Alright, so what if we don't dive hard into C++. I got some contact back, and learning C++ sounds like a much more strict engineering route, and I'm not angling for that right now. So how about I learn Unreal and Unrealscript. Doubles the number of scripting languages I'll know, and I don't have to deal with a text book as a hands-on learner. I also received a suggestion that I should try to script a playable sequence. Up till now I have been exclusively interested in systems and while systems design is real, so is level design. I should get a feel for whether I enjoy level design at all, and Unreal gives me a great tool set to whip something up without having to learn how to create complicated AI first... I think? I dunno, I'm gonna find out soon enough.