When you took the first step to learn Java, you must have faced many doubts. It is only usual given the large array of languages available for game development. They are Python, C, C++, to name a few.
Now, is Java game development a good idea? While you may have your doubts, we'd like you to know that Minecraft, a game as famous as the moon, was first created using Java. Later in 2014, when the game had taken the gaming arena by storm, Microsoft had to buy it for $2.5 million, along with Mojang (as per the ). We hope these figures will help you understand how popular Java-based games can be.
Yet, that is not all there is to know about Java game programming. The success of Java-based games depends on the platform on which the game will run. As far as those platforms go, there are three categories: AAA, indie, and mobile games.
We shall now proceed with how well the Java game code is for each platform.
AAA Games
What are AAA games? These games are the ones that garner the attention of millions of people worldwide. Games like Call of Duty, Counter-Strike, etc., are the ideal ones that fit the category.
Such games involve multitudes of coding, and it can take years to complete them. Undoubtedly, designing such games is not possible for a single person; it requires an experienced team of programmers.
What is important to us is that it is next to impossible to design such games with Java. Furthermore, consoles nowadays do not support Java-based games. Therefore, programmers have to rewrite those games in other languages. Java game code is, hence, not the most suitable one for designing AAA games.
Indie Games
What are indie games? As the name suggests, these are games designed by independent organizations or individuals. Such organizations or individuals function without the support of a big financial institution. So, their games do not become as popular as AAA games. Yet, many people like to play indie games, like Hades and Undertale.
People mostly play these games on their desktops or laptops. Therefore, the problem of console compatibility does not occur here. However, many programmers face issues with Java game development. That is why they rely on support tools, such as LibGDX. With tools like LibGDX, programmers can do away with the problems they face while developing Java-based games.
We can understand if you are doubtful whether you could use Java-support programs like LibGDX fluently. But, do not worry because freelancing enables you to explore the domain of Java game programming endlessly.
Mobile Games
Now, here is the platform best-suited for Java game development. Programmers use Java extensively to design games for mobile phones. However, it is for Android only. While Java game code runs smoothly on Android-based phones, it is not compatible with iOS-based phones.
Therefore, Java game programming is ideal for designing games for Android phones. If you wish to develop the same game for iOS users, you must convert it using other software. Take it easy because there are tools to assist you with the same. If you wish to expose yourself to more such concepts, freelancing based on Java game development would be ideal for you.
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Java Game Development
Short StoryJava is a comparatively faster language than C or C++. Maybe that is why games designed with Java do not show a minor lag noticeable in those designed with other languages like C.
