Best Computer For Game Designer

The 8 Best Laptops for Game Development in 2021

August 2, 2021 March 10, 2021 //
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During the early days of game development in the 1970s, developers spent days and weeks holed up in small spaces designing their game ideas. In the modern, on-the-go world of today, mobility is necessary. This is where durable laptops for game development take center stage.

A laptop for game development needs to have high marks for processing, storage, RAM, GPU, and graphical display. From the initial concept to the production stage, a gaming laptop needs to be capable of handling powerful programs without lagging or stuttering.

Let's face it, developing a game on an underpowered computer is difficult. Thankfully, some laptops can comfortably hold the specs and hardware needed for game development.

This article will analyze all the specs, pros, and cons for what we consider to be the 8 best laptops for game development.

What To Look For in a Laptop for Game Development

Finding a good laptop for game development will depend on the type of game you are developing. 2D games may not require the powerful software needed for 3D games.

With this in mind, it's still a good idea to purchase a gaming laptop that meets the standards for game engines like Unity or GameMaker.

Let's take a look at each laptop specification needed for seamless game development:

Processor

Speed is essential when it comes to developing a game. If you have a processor that constantly lags, you are in store for a frustrating experience.

A CPU on a laptop needs to be fast for handling compilation and render times for game development. A Core i7 processor should give you more than enough power to run the large applications necessary for game development.

GPU

With game development, it is not always beneficial to trust the graphic capabilities of the CPU, especially with a laptop. Therefore, a quality GPU in the graphics card can eliminate any uncertainties you may encounter once you get deep into development.

A strong GPU can increase the processing power of graphics exponentially, and the memory that a GPU provides can complement the RAM to great effect.

You can sometimes get away with a decent CPU and RAM for developing 2D games, yet you will need a powerful GPU to craft the next 3D bestseller. Directx X11 compatibility is a key detail to remember when searching for a laptop for game development.

RAM

RAM is important, yet you may be surprised to learn that 8 GB is likely more than enough. Small Chromebooks or notebooks simply aren't going to work so you need to look for 8 GB at the very least.

The majority of game development is going to revolve around strong CPU and GPU capabilities but you still need enough RAM to run multiple, large applications at once.

With this in mind, 16 GB of RAM is all the better. 16 GB will ensure that all of your applications, no matter how heavy, will run smoothly.

Display

An important part of game development is the ability to see what you are creating as it is meant to be seen. A 1080P display monitor is suitable in most situations.

Many laptops are available with 1080P, yet for the best game development display, consider a laptop that has an IPS panel. IPS can bring out the most vivid illuminations of color and graphic displays.

Prefer to work on a larger screen? Check out our picks for the Best Gaming Monitors Under $300

Storage

Storage capabilities are crucial when it comes to game development. SSD (solid-state storage) gives you peace of mind in knowing that your storage needs are adequately handled. Consider opting for a laptop that has an SSD instead, or in addition to an HDD.

With these important details covered, what is the best laptop for game development?

8 of the Best Laptops for Game Developers

After testing, we recommend the following 8 laptops. Each of these models is good for game development, and each product is unique.

To help make your decision easier, each laptop is labeled for the standout buying quality it best represents.

Best Overall: Acer Predator Helios 300

Our top pick!

Acer Predator Helios 300

There are a handful of gaming laptops that can be called industry standard for game development and the Acer Predator Helios 300 is one of them.

This powerful laptop checks all the requirements for efficient and smooth game development.

To start, the Intel Core i7 processor is staggering in its speed and processing power. With this processor, graphics will pop on the screen with lifelike precision and fluid motion. You do not have to worry about glitches and lags during development with a Core i7.

This laptop has 16 GB of RAM—but the inclusion of 6 GB of VRAM is where the real magic comes to light. The VRAM capabilities of this model's GPU increases the overall storage capabilities of the image data during development.

Game development is best-suited for laptops with SSD capabilities and this model has NVMe SSD at 512 GB. This means that storage on this laptop will have some of the fastest and most accurate response times in stored assets.

The display is widescreen 1080P HD and even has an IPS display to bring out the most illuminating and vibrant resolutions in terms of graphics.

The Acer Predator Helios 300 is a stellar laptop for game development. The main drawback we found is the subpar battery life of the unit. It will help to be near a power source after a few hours of game development.

