C# or C++: Which is the Ultimate Language for Game Development?

Question

C++ is widely recognized as the go-to language for game development due to its performance and low-level control over hardware, favored by many AAA game studios. However, C# has gained traction with the popularity of engines like Unity, offering an easier learning curve and increased productivity. In your opinion, can C# truly compete with C++ in high-performance, complex game development, or will C++ remain the mandatory choice for those seeking maximum control and optimization? To what extent does C#’s ease of use make up for its performance trade-offs in complex games?

Answer 1

Unreal engine is the #1 game engine for major game dev companies and produces the best graphics. They use C++

Unity engine is arguably the most popular indy dev. They use C#

Godot engine is a hugely popular open source engine. They use GDscropt (like Python) and C#.

So I would say if you are wanting to get hired at a big game company, C++ is critical. But if you want to write your own games, C# is probably the better choice.

C++ has a minor performance advantage over C# and some companies will prioritize performance over anything else. C# will hold it's own on companies that are more concerned with ease for developers. C++ is not going to be replaced by C#. But C# is easier overall.

Answer 2

Your arguments are true. But there is a question. Could a gamedev who has spent years using C#, with Godot or Unity, in theory make a quick migration to Unreal engine without losing productivity due to his lack of experience with C++?