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[crazedloon]

Don't bother learning a traditional programming language - it will take years before you're competent enough to use OOP effectively to design and code worthwhile games (even Tetris is a challenge). What some people have mentioned: stuff like BlitzBASIC and new languages exist that are expressly meant to quickly execute an idea for a game using a high level of abstraction. This is a good use for modern computers' power and speed - don't need to mess around with C/C++ if you just want to code a 2D tile game for instance.

Apart from games dev languages there are complete games development systems for specific types of games that make things really much easier. For instance, Game Maker 6 is very good. And RPG Maker 2000. There are so many programs to put together RPG style games, 2D scrollers, etc. Even MUGEN for Street Fighter 2 games.

Life really is too short to learn the perfect respected programming language (C/C++) AND become competent enough to use it to make a really good game with nice graphics and sounds. If you've got an idea for a game, just spend the time on music, sprites, background, etc., and use a games dev kit.