where to find.. ?

i am not necessarily expecting to find the right people here, i am more interested in gathering information or being pointed in the right direction

okay, basically i want to know.. what skills/knowledge does it take to program modern games? my programming knowledge is alright, but nowhere near this level - and even quite basic compared to some here - but at the same time, i understand the mechanics of programming as i taught myself everything about BASIC from a young age and could write programs, plus taught myself everything i know on other subjects...i also know how to write HTML or at least find the right information form various sources and compile what i need in my own coding to produce a website. and other vast widespread (but not always throrough enough on the particularly needed subjects) knowledge i learnt myself and so on..

i read on SimCity.com chat transcipt way back - before SC4 was released and someone asked Will Wright what he would suggest to them as a game designer, to learn to be able to produce games, and i think he said that learning Java would be the best start...

now, im not intending on learning ALL the codes, or doing the programming, but i need to know what knowledge would be required to program moderm games such as SC4.. or maybe more to the point, 3D action adventure/RPG style games.. and what skills are required in someone ot create such a thing

can anyone help point me in the right direction?

i know others here have programming skills - but, most may shine and excel in a particular area, but not the whole package needed to program entire games of a certain genre.. but i would at least like to know what skills and knowledge someone would require to perform these tasks..??

anyone who can give me advice on what skills and knowledge (and of what codes) someone would need to program this type of game?? thanx