Pretty sure this has been asked a thousand times, I've read a lot about it, but I'm still not sure!

I want to create simple, free to play games, so browser games seem like my best option? Or not?

Mostly single player, but I'd also like to be able to add some player interaction, doesn't have to be real time, although the possibility is a plus.

Probably going for full text-based games so won't be needing fancy graphics.

I'm a pretty decent programmer, I just lack experience.

I know C#, VB, Java, PHP, HTML, SQL and I'm pretty sure I can pick up any other language pretty quickly.

The main thing is my games should be easy to access, no downloads or anything!

The more possibilities the better.

I'm pretty good with HTML / PHP / SQL (haven't used HTML5 yet) but I seem to lack possibilities just using PHP especially when trying to add multiplayer content.

Don't really like Java because the updates are really annoying and not everyone has Java installed on their computer.

Not sure about Flash, but seems like a good option?

Maybe HTML5, haven't really looked into it yet?

Any other options?

Would C# / C++ be an option for simple browser games or is that just silly?

Probably one of the Big Daddy Languages to start you off. Then learn a scripting language.

Erm... I started off with C, then C++. It's not because of "It's what the Pro's use" But more so that every language seems to be derived FROM C or C++. From what I experienced, it's a language that has an annoying habit of giving you a loaded gun without a safety. You are forced to point it at your own foot, and your finger is teased into pulling the trigger. Which in the case it does happen, you have a pretty high chance of destroying your foot, and taking out people around you. That's pretty much the best analogy I can come up with for the power of C, because it literally lets you do anything you want with few restrictions.

So it can be incredibly fast! Only if you know what the heck you are doing. Because this language does nothing for you. If you leave a pointer dangling, well tough. It doesn't go away till the program is terminated. I definitely don't recommend starting with this language if you do not have a teacher. Other notes. Some people will say it's out of date. When actually, it's expanding. A bit slowly however.

Java was the next language I learned. Coming from C, it was a little trickier to understand some of it's concepts. But the language is overall easier. Syntax is almost, if not, the same as C++. The program is also friendlier with newbie mistakes so Memory Leaks are less prone to happen. But most high end programs aren't made with Java. It's possible, but it requires a lot of wrappers for any games to be developed with it. Probably a good choice for beginners.

C#... I never touched. Mostly because it's tied to only Microsoft, which would be incredibly limiting in my opinion.

I would recommend ActionScript. It's really nice to use, though there are very few IDEs for it. I use FlashDevelop, and I'm really happy with my experience so far. I would recommend ActionScript because:

The majority of computers now have some version of Flash; So, like 3Ddreamer mentioned above with HTML5, you'd have few (If any...) compatibility issues, along with a huge player base at your fingertips.

You can distribute your game easily! Large sites like Kongregate and Armor Games will host your Flash games for you, and even allow you to earn some money on the side! This is important if you plan to make a career out of game development.

Simplistic. With your knowledge of programming languages (Most of which I have some experience in), ActionScript programming should be a breeze for you.

I hope this has helped in your quest for the right programming language.

Be aware that you can also build unto an existing engine to have a little shortcut for medium sized games upwards... not that useful if you really want to stay with smaller games though.

And the engine will not relief you from any programming tasks, you still need to code a lot. And as with the frameworks already mentioned, most engines also dictate to some extent what language to use.

As for the language choice (given that you want to go without any engine and minimal framework help), I would second the idea to go with what you know best. Especially if you are not that interested in flashy graphics, nowadays you can do a lot with HTML. Have a look into that before you head off in a new direction. Working with a language you know will make you productive in a shorter time.

I just want to get started on some small projects, something like cookie clicker or clickerheroes, maybe something like tribal wars, kings of chaos, ...

When I find something people really like I might want to put some more effort into the game.

Still doubting if I should use a graphical interface, since I basically know nothing about images / graphics ...