If all you're looking at is to program games, there's no need for a more "windows-oriented" compiler. If you are looking to program regular software as well, then I recommend MSVC.NET. There aren't different Visual Studio's, there's just newer ones and older ones (well, there might be a couple of different editions, but that doesn't really matter). Just get the latest version of VC, if you want it. On the other hand, I haven't used Microsoft VC for a very long time, soo...

I'd recommend holding out for Visual C++ 2005 Express, if you can wait that long. It should be out in the first few months of 2005; according to Microsoft's notes it will also be much cheaper than the current editions of Visual C++. The new 2005 version has, from what I've heard, a much better interface and support for the newest version of Managed C++. I won't go into major details about .Net and Managed C++ here, but I think it is safe to say that they will both play a big part in the future of Windows programming, so they'd be good things to get to know early on. You can download a beta version of 2005 Express from MSDN right now, but it will expire sometime around when the full version is released.

The current version of Visual C++ (2003) is also quite good, but will probably be slightly more expensive, and it won't include the latest updates to the .Net and MC++ specs. If you are willing to make the tradeoff (money and lack of features, but sooner) that is probably your best option for right now.

There's nothing "bad" about Dev C++ and the MinGW compiler, and nothing that would keep you from making a great game (or any other software) with them. It will take a little bit more work, since it isn't directly from Microsoft, but plenty of people here use DevC++ without problems, and with impressive results. Whether or not it is worth putting money into depends on how serious you are; if this is just a hobby, or a fun passtime, I'd advise saving your money for later. If you seriously want to make a career out of it, though, it is very much worth waiting for VC++ 2005 and getting some experience with .Net and Managed C++.

im also a dev C++ 5 user. i say if you know how to use it better than visual c++ and can get the same or better results (no errors etc), then keep using it. i know, ive also tried visual C++ and had the same problem (getting errors from the same code that works in dev) but at the moment im currently finishing off a game (only one more ai to write and it will be finished!) that was made completely from dev C++ and the library and DX patches which were easy as to install because of a tutorial on GameDev.net (its something like "setting up direct x with dev C++").

so in the end, i say stick with dev c++ cause you seem to know how to use it and keep checking the announcements page for my thread when i release my game! :) that way you can see something made form dev c++.

good luck with whatever COA you choose, and i hope you have as much a good time making games as ive had. i find the results of seeing your game come to life so rewarding. :)

-moo

Stick with the compiler you have and get a better text editor (or IDE) =) Check out Eclipse C/C++ Development Tools