Hey,
If you are up for it, then I can teach you how to create something small like Pong - maybe with fireballs - to release on Linux.
Just to be clear. You'd create the game, I'd focus on being available for questions and solutions, and letting you learn how to implement them.
I don't mind if you say you are interested, but then change your mind later. This is non-committal. Maybe you'll find a team and you prefer that.
I have also worked with R, so I might be able to answer from questions relating to the transition from it.