Let's consider C# and Java from the perspective of making a game as a hobby. For those two, the main options are:
Unity3D that focuses heavily upon C# and
LibGDX that goes with Java. On that note, there is also
Unreal for C++ usage, but I am only giving it slight attention in this message post.
In the beginning, the choice begins with what language you prefer. The three engines I listed have similar performance, and they start out free. It is common to begin with 2D graphics as you learn. I suspect that is a reason why so many Indie games look like they originated from the Super Nintendo / Sega Genesis era. If you even care about that, check out
Steam maybe.
Unity3D supports more platforms than LibGDX in the area of gaming. In my meager opinion, LibGDX allows for more code control. From a professional view, Java on its own innately supports more platforms. However, stuff like
Mono is allowing C# to catch up a bit.
I am not aware of how sensitive C# is to reverse-engineering. As of the time of this posting, the best protection of code in the wild for Java seems to involve a client to server relationship similar to Diablo 3. That alone isn't enough of course. As examples,
Spine and
Minecraft employ that tactic with whatever measures of success.
As a final note, mixing
Blender and
Manuel Bastioni's work can be fun. I am using some of the stuff as a reference for my 2D hobby. Also,
Krita rocks if you can draw. It can go well with
GIMP, depending on how you use it.