Should I learn c++ for game dev?
Just go for C++ if you are choosing because it opens more road in the game development.
You can also mix C++ and a little Java if you are looking for a Mobile solution, you can then be cross platform Mobile/Desktop.
Because its still the most commonly used language and gives you the most job opportunities. Skills in C# are also useful if you intend to use Unity or write tools.
If you want a career as a programmer, then learn C++ at some point in time, because it's what many game-dev companies use, more importantly because it's a hard-to-use, overly-complex, low-level systems-programming language that is a rite of passage for any experienced programmer. You should also learn C at some point in time.
One reason is that "all the terrible programmers raised on Java" is one of the most common complaints I hear from people trying to hire programmers, games or otherwise. :p
C++ isn't hard, but it both offers you far more control over your program and (sometimes) requires you to exercise that control using a deeper understanding of what a computer even is and how it works.
Java programming tends to produce a lot of useless programmers who think "I know what a class is, lol I'm a programmer now!"
But again, I may be biased... :)
If you're not happy with Java, then learn something else. C++ is a pretty reasonable option for that 'something else.' What more reason do you need? What sort of reasons are you looking for? You can make games in just about any language.
In today's world deciding which language to use soley on language comparison is like trying to buy a painting when you're blind.
What you really need to do is find a tool set that allows you to make what you want to make. Here's why, say you pick c++, well great but what api are you going to use to draw? How will you even design your scenes without an editor? What about asset management and loading? ECT...
The reality is you need a tool set, not just a language.
That said there are a few good tool sets out there right now.
if you really want to stick with c++ then look into Unreal Engine. However I think your best bet as a beginner game developer and Java programmer is Unity with C#. Java and c# are similar in a lot of ways including GCing.
