games

Do not spend months learning a language without using it in projects.

---

How Much Programming Do Game Developers Need to Know?

It depends on your role.

A Gameplay Programmer should understand:

• OOP
• Collections
• Events
• State machines
• Basic algorithms

An Engine Programmer may need:

• Advanced C++
• Memory management
• Concurrency
• Data structures
• Algorithms
• Operating-system concepts

A beginner does not need advanced engine-level knowledge immediately.

---

Is C++ Required for Game Development?

No.

You can build professional games without C++.

For example:

Unity developers mainly use C#.

Godot developers may use GDScript.

Web Game Developers may use JavaScript.

However, C++ becomes particularly valuable for:

• Unreal
• AAA
• Engines
• Graphics
• Performance-heavy systems

---

Is Python Enough for Game Development?

Python is enough for learning and building simple games.

However, if your goal is professional Unity, Unreal, or AAA development, you will likely need another language.

Use Python primarily for:

• Learning
• Prototyping
• Tools
• Automation

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Can You Make Games Without Coding?

Yes, some engines provide visual scripting.

Examples include Unreal Blueprints.

However, learning programming gives you much more flexibility.

Coding becomes increasingly important when building:

• Custom mechanics
• Complex AI
• Multiplayer
• Tools
• Large systems

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Should Beginners Learn C++ First?

You can, but you do not have to.

If your goal is specifically:

• Unreal Engine
• AAA games
• Engine programming

starting with C++ makes sense.

If you want a gentler introduction, C# or GDScript may be easier.

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How Long Does It Take to Learn a Game Programming Language?

It depends on your experience and consistency.

A beginner may learn basic syntax in several weeks.

Becoming comfortable enough to build complete games usually requires much more practice.

A better goal is not:

Learn C# completely.

Instead:

Learn enough C# to build a small game, then improve while building more games.

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Common Mistakes When Choosing a Game Development Language

Choosing Based Only on Popularity

Choose based on your game engine and goal.

Learning Too Many Languages

Focus on one first.

Learning a Language Without Building Games

Apply your knowledge immediately.

Starting With the Hardest Technology

You do not need C++ engine programming to build your first platformer.

Ignoring the Game Engine

Your engine choice often determines the most practical language.

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Recommended Beginner Paths

Path 1: Unity Developer

C# → Unity → 2D Game → 3D Game → Portfolio

Path 2: Unreal Developer

C++ Basics → Blueprints → Unreal Engine → 3D Games

Path 3: Godot Developer

GDScript → Godot → 2D Games → 3D Basics

Path 4: Web Game Developer

JavaScript → TypeScript → Phaser / Three.js

Path 5: AAA Programmer

C++ → Data Structures → Math → Unreal → Advanced Systems

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best programming language for game development?

There is no single best language. C# is excellent for Unity, C++ for Unreal and AAA development, and GDScript for Godot.

Which game programming language is easiest?

GDScript, Python, and C# are relatively beginner-friendly.

Is C# good for game development?

Yes. C# is widely used with Unity and is suitable for 2D, 3D, mobile, and indie games.

Is C++ the best language for games?

C++ is one of the best languages for high-performance, AAA, Unreal, engine, and graphics programming, but it is not necessary for every game.

Is JavaScript good for game development?

Yes, especially for browser-based games.

Can Python be used for game development?

Yes. Python works well for learning, prototypes, tools, and simple games.

Is Rust good for game development?

Rust is promising for performance-oriented game and engine development, but its ecosystem is smaller than mature engines built around C++ or C#.

Which language is used in Unity?

C# is the primary language used for Unity gameplay scripting.

Which language is used in Unreal Engine?

C++ is the main programming language, while Blueprints provide visual scripting.

Which language is used in Godot?

GDScript is widely used, while Godot also supports other options such as C#.

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Final Comparison

Language	Beginner Friendly	Performance	Best Use
C#	High	High	Unity, Indie, Mobile
C++	Medium-Low	Very High	Unreal, AAA, Engines
GDScript	Very High	Good	Godot
JavaScript	High	Good	Browser Games
TypeScript	High	Good	Large Web Games
Java	Medium	High	LibGDX, Android
Lua	High	Good	Scripting, Lightweight Games
Python	Very High	Moderate	Learning, Prototypes
Rust	Medium-Low	Very High	Systems, Engine Development
Swift	Medium	High	Apple Games

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Conclusion

The best programming language for game development depends on what type of Game Developer you want to become.

For most beginners:

C# + Unity is a strong all-around option.

For a simpler open-source path:

GDScript + Godot is excellent.

For high-end 3D, Unreal Engine, AAA development, graphics, or engine programming:

C++ is one of the most important languages to learn.

For browser games:

JavaScript or TypeScript is a practical choice.

For learning programming fundamentals:

Python can be useful, although you may eventually move to a language more closely connected to your chosen game engine.

The most important thing is not finding the perfect language.

Choose a language that matches your goal, learn its fundamentals, select a game engine, and start building.

A practical learning path is:

Choose Engine → Learn One Language → Build Small Games → Finish Projects → Improve Your Programming → Build a Portfolio

Your ability to create real games will ultimately matter more than how many programming languages you list on your resume.