What programming languages should I use?
I like C++ with SDL because both are fairly well documented. I wouldn't really recommend C++ to start with because memory management can be a bit tricky. It's good to learn eventually to get an understanding of fundamentals of optimization, but you can leave that for much later.
For start I'd go with Unity with C# because there's lots of documentation and examples, and C# is good foundation for learning C++.
I like to use H-- in GameCreator 8
I really tried to get into 'serious' video game engines, as well as trying to program in them, but after a lot of trying I concluded that as someone who is more into things like writing, illustration or game design, it's better that I don't get into programming if I don't want to saturate myself.
RPG Maker is what I use, I used ren'py for a while but I gave it up because what I was doing there I could do in RPG Maker. Many thanks to the MV plugin devs who have expanded what can be done in RPG Maker. Good thing I stayed in MV because in MZ almost all plugins are paid... A bit embarrassing to say this in a post where real programmers comment.
C++ and my own engine I'm making.
However, what you should use is a question of multiple answers, each depending on your level of experience and final objective.
Do you know how to code? What language do you code? Do you code professionally?
Do you want to make a 2D or 3D game? Do you want a desktop, console, mobile or web game? What are the must have features of your game?
Each different answer to these questions can lead you to different languages, engines and technologies.
There's no silver bullet in game development.