Native Game Programming vs Cross-Platform Game Development

Developers should learn native game programming when building performance-critical games that require low-level hardware access, such as AAA titles, competitive esports games, or simulations demanding real-time rendering and physics meets developers should learn cross-platform game development when targeting a broad audience across different devices, such as releasing a game on both mobile and desktop platforms or supporting multiple consoles. Here's our take.

Native Game Programming

Nice Pick

Developers should learn native game programming when building performance-critical games that require low-level hardware access, such as AAA titles, competitive esports games, or simulations demanding real-time rendering and physics

Pros

• It is essential for targeting specific platforms like consoles or optimizing for minimal latency in VR/AR applications, where cross-platform engines might introduce overhead
• Related to: c-plus-plus, directx

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Cross-Platform Game Development

Developers should learn cross-platform game development when targeting a broad audience across different devices, such as releasing a game on both mobile and desktop platforms or supporting multiple consoles

Pros

• It is particularly useful for indie developers and small teams with limited resources, as it streamlines development and maintenance
• Related to: unity, unreal-engine

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. Native Game Programming is a concept while Cross-Platform Game Development is a methodology. We picked Native Game Programming based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

The Bottom Line

Native Game Programming wins

Based on overall popularity. Native Game Programming is more widely used, but Cross-Platform Game Development excels in its own space.