Do You Really Need to Learn Java Game Programming?

What the experts say about Java game programming.

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Is Knowing Java Game Programming Important?

Depending on who you talk to in the industry, some experts tout the importance of learning Java game programming in addition to fundamental languages like C++, while others dismiss it as unnecessary.

The truth is, whether it's critical to learn Java game programming depends on what area of the game industry you plan to work in—many casual web-based games make use of Java programming, as does the burgeoning field of mobile device gaming. And of course it never hurts for aspiring programmers to have a broad and varied knowledge base. Combine that with the increasing versatility of Java and Java APIs in the area of 3D graphics, and there's a pretty strong case for learning how to use this "write once, run anywhere" programming language.

The Potential of Java Game Programming

In the past, Java was considered to be less sophisticated than other game programming languages, and slow to run compared to the other industry standard languages, C and C++. While it's true that Java is less widely used in the area of commercial games, especially console-based games, its suitability for quick-play casual and mobile gaming has become clear in recent years. Web-based games using Java Web Start and Java applets compete for popularity with Flash and Shockwave games that can be picked up and played for just a few minutes at a time. And with the proliferation of smartphones and iPads, game apps for mobile devices are an undeniably hot market.

Also, the language itself has evolved. While some of the hardliners' quibbles were justified even ten years ago, in the intervening time, Java's developers have expanded the language's versatility. Different editions of Java are now available, a few of them are particularly useful to game development, and 3D extensions make it possible to use more advanced graphics in Java game programming.

Beyond Java Game Programming

While Java is clearly beneficial to certain areas of game programming, the truth is, you need to be well versed in industry standard languages like C, C++ and Assembly if you plan to make a career out of game development. Scripting languages such as Lua are also useful. The International Game Developers' Association suggests that first-year game programming students would do better to focus on fundamentals of mathematics and programming theory before considering more attractively straightforward platforms like Java.

However, Java game programming has definitely earned its place in the game development industry. Once you've established your technical chops in basic areas of computer science, it's worth considering Java programming as a viable and growing area of the gaming market, particularly if you have an interest in casual or mobile games.