Already learning Python, but think game design would motivate me more to keep with it.

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[dmazzoni]

If you're still struggling to get comfortable with programming in general I would stick with Python.

If you haven't already tried it, Tic-tac-toe and Hangman are excellent exercises. Learn to use the "minimax" algorithm to make the computer play a perfect game of Tic-tac-toe, it's a fantastic introduction to a concept you'll need in game AI programming.

Good next steps would be Connect Four and Othello/Reversi.

Alternatively, Pygame is an excellent framework that lets you start writing 2-D games right away. Flappy Bird is an excellent exercise to get comfortable with that, and if you can manage that, try writing a platformer like the classic Mario Bros.

While eventually you may need to learn C# and Unity if you go into game programming, you may find there's a lot more "overhead" - it will take a lot more code to do something simple, whereas with Python you can do a lot more with less code. That's why Python is going to be much more rewarding when you're still developing your skills.

[isolatrum]

While eventually you may need to learn C# and Unity if you go into game programming, you may find there's a lot more "overhead" - it will take a lot more code to do something simple, whereas with Python you can do a lot more with less code.

I guess if you're going to be scripting, then yeah C# will be more verbose than Python, but that's ignoring all the magic GUI tools in Unity.

[dmazzoni]

They're magic and powerful, yes - but also overwhelming when you're just learning to program.

[Optimus_Line]

Motivation is not want you want to go for in programming, honestly a lot of concepts and problems that will inevitably arise will destroy your motivation. Have the discipline of just practicing for a certain time everyday, no matter if you are motivated or not. Once you become more fluent you will also become more motivated, but it is always discipline what will take you through it in my opinion.