I have absolutely no knowledge of creating apps, but I am curious if my knowledge in any of these programs would help me in any aspect of developing: Maya (3d animation and modeling) Photoshop (I'm assuming most people know what photoshop is) After Effects (2d/3d composting) Combustion (2d/3d composting)
I would say knowing your way around a 3D package is a good step forward, at least for making game assets.
You need photoshop, code and a 3d package for making a 3d game. just photoshop and code for a 2d game. ohhh and you will most likely need a sound editing program. I use fission.
These skills are of absolutely no use while programming, but if you're looking at makings games they'll be useful for drawing 2D sprites or 3D modeling. You'll likely be frustrated in a hurry if you want to write games yourself. Game programming is one of the most complex things you could try to do with the SDK. Not to discourage you, but you might want to team up with a programmer who has no artistic ability
And here I was hoping the list was something like this. Cooking (fine French cuisine) Gardening (professional landscaping) Golf (+2 handicap)
If you're interested in developing games, I'd recommend putting together a nice portfolio and then marketing yourself as a graphic designer / illustrator for games. I'm sure there are plenty of game developers who would be interested in handing off the graphics part to a qualified graphic designer. These types of arrangements are generally made by negotiating a flat consulting fee, but sometimes profit-sharing arrangements are made as well. Good luck!