Pros

Powerful and fast Intel Core i7 Processor
16 GB RAM and 6 GB VRAM for detailed communication between the CPU and GPU
1920 x 1080P HD display with LED-backlit IPS display
512 GB SSD provides an endless amount of storage space
Aeroblade 3D fan for increased airflow for cooling capabilities with minimal turbulence

Cons

The keyboard can lag when running multiple applications
The battery life is subpar when compared to other game development laptops
The 144Hz screen can lead to problems with backlit bleeding around the edges of the screen

Best Apple Option: MacBook Pro

MacBook Pro

If you prefer Macs, the standout graphics on this MacBook Pro won't disappoint.

For over 40 years, Apple has been at the forefront of the tech revolution. With that said, game development has never been a primary focus of the company. Even without a strong gaming identity, the MacBook Pro has all the specs you need for game development.

This model has a 6-Core Intel i7 Processor for fast and sustainable speed throughout the development process. This processor may not be the best for AAA game development but will get the job done for standard development.

Where the MacBook Pro truly shines is with its RAM. This unit has up to 16 GB of RAM, which far exceeds the standard 8 GB needed for game development. As a bonus, this unit has 64 GB of DDR4 memory; this means all the multitasking that comes with developing will work smoothly.

But what makes the MacBook Pro a standout is the graphics. This model's GPU is part of the AMD Radeon Pro 5000M series that ensures ultra-rich, illuminating high definition playback.

A game developer needs a development laptop that can provide the graphics power of a desktop on a smaller, portable scale.

The MacBook Pro is a GPU powerhouse for game development. A drawback of the superior features of this unit are quick battery depletion and overheating. Normal use of the laptop may not present these downsides but this can be a problem when developing for hours on end.

All in all, the MacBook Pro is a decent option for game developers. The graphics and storage are top-tier and desktop level quality for development.

Pros

Fast and spacious SSD storage
The inclusion of Intel UHD Graphics 630 brings out stunning displays in gaming graphics
SSD storage capabilities are perfect for game development
The 16-inch Retina display brings out ultra-high-definition graphics to monitor the development process

Cons

Although the unit advertises 11 hours of battery, this will likely be reduced when using the laptop for developing
Backlit bleeding through the screen has been known to occur

Best Splurge: Asus Zenbook Pro Duo

Upgrade Pick

Asus Zenbook Pro Duo

The Asus Zenbook Pro Duo sits high on this list for being both a well-built laptop and an exemplary model in terms of gaming specs.

This laptop is great if you will be developing games that need lots of rendering work with multiple resources running simultaneously.

This model hits the ground running with a powerful Core i9 processor. A CPU with this kind of capability will let you run multiple systems and development engines smoothly. Game Development software needs a strong CPU to run the systems properly and this laptop delivers.

Asus Zenbook Pro Duo has 32 GB of RAM. This is more than enough for game development but combined with the powerful processor, this takes the work aspect out of the development process. Honestly, everything will run so efficiently, your work will flow at the speed of your ideas.

The 1 TB hard drive takes normal SSD capabilities to a new level. All of your saved work will load up in seconds with this laptop thanks to NVMe Solid State Drive technology.

A downside we noticed was with the audio performance. There are frequent sound breaks and lags in audio playback. But this is a minor inconvenience when using the unit solely for development.

Pros

Exquisite speed and seamless graphics thanks to the CPU and GPU of the unit
Touchscreen functionality takes some of the work out of the development process
4K UHD OLED display brings out the illumination of game graphics
1 TB hard drive means you never have to worry about storage

Cons

Intermittent audio interference

Best Portable Laptop: HP Spectre X360

HP Spectre x360

If portability is your priority, then the HP Spectre x360 is the perfect 2 in 1 laptop for you.

Laptops are all about portability right? We love using laptops because we are always on the move and this is even true when it comes to game development.

The HP Spectre X360 is for the developer who is looking for an alternative to sitting at a desk all day.

We need external stimulation to create at our best ability and this laptop allows you to run multiple game development systems virtually anywhere. It's hard to imagine developing while sitting in a coffee shop or on a park bench, yet you can do just that with this unit.

The CPU and GPU are both adequate. The 10th generation Intel Core i7 processor is perfect for development. The integrated graphics processor is okay. You won't get much traction for high-end game development but mid-range files are fine.

There are 512 GB of SSD with this laptop which will provide fast access to your data. The display is also crystal clear and provides luminous picture quality.

