22 June

What language to pick when starting a project? C++ or C#?

Programming

min. read

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Empty office with C# programmers

C# and C++ are two of the most popular programming languages in the world. They are both widely used in many different industries, but there are some key differences between them that can make one more attractive than the other when considering the job market and costs of projects for Unreal Engine and Unity.

What is C#?

C# is a Microsoft language and as such, has excellent support and tools within the Visual Studio suite. It is also the language used for developing Windows applications. C# is a powerful, object-oriented language that is easy to learn for beginners. It also has a variety of features that make it well suited for game development, such as automatic memory management and a large standard library.

What is C++?

C++ is a cross-platform language that can be used to develop applications for almost any platform. It is a lower-level language than C#, which gives it more control over system resources but can make it more difficult to learn for beginners. C++ is often used for developing high-performance applications, such as games. It also has a number of features that make it well suited for game development, such as support for multiple programming paradigms and extensive libraries.

Which to choose?

When considering working on your own, you should consider the best language you know, as leveraging the job market for help would not matter to you, as you would always find at least one passionate to help your project (paid or for barter)

When you are a business there are 2 approaches. Outsourcing and Internal.

Hand shake between C# and C++ programmer that will never happen

Internal

When considering the job market and costs of projects for Unreal Engine and Unity, C# is the more attractive option. It is easier to learn and has better tooling support, making it faster to develop applications. C++ may be more powerful, but it comes at the cost of increased complexity.

Unity – C#Unreal Engine – C++
Job MarketGoodHard to find
PricingUsually below market averageOften above-market average
ComplexitySimple to introduce to juniorsVery complex, juniors often quit

Reference this table when you would be considering choosing between those engines. We at Prographers often charge 30% more for the same project when Unreal Engine is to be considered.

Outsourcing

There is no one good marker of what would good outsourcing firm look like for Unity and Unreal as they can be at both ends of the spectrum. I would personally go with the studio that delivers the games that we love the most and those that would fit our style of the project.


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