AR & VR revenue is expected to double by 2028. Based on a comparison of the three biggest AR & VR markets - the U.S., China, and Europe - the U.S. will remain the largest market by 2027. As AR and VR technology evolves, game creators play an increasingly important role in creating the next generation of immersive experiences. With the power to transport players into entirely novel worlds, AR and VR game production strongly relies on the relevant programming languages to reach their potential.
One of the most critical considerations a developer may make is which programming language is best suited to their project's needs. In this blog, we will cover the top 7 programming languages for AR and VR game development in 2025, including C++, Swift, Lua, and Python. Let’s jump right in!
1. C++
AR and VR applications require great performance in order to generate realistic 3D graphics and handle real-time user interactions with minimal latency. C++ helps developers to optimize memory use and computing capacity, which is critical for achieving the high frame rates and responsiveness necessary in AR/VR experiences. The most popular VR engines that support C++ are Unreal Engine, Unity, and Godot.
Unreal Engine
Unreal Engine is a sophisticated and adaptable engine that offers high-quality visuals, realistic physics, excellent audio, and extensive interaction. It supports a variety of VR platforms and devices, including SteamVR, Oculus, and Windows Mixed Reality. It also has a visual scripting framework called Blueprint, which is designed to enable you to create logic and events without using code.
Unity
Unity's excellent support for AR and VR and its extensive asset store and developer community make it the preferred engine for VR games on platforms such as Oculus and PlayStation VR.
Godot
Godot is another new engine that facilitates deep customisation using C++. It is known for its lightweight and open-source nature, which has gained popularity among indie developers seeking greater control over their VR projects without the licensing expenses associated with proprietary engines. While it primarily employs its scripting language, GDScript, developers may build C++ modules to increase functionality, allowing them to push the limits of performance and graphics in virtual reality settings. This makes Godot an adaptable choice for smaller-scale VR projects or experimental experiences.
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2. JavaScript
JavaScript, a language previously associated with online programming, has emerged as an effective tool for developing immersive AR/VR experiences. With the rapid growth of web technology, JavaScript has progressed from simple online scripting to being the foundation of complicated AR/VR apps. The combination of JavaScript with AR/VR technology allows developers to create interactive, three-dimensional experiences right within web browsers, making these immersive worlds more accessible to a larger audience.
Libraries and frameworks like Three.js, A-Frame, and React 360 expand JavaScript's capabilities, giving developers strong tools to construct sophisticated AR/VR environments with ease. These technologies abstract the difficulties of 3D graphics programming, freeing developers to concentrate on the creative parts of AR/VR creation.
Three.js
Three.js is a popular library for 3D graphics on the web, allowing developers to create dynamic 3D scenarios with little code. Three.js, which uses WebGL, provides a high-level interface for rendering 3D objects and scenarios, allowing for fluid AR/VR experiences directly in the web browser.
A-Frame
A-Frame, on the other hand, streamlines AR/VR creation even further by providing an HTML-based structure that allows web developers without substantial 3D programming skills to construct AR/VR apps.
React 360
React 360, developed on top of React, enables developers to create interactive 360-degree experiences using a familiar component-based design. Its compatibility with contemporary front-end web development standards makes it a popular choice among developers seeking to merge VR with web technologies.
3. Swift
SwiftUI, Apple's modern UI toolkit, is an ideal resource for developing applications on visionOS. SwiftUI, when combined with RealityKit, allows for the construction of 3D components within applications, making it an ideal choice for future visionOS projects. The combination of UIKit and SwiftUI provides a consistent experience for developers familiar with iOS and iPadOS app development.
However, it's vital to note that Swift's abilities are restricted to the Apple ecosystem. Games crafted with Swift are tailored exclusively for Apple platforms, limiting their compatibility with Android, Windows, Linux, and gaming consoles.
RealityKit
RealityKit, Apple's 3D rendering engine, is an effective tool for displaying 3D information, animations, and visual effects. It reacts to practical lighting conditions, casts realistic shadows, and makes it easier to create amazing visual effects, among other things. RealityKit supports MaterialX, an industry standard for describing surface and geometry shaders.
While the combination of SwiftUI and RealityKit creates a natural, native feel and makes it easier to create window-type apps, it may fall short for applications that require more 3D content. Developers may find RealityKit more appealing for 3D-heavy spatial applications despite its restrictions, such as a simple particle emitter and less code reusability across various devices.
