>> I'm passionate about solving problems and making things, especially AI and game development

Then you just got to start making them, if not.

For game development, even though a lot may not make sense, read the book 'Game Engine architecture'.

Now start making a game engine with parsers for any open format such as Collada/Quake, add sound, physics, animation. Keep doing it in parallel with a 3D game of your choice. Yes, I am asking to start off directly with a 3D game, not a popular opinion in the game learning world. You will also learn game related math, physics, AI along the way.

Write a game feature, extract to your game engine. Rinse, lather, repeat.

Why do I suggest this? This is the advice I would give to my younger self ;-)