On MONDAY (6/15) we will be starting our Summer Virtual Technology Camp.  There is a learning path for making 3D Video Games.  It will be cool.  Check it out.

http://freshbrain.org/group/summer-virtual-technology-camp-2009-group

When camp starts, you select the learning path group that looks interesting (click on the link), join the group and get started.  When you are done, there is a challenge activity where you can win some amazing prizes.

You can actually see the challenge activity now (you can't see the activities that make up the learning path until you are able to join the group).

OtakuKon@aol.com, I seriously think you may want to consider using Blender as a tool if not entirely to create games.  It involves the Python programming language, which is similar to C++ but much easier to learn.  So your C skills should transfer and you can begin object oriented programming much faster than with C (I thought it's primary use was to organize information and generate databases anyway?).

 Plus, Blender has a logic brick system, meaning you don't even need to program if you don't want to, using presets such as and, or, etc.  But you can write your own Python expressions if u want.  Plus, the physics engine is really good, and you can easily set up interface controls, sound and message screen commands, etc.  Really consider using Python and Blender.....Blender (with some 3d modeling) + Python + a little ingenuity = epic games and successful object oriented programming.

Blender's game engine is an excellent choice (as Robotic Wolf said).  It's physics engine is well-constructed, and it's pretty simple to set up basic functions (such as creating a controllable camera) with logic bricks and avoid the challenge of learning Python (although that's not too hard either).  Plus, the game engine is so good, that it is possible to bake the physics calculations to ipo (animation) curves so you can use them in cut-scenes, etc.

Check it out.  Just make sure you learn how to UV unwrap all your 3d models and you should learn how to use radiosity and GI.  There are plenny of tutorials out there for that.  Good luck.

ok were do I get c++

hey, Mazin, that last part was uncalled for.  I don't care how unhelpful people are being, there is no reason to flame them...

I am going to say that modding is easy if you want the same type of game (shooter for example), but if you want something unique I would say that Blender's GE is the simplest one out there.  And python is a quick language to pick up, though for the main part of t a GE it would be too slow (physics, 3D rendering, etc.  for scripting it is fine)

it will take a long time to gain teh skills required

but you should start by learning some programming language like c++ or java or