There is no mistaking that the best feature of this unit is the lightweight design and foldability of the screen. If aside from developing you're also designing for your game, you'll appreciate the touchscreen functionality. Imagine the possibilities with this 2 in 1 laptop.

A drawback with this laptop is that it's prone to overheating. The thermal management protocols during the production process were not well-developed.

Pros

Lightweight and portable enough to develop effectively virtually anywhere
NVMe SSD storage transfers and stores data efficiently
Superb audio performance
1.30 GHz to 3.9 GHz four-way processing

Cons

Prone to overheating
CPU and GPU scale towards the lower end for game development

Best Color Accuracy: Gigabyte Aero 15

Gigabyte Aero 15

An amazingly powerful laptop with unmatched X-Rite Pantone certified color accuracy.

When we think of laptops and game development, we typically think of large and bulky models that can hold all of the required hardware. The Gigabyte Aero 15 is surprisingly thin, given its amazing specs.

Upon first look, the screen resolution and true to life colors immediately catches the eye. The 240hz IPS LCD will make graphics come to life with pristine precision. This laptop is all about the display panel, which includes a minimal amount of bezels to bring out the luminosity of game graphics.

Each unit is also X-Rite Pantone Certified and individually calibrated before it leaves the factory.

Our research found that the CPU is a graphics powerhouse all on its own. With an Intel Core i7 processor combined with the Nvidia GTX, 2070 Max-Q add on, will make AI inference vibrant and detailed during game development.

The battery performance is listed at 8 hours which is just enough for a full day of game development. An added benefit is the inclusion of Microsoft Azure AI to suggest the most efficient use for battery performance based on your usage.

Storage capabilities are also solid with this laptop. The NVME PCIe SSD clocks in at 512 GB for quick file access and spacious storage of large files.

The keyboard is pretty lackluster and has a slight lag when running large software like GameMaker and Unity. The weight of the unit may also not be appealing to developers who are constantly on the move.

Pros

Translucent screen resolution and minimal bezels make this one of the best-looking gaming laptops
Fast video rendering and ray-tracing earn this laptop high marks in GPU functionality
Support connectivity of up to 9 external accessories
Windforce infinity cooling system

Cons

The keyboard functionality needs improvement
Internal speakers are a bit choppy

Best Budget Option: Lenovo Legion Y540

Budget Pick

Lenovo Legion Y540

The Lenovo Legion Y540 is a gaming laptop that won't break the bank, which is a good sign if you are looking to develop games.

The Lenovo Legion Y540 has a light and thin design that goes against the norm of what we expect from a gaming laptop.

In addition to a makeover, this laptop has decent features for game development considering the modest price. The Core i7 CPU is perfect and the 16 GB of RAM only helps to assist lighting fast speeds when running development hardware.

The 6 GB GeForce GTX 1660 Ti is not as good as it can get but will certainly get the job done for mid-grade game development. You also get a nice 256 GB of SSD which is just the right amount of storage.

Where this unit comes up short is the battery performance. The average battery life clocks in at about 5 hours, so unless you are doing part-time development, this may be a problem.

If you can get past the subpar battery life, this is an affordable and capable laptop for game development and one of the best for beginners.

Pros

1 TB HDD and 512 GB of SSD provides ample room for quick storage relay
60 Hz and 144 Hz display settings with thin bezels provide a great screen resolution
Lightweight, thin, and durable laptop

Cons

Weak battery performance
The GPU is prone to overheating

Best for Mid-Tier Game Development: MSI GS75 Stealth

MSI GS75 Stealth

The MSI GS75 Stealth has everything you need for game development without any unnecessary features.

MSI places a high priority on manufacturing gaming PCs and laptops, therefore, the CPU and GPU in this unit are all you need.

The Intel Core i7 processor provides quick speeds to minimize lag and glitches during the development process. When you add 32 GB of RAM to this, you already have a guaranteed smooth development setup.

This laptop adds an Nvidia RTX 2080 graphics card to provide seamless and quick refresh times to your graphics. These 3 features alone are all you will need for a mid-tier game development process.

A bonus is the 17.3" FHD display with an IPS panel. This laptop also highlights ray tracing with some of the most illuminative light resolutions in graphics that you will find in a laptop.

The only drawback is the familiar battery performance limitations. The thermal cooling of the laptop is loud, which can also drown out the audio when using the speakers.

But apart from these minor critiques, you will have a trusted brand in gaming if you opt for the MSI GS75 Stealth.

