The main skills needed as a programmer is of course programming. Programming for games means not just understanding the languages used, but knowing how to work with the game and physics engines to create the framework for the designer to create levels/scenarios/etc. It is also important as a programmer to be able to communicate any issues that arise to the designer and artists.
In game design the main languages used are C and C++. However, many games are made using other languages such as C#, Java and even Actionscript. Also, scripting is usually performed using interpretive languages such as python, Lua, or Ruby
Designers will want to make sure their pie in the sky idea is feasible with your code skills and the time frame of the project. Communication here is key.
You will also need to figure out how to incorporate any feedback you get from testers in order to fix bugs and refine features.
Programmers will need to work closely with Artists and Sound Designers in order to ensure that their assets are in formats usable what whatever platform the game is to be coded in.
Finally, along with the Designer, you will have a sense of what features may need to be added or dropped in order to make the management of the project smoother.
Visit the Code Forum for Discussions on Languages, Game Engines, and Libraries/APIs
Coding Tutorials:
Physics Engines or How I learned to stop worrying and enjoy Brownian Motion
Scripting: Making things work in your engine
GUI/Interface: Creating a palatable menu for users
The NOT AT ALL Exhaustive List of Game Development Tools
Game Engines:
Flash 9(AS3)
Shockwave
C4
NeoAxis
jME
Torque
Unity
Blitz
id Tech 3
XNA
Multiverse
Adventure Game Studio
Game Maker
Wintermute
Scrolling Game Development Kit
Source
PopCap Framework
metaplace?
AI:
FEAR
MicroPather
OpenSteer
PathLib
Physics Engines:
Bullet
PhysX
Farseer
Box2D
Motor
Chipmunk
Networking:
RakNet
SmartFoxServer
HawkNL
Debugging, Memory Checks:
Boost (C++ smart pointers, parsers, random numbers, quaternions, and more)
Chattering Pixels libraries (memory, I/O, sorting, timers)
http://www.twilightsembrace.com/personal/gamelibs.php#ai
Valgrind (Linux debugging and profiling tool)
GUI, Interface:
AntTweakBar
Guichan
Navi
LibUFO
Font Libraries:
FTGL(Fonts on Open GL)
Glyph Keeper
SFont