My programming journey began with studying BCom Informatics (Information Systems) back in seemingly the dark ages of studying computing, where you did not have much choice in your field of study. I was mainly interested in game development, but my first introduction to programming was with COBOL and C++. These days academic institutions provide study programs geared towards game development.

As a new developer, you may hear that "C++ is the language that the pros use.", and therefore you should use it too. But do not start with C++ unless you're an experienced developer. Because sometimes using what the pros use isn't the right thing to do. The first language you learn shouldn't have a steep learning curve. With more knowledge and experience under your belt, you'll be able to transition to whatever the pros use. You might also feel tempted to jump straight in a game engine, but you're going to get stuck often and hit frustrating roadblocks. You first need to learn the basics of programming to build a solid foundation.

I recommend starting with Python. Learn to make games with any of the dominant Python game libraries, Pygame, Cocos2D, PYGLET, Panda3D, or OGRE. Python is easy to learn, and there's a lot of resources available. It is also the most commonly used language for scripting, automation, and developing plugins for graphic applications. Move to the Godot Engine once you have a good understanding of Python, then GDScript will make a lot more sense.

My second recommendation would be to start with C# and learn to make games with MonoGame. C# is a modern, easy-to-learn derivative of C++ that has a higher learning curve than Python. Again, once you have a good understanding of C#, you'll have an easy transition to Unity.

Because of its multidisciplinary nature, game development can feel overwhelming at first. To make games alone or as part of a small team, you'll need to learn game design and programming. That's a lot to tackle all at once! Be patient and enjoy the journey. Start small, focus on code and design separately, honing each skill you need on its own.