ARKit
ARKit, another critical component of visionOS, allows for immersive interactions and the creation of bespoke gestures. Its features include comprehending a user's surroundings on Apple Vision Pro, which provides new ways for programs to engage with their environments.
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4. Kotlin
While well-established languages dominate the game development business, Kotlin continues to take the spotlight since it has a variety of current language features such as null safety, coroutine, and extension functions. Google's formal support for Kotlin has accelerated the adoption of the language for Android development. Its new syntax, increased speed, and easy interaction with Android Studio make it a top pick.
The following are significant reasons to use Kotlin for game development:
Cross-platform Development
Kotlin is entirely compatible with the Java language, making it ideal for cross-platform game development. Its multiplatform support enables developers to target a wide range of platforms, including Android, iOS, Desktop (Linux, Windows, macOS), and Web platforms, reducing the need for platform-specific codebases and accelerating development cycles.
Assistance for Game Engines' Integration
Popular game engines, such as Unity, typically support C#. Kotlin can still be used in projects for particular features and backend services. Kotlin's versatility enables developers to collaborate more effectively with their different language alternatives in an efficient development environment.
Coroutines for Asynchronous Tasks
Game development always contains background and asynchronous processes like asset loading, network API requests, and AI computation. Kotlin supports Coroutines, which are ideal for async operations and background processes. Coroutine enables simple syntax, which improves code readability and maintainability.
5. Lua
Lua is a powerful, efficient, lightweight, and embeddable scripting language. It allows you to write procedural, object-oriented, functional, data-driven, and descriptive code. Its easy syntax and excellent performance make it appealing to newcomers looking to get started with coding. In addition, the need for Lua-proficient developers in areas like game development and online application development is increasing. Lua's efficiency, paired with its extensive support in game engines and frameworks, makes it an essential language for AR and VR game makers.
Lua is also popular for game programming for the following reasons:
Versatility and Embeddability
Lua's versatility and embeddability make it a popular choice among game makers, particularly in the fields of augmented reality and virtual reality. One of the primary reasons for its widespread use in-game creation is its smooth connection with game engines such as Corona SDK, LOVE2D, and even the more powerful Unreal Engine via scripting.
Lightweight Nature
In AR and VR, where performance is critical, Lua's lightweight nature allows for seamless execution without depleting system resources. This makes it perfect for managing complicated game logic, real-time interactions, and immersive experiences, particularly in mobile and lightweight VR contexts.
6. Typescript
TypeScript works smoothly with popular 3D libraries and frameworks like Three.js, Babylon.js, and A-Frame, making it a fantastic choice for creating the foundation for any AR/VR project.
Here's why you should use TypeScript for AR development:
Better Code Quality
TypeScript promotes best practices, resulting in cleaner, more maintainable code. Interfaces and generics allow you to set unambiguous contracts for your code.
Improved Tooling
TypeScript provides strong tooling support, including intelligent code completion, code navigation, and refactoring options. This makes development faster and more efficient.
Type Safety
TypeScript provides strict typing, detecting type mistakes during development rather than at runtime. This leads to more robust and trustworthy code.
7. Python
Python is an effective language for creating AR and VR apps. Here are some of the primary reasons why:
Simplicity and accessibility
Python's syntax is straightforward and easy to understand, allowing developers to quickly design AR/VR prototypes without becoming mired down in complicated code. This makes it easy to try out fresh ideas.
Community Support
Python has a big and active developer community working on open-source AR/VR projects. This means additional examples, tutorials, and ready-made components to work with. Community support accelerates growth.
Versatility
Python can connect to and integrate with popular AR/VR languages such as C++ and JavaScript. This allows C++ to handle complicated performance-intensive tasks while maintaining Python's simplicity for application logic.
Libraries and frameworks
Python libraries such as OpenCV, NumPy, and TensorFlow offer valuable tools for computer vision, image processing, and neural networks. These are essential for AR/VR capabilities like environmental perception, motion tracking, and object identification. Python bindings are also available for popular frameworks such as PyTorch3D and the Maya API.
Cross-platform
Python code can run on Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile platforms such as Android and iOS. This makes it simple to create and distribute AR/VR apps across devices. The code requires few platform-specific adjustments.
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Conclusion
In 2025 and beyond, the proper programming language will drive AR and VR game creation. C++ remains an efficiency powerhouse, while JavaScript, TypeScript, Swift, and Kotlin are excellent alternatives for web and mobile development. Lua and Python provide more freedom in scripting and prototyping. Lastly, understanding the capabilities of each language will allow you to design immersive, stimulating experiences.
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