If you wish to learn C++, then here are some great tutorials:

cplusplus.com
xoax.net

The second link contains video tutorials, the first two videos show you how to download and set up Visual Studio and how to create a project.

Many argue that you should learn a simple language as your first, and C++ is anything but simple. If you found it too hard, check out Python, or maybe C# (More beginner-friendly than C++, but is still quite complex)

Once you've learned a language, try to write some text-based games. Again, the second link shows you how to write a simple game every few tutorials, including Tic-Tac-Toe, Blackjack and Chess.

When you feel confident, learn a Graphics API to create 2D/3D games. There are a ton of these, the most famous of which are Directx and OpenGL, since all the other APIs actually build on these.

Also, two advices:

1- Google is your most precious tool. It will give you (almost) everything you need. If it fails you, just ask the pros here They've helped me quite a lot!
2- Code, code, code!

Hey, thanks for this information. I have made a few games with an engine (DX Studio), but I wanted to start learning to program 'for real'.


I also have a full copy of Visual Studio '08, but wasn't sure if I should start with C#, C++, try to make a 3d engine, 2d, or just stick with the good ole text games... I will start with your links above, and see where it leads me.

Thanks again.

Well you could always forgo text games and jump directly to 2d/3d if you feel like you're up to it.

Also, since you mentioned creating an engine in there, you might want to read this

Good luck!