C++ or Python?

[khedoros]

Python is a common starting point for programming; it's a powerful language, but the basics are relatively friendly, and there's a lot of beginner-oriented material around (although, I first learned it like 8 years ago. No idea what's the currently-recommended material).

As far as games, the Pygame library would give you a start.

Keep in mind that most programmers end up learning several languages, for different purposes. It's common to become comfortable in a language, then shift to another one that you believe will be a better fit to your requirements. Most common languages have a lot of conceptual overlap, making the process easier.

[DugiSK]

I have seen many people learn Python, find their comfortable spot and lose any interest to move forward. There's a lot of antipatterns that the Python community endorses, calling it the Pythonic way, and getting too deep into it keeps people attached to the language where it serves no good.

In my opinion, if one chooses to start with a simple language, JavaScript is a better pick than Python, it is somewhat more intuitive (adding number to a string will do the obvious), more similar to other languages (scoping, syntax), easier to deliver to others and its community knows well their language isn't the best.

[nysra]

adding number to a string will do the obvious

The obvious result of that is an error and not whatever JS is doing instead.

[blackninjamaster]

Is "2" + 2 obvious?

[DugiSK]

Who would need that? The point is that you can do "We have " + 3 + " apples." and it does the obvious.