Becoming a game designer, best first steps?

todd10k writes: i've recently decided to go back to college. I have alot of experience with games, having played them for most of my adult life, and have always toyed with the idea of making them one day. I've finally decided to give it my best. What i need to know is, what are the best languages to study? What is the minimum diploma or degree that most game's company accept? Finally, Is C++ the way to go? ASP? LUA?