The most common language used in the game industry nowadays is C (or C++). It was choosen by almost all of the game programmers because it handles high and low level instructions in a fast way.

Take a look to the list below and find out what is the best compiler for your application:

• Watcom C/C++ (11.0) : A 16/32 bit DOS/WIN95 C/C++ compiler. Works with some memory extenders(DOS4GW, PMODEW, CauseWay...). Generates fast and small codes for 486s and better machines (MMX Pentiums'...), with great portability. Compatible with DirectX, OpenGL and other WIN95 libraries. It's one of the best DOS compilers. The only problem is its poor documentation and IDE (Integrated Development Environment). Used to create games like: DOOM, TOMB RAIDER, DESCENT, 11th HOUR, HEXEN, MORTAL KOMBAT, FULL THROTTLE, HERETIC, DUKE NUKE 3D, ABUSE, X-COM, FORBIDDEN WORLD, etc. Download the new Watcom FAQ and see some of the compiler features. Check out Watcom HomePage, too.
• DJGPP C/C++(2.x) : A 32 bit DOS/WIN95 C/C++ compiler. It has almost the same features as Watcom C/C++ but it's !FREEWARE!. Mainly used in DOS applications & games. Unlike other C compilers, it's hard to code INLINE Assembly in DJGPP because it does not use the AT&T ASM Standard (but there are some utils to make this job easier). The first best-seller game that used DJGPP C/C++ was QUAKE. After that, the compiler became famous and appreciated by other game developers. Check out the DJGPP FAQ for more information.
• MS Visual C (5.x): A 32 bit WIN95/NT C compiler. Works very well under WIN95. Compatible with most Microsoft Windows components (DirectX, DirectDraw, ActiveX), OpenGL... The best WIN95/NT compiler, used in almost all Windows Games (and almost ALL PC games nowadays). Some games using MSVC: DIABLO, PHANTASMAGORIA, NEED FOR SPEED, DAYTONA, THE CURSE OF MONKEY ISLAND 3 and many others.
• MS Visual Basic (5.x): A 32 bit WIN95/NT compiler. It is recommended for applications that do not require fast graphics and animations. I've already seen some good WIN95 games done with MSVB, but they were a little bit slow. Anyway, if you are developing a business application, MSVB is the best choice. Otherwise, choose a C compiler for fast action games.
• Turbo C & Borland C/C++ (3.1): 16 bit DOS C/C++ compilers. They were the most used C compilers until Watcom C appeared breaking the 640Kb memory boundary with its 32 bit compiler. In spite of the 16 bit compiler, Borland C/C++ 3.1 has the best C/C++ IDE (Integrated Development Environment) ever seen, which still attracts many developers. Some games developed using TC and BC31: WOLFSTEIN 3D, EPIC PINBALL, LEISURE SUIT LARRY IV, LEGEND OF KYRANDIA I, DAY OF TENTACLE, 7th GUEST, PRINCE OF PERSIA I, ALONE IN THE DARK I, etc. See the comparison between Watcom C x Borland C to make your choice.
• Turbo Pascal (7.0): A 16 bit DOS Pascal compiler. With a good IDE, it becomes easier to handle programs with facility, but I 've encountered some problems when developing applications that used a lot of memory, so I decided to move to a C compiler instead. TP is highly recommended for beginners, because it is a good compiler and does not show difficulties at all. Some good DEMOS were developed using TP7, that's one more reason to respect Pascal.