C++ remains one of the leading programming languages in game development despite the emergence of new technologies and languages. Its flexibility, performance, and extensive ecosystem make it the preferred choice for building complex game systems, engines, and high-performance applications.
Why C++.
- High performance – with its low-level memory management and compilable nature, C++ allows you to create fast and efficient games.
- Flexibility – the ability for both object-oriented and procedural programming, as well as metaprogramming.
- Memory control – controlling memory allocation and release using new/delete, std::unique_ptr and std::shared_ptr helps optimize resources.
- widespread adoption in the gaming industry – many game engines such as Unreal Engine, CryEngine and id Tech use C++.
Current thoughts on C++ in game development
C++ standards development
Modern C++ standards (C++11, C++14, C++17, C++20 and the upcoming C++23) have greatly improved the language by adding smart pointers, multithreading, std::optional, std::variant, constexpr, coroutines and other powerful tools.
Code optimization
Developers are increasingly using new C++ features to improve performance. For example:
- constexpr allows you to perform compile-time calculations.
- std::move and std::forward minimize unnecessary object copies.
- std::thread and std::async simplify multithreading.
Using game engines
Although C++ remains the primary language of game engines, more and more developers are using engines with high-level scripting languages such as Lua (CryEngine), Python (Godot), and Blueprints (Unreal Engine). However, key elements of the engines and optimized game mechanics are still written in C++.
Simplifying memory handling
Memory management in C++ used to be a difficult task, but modern approaches such as RAII (Resource Acquisition Is Initialization) and the use of std::unique_ptr/std::shared_ptr have greatly simplified resource handling, reducing the probability of memory leaks.
Impact of multiplatforming
Today, game developers are striving for multi-platform solutions. C++ offers tools such as SDL, SFML, and platform-dependent libraries to work efficiently on Windows, Linux, macOS, and consoles.
Integration with other languages
With the growing popularity of hybrid solutions, C++ is often combined with other languages:
- Python – for tools and AI logic.
- C# – in Unity for rapid prototyping.
- Rust – for memory safety in mission-critical components.
Conclusion
C++ continues to be the backbone of game development due to its efficiency, performance control, and broad capabilities. Despite the development of high-level languages, C++ remains indispensable in creating game engines and optimized game mechanics.