Pros

Quick and broad keyboard with RGB backlit technology
THE CPU and GPU in this laptop are perfect for game development and removes the need for additional graphic card add ons
512 GB SSD

Cons

Expect only a few hours of battery life

Best for Advanced Game Development: Razer Blade Pro 17

Razer Blade Pro 17

When you need a laptop that can handle the most intense development software for graphics, the Razer Blade Pro 17 is a great choice.

This laptop fits your needs if you are seeking a movie theater screen amount of graphics quality. If you need the best that a laptop can offer for high-end game development, this is the laptop for the job.

In terms of CPU quality, the Razer Blade Pro 17 has a 10th generation Intel Core i7 processor to handle constant refresh rates for 4K game development. The RAM comes in at 16 GB which is double what you would ever need.

The Nvidia GeForce RTX 20 series graphics card is also comprehensive. This GPU can hold its own with virtually any game development software and hardware. All of this is packaged in a sleek and relatively simple design scheme that is lightweight and portable.

Laptops for game development are most beneficial for the task if there is SSD storage. This unit has 512 GB of SSD which is more than enough. The display is 300Hz FHD, which when paired with the powerful GPU of the laptop, brings out vivid graphical displays.

The battery could be better but overall, this is an incredible laptop for advanced game development.

Pros

The CPU and GPU are turbo-charged for maximum advanced game development
Fans and dual heat exchangers work overtime to prevent overheating
Thin bezel display provides an excellent screen resolution

Cons

Thermal cooling capabilities are not strong
The keyboard is prone to lagging

Frequently Asked Questions

Game developer playing PUBG on a mobile device

Mac vs. Windows: Which Is Better for Game Development?

In reality, this all boils down to whichever has the proper specs for the type of game development you're looking to do and personal preference.

Windows is likely always going to have at least the bare minimum in terms of CPU, storage, GPU, and RAM. Additionally, you can always add or upgrade specs if necessary.

Nvidia graphics are also something to look for between both brands. Many Windows models come with Nvidia graphics, whereas Mac has a less-stellar reputation when it comes to proper game development protocols.

With this in mind, a unit like the MacBook Pro is more than capable of handling high-end game development. But Windows is just more customizable all-around.

If you are convinced that a Mac will best serve your needs, the MacBook Pro is likely the better option for game development.

If you want a customizable and upgradable desktop for development, stick with Windows.

Are Gaming Laptops a Good Option for Game Development?

Traditional wisdom may tell you that as long as a laptop is designed for gaming, it should be capable of game development. This isn't always the case because there are many gaming laptops that only work well for playing 2D games, and can still be classified as a gaming laptop.

Game development is constantly evolving. It takes a lot of power in terms of CPU, GPU, storage, and battery life to design games.

Standard laptops may lack the appropriate power for processing and graphics in smaller, mobile chips. For 3D and VR games development, you will need a laptop that delivers with a strong CPU and GPU.

As long as the laptop has at least a Core i5 processor (i7 is ideal), a decent graphics card, and SSD storage, the unit will be capable of game development. Keep in mind the type of game you're designing when it comes to graphics.

Additionally, if the laptop has integrated graphics, remember that 3D and VR game development may need much more power.

Overall, it comes down to how advanced your game is compared to what the gaming laptop offers in specs.

What Graphics Card Is Best for Game Development?

Having a strong graphics card is the nucleus from which everything else is built with game development. Just as you need capable graphics when gaming, the same equation applies when developing as well.

You cannot understand how your game will properly look without strong graphics, therefore, it all comes down to a good graphics card. Nvidia is the paramount company when it comes to efficient GPU cards for game development.

For both basic and even 4K game development, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti covers all the bases. This GPU card makes game graphics ultra-realistic and luminescent on the screen. The graphics are so intricate and vivid that it almost seems like the graphics card is pulling your idea straight from your brain to the screen.

The Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti is perfect because it strikes a nice balance between beginners and advanced game development levels.

Conclusion

These 8 laptops run the gamut from acceptable beginner models to ultra-advanced models for game development. Each unit has the required specs to develop games with little to no issues.

Always remember to choose a model that has the proper amounts of RAM, CPU speed, SSD storage, and strong GPU protocols according to your needs.

Be sure to pick the best unit for your development level. You won't need super-charged specs if you are a beginner or sticking to 2D. If you are developing with 3D or 4K in mind, go for the units with the fastest CPUs and strongest graphics card.

If this guide was helpful, be sure to let us know in the comments section and share this article.