Game programming language (not engine one) question

[newn]

Hi everyone,
i was peacefully learning c++ when my friend asked me what i'm doing. Then he tried to convince me to learn other languages, for example Java or C# after i told him, that i have no intention making engines.
So, my question is: What languages are used to create games mostly? I mean big games, not mario or tetris. And i mean PC games, not console ones, not Unix, but Windows based games, because i'm confused what to learn - finish C++ book and go for another language, continue learning C++ or drop C++ and go for another language now. I have no intention writing engines like ogre or something like that.
Thanks for advices and answers.

[Orjan]

You could use any language that has access to the Windows API and DirectX, more or less. C++, C#, VB/VB.NET, Delphi and more...

What is most used for games, I don't know.

[newn]

Yea, i know i can use them all, that's why i asked that question.

[WingedPanther]

Most professional games are programmed in C or C++.

[newn]

Yes, thanks for your answer, that's what i thought. That means i don't need Java or C# as my friend told me. He told me, that those languages are much faster and better and easier and used as much, as C++ in PC games programming world.

[so1i]

Yes, thanks for your answer, that's what i thought. That means i don't need Java or C# as my friend told me. He told me, that those languages are much faster and better and easier and used as much, as C++ in PC games programming world.

C#, while faster than VB.NET, is not as fast as C++, so noticeable in games. Java is used a lot for making browser based games, but for a lot of PC games, C++ is the choice. Along with something such as the OpenGL Graphics API.

[newn]

So1i, thanks for a very informative answer. That means i don't need to move to another language, which is good.
Another question, just adding to APIs:
Right now i'm reading a book called 'C++ for dummies, 5th edition'. Borrowed that one from my friend. Here's the content of the book:

Chapter 1: Writing Your First C++ Program
Chapter 2: Declaring Variables Constantly
Chapter 3: Performing Mathematical Operations
Chapter 4: Performing Logical Operations
Chapter 5: Controlling Program Flow
Chapter 6: Creating Functions
Chapter 7: Storing Sequences in Arrays
Chapter 8: Taking a First Look at C++ Pointers
Chapter 9: Taking a Second Look at C++ Pointers
Chapter 10: Debugging C++
Chapter 11: Examining Object-Oriented Programming
Chapter 12: Adding Class to C++
Chapter 13: Making Classes Work
Chapter 14: Point and Stare at Objects
Chapter 15: Protecting Members: Do Not Disturb
Chapter 16: “Why Do You Build Me Up, Just to Tear Me Down, Baby?”
Chapter 17: Making Constructive Arguments
Chapter 18: Copying the Copy Copy Copy Constructor
Chapter 19: Static Members: Can Fabric Softener Help?
Chapter 20: Inheriting a Class
Chapter 21: Examining Virtual Member Functions: Are They for Real?
Chapter 22: Factoring Classes
Chapter 23: A New Assignment Operator, Should You Decide to Accept It
Chapter 24: Using Stream I/O
Chapter 25: Handling Errors — Exceptions
Chapter 26: Inheriting Multiple Inheritance
Chapter 27: Tempting C++ Templates
Chapter 28: Standardizing on the Standard Template Library

Do you think it'll be enough information to start creating some kind of game after that? I mean Tic Tac Toe or Tetris or Mario. Or i still need to take another course of some other stuff... I know i have to learn DirectX or OpenGL after that (somehow i think DirectX is better for no reason).

[Orjan]

Well, yes, if you know how to handle all about that, you can start with those kind of games, but, 1) I can't see any graphical programming there, so that is absolutely needed to know more of. 2) the level of information in the dummies series isn't too deep. I assume you need to go at least one or two levels deeper before doing some small games

"For dummies" -> Beginners -> Intermediate might be a good one...

[WingedPanther]

Just so you know, there are two definitions for a language being "faster". There's "faster execution" and "faster coding". C# and VB.net generally take less time to get the same effect, but will generally not run as quickly, either.

[newn]

Well, my friend does not have any advanced books. Maybe you know any recommended books after this one? I mean for beginners and intermediates.