[aric]

Yes, abstracting knowledge to the point of not being able to use or think in basic primitives is often counterproductive.

I can't think of a great example. It can apply to anything. Though your larger point stands, C++ is a not so great example. Many languages are roller coasters or extremely specialized. In contrast, C++ is on another upswing with C++11/14/17. It's used practically everywhere, especially in graphics, systems, and game development. A point worth mentioning is that good C and C++ developers are often capable of adapting to other languages and settings quickly. They're used to a lot of basic building blocks.

[yoklov]

Worth noting that the style of C++ most common (in my experience) in game development is pretty far from what is considered "modern C++11 best practices", and the modern C++11 style tends to be frowned upon.

Thats not ubiquitous, but it indicates that despite the upswing, hitching yourself to that language is easier said than done.

[aric]

Unreal Engine 4 supports a lot of C++11 style. True, it's not ubiquitous but it is helping the upswing. It's quite the behemoth.