Hey guys I dont know if this will be of any use to you. But python is a faily easy language to pick up. As a matter of fact there was an article about a guy who learned it for the first time and made his first game (a 2d rpg) in a week. I'm sure there are plenty of 3d engines that run of of python and as a plus its a scripting language.
That means:
Faster dev time
Less code
And you guys where debating scripting anyways right?
Ok well python does not have to be used for only 2d games it be used for 3d games if you have the right tools.
2d games:
pygame- 2d game toolkit for python
3dgames:
pygl(something like that)- open gl +python 3d games
Panda 3d- python and a 3d game engine can be used for any type of game even MMO RPG's
Irrlicht- a renouned game engine that can be used with python
That was all off the top of my head.
I recomened panda 3d for user frendieness good community and speed of development.
As a plus they're all free.
My only experience with lua is not using it for a full fledged game but for parts of it, such as parsing, property scripting, Artifical Intelligence, pathfinding, ect. I havent seen a full game in lua nor have I actually looked for one. I also dont know what tools are out for lua, but I'm sure its possible make a game in it.
Well this was just advice from a fellow gamemaker (anim8or game thread) take from it what you like. Hope this helps! Message any concerns.