TOP PICK 
Model
BLW's Score
93
89
86
85
82
MSRP
$1,999.77
Price not available
$1,994.00
Price not available
$1,498.00
More Information
Processor
Intel Core i7-7700HQ 2.8 GHz
Intel Core i7-9750H (up to 4.5 GHz)
Intel Core i7
Intel Core i7 9th Gen (up to 4.1 GHz)
Intel Core i7-7500U 2.7 GHz
RAM
16GB DDR4
16GB DDR4
16GB DDR4
16GB DDR3
16GB DDR4
Hard Disk
512GB SSD
1TB SSD
256GB SSD
256GB SSD
512GB SSD
Display
15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080)
15.6" 4K (3820 x 2160)
13.5" (2256 x 1504)
15.6" Retina (2880x1800)
13.3" FHD (1920 x 1080)
Graphics
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060
Intel Iris Plus Graphics
Radeon Pro 555X
Intel HD Graphics 620
OS
Windows 10
Windows 10 Pro
Windows 10
MacOS
Windows 10 Home
Weight
7.04 pounds
5.5 pounds
2.8 pounds
4.02 pounds
2.85 pounds
Battery Life
4 hours
3 hours
11.5 hours
10 hours
4 hours
TOP PICK
BLW's Score
93
MSRP
$1,999.77
More Information
Processor
Intel Core i7-7700HQ 2.8 GHz
RAM
16GB DDR4
Hard Disk
512GB SSD
Display
15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080)
Graphics
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060
OS
Windows 10
Weight
7.04 pounds
Battery Life
4 hours
Model
BLW's Score
89
MSRP
Price not available
More Information
Processor
Intel Core i7-9750H (up to 4.5 GHz)
RAM
16GB DDR4
Hard Disk
1TB SSD
Display
15.6" 4K (3820 x 2160)
Graphics
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060
OS
Windows 10 Pro
Weight
5.5 pounds
Battery Life
3 hours
BLW's Score
86
MSRP
$1,994.00
More Information
Processor
Intel Core i7
RAM
16GB DDR4
Hard Disk
256GB SSD
Display
13.5" (2256 x 1504)
Graphics
Intel Iris Plus Graphics
OS
Windows 10
Weight
2.8 pounds
Battery Life
11.5 hours
Model
BLW's Score
85
MSRP
Price not available
More Information
Processor
Intel Core i7 9th Gen (up to 4.1 GHz)
RAM
16GB DDR3
Hard Disk
256GB SSD
Display
15.6" Retina (2880x1800)
Graphics
Radeon Pro 555X
OS
MacOS
Weight
4.02 pounds
Battery Life
10 hours
Model
BLW's Score
82
MSRP
$1,498.00
More Information
Processor
Intel Core i7-7500U 2.7 GHz
RAM
16GB DDR4
Hard Disk
512GB SSD
Display
13.3" FHD (1920 x 1080)
Graphics
Intel HD Graphics 620
OS
Windows 10 Home
Weight
2.85 pounds
Battery Life
4 hours
With every passing day, more and more Indie developers are using laptops for coming up with professional level games. In case if the casual 2d gaming gets the ball rolling in your favour, then the low settings ones shall surely suffice you.
However, you need to be prepared to splurge a bit extra if you are on the lookout for the premium range game development laptops. Investing in a high-end laptop can be of considerable help for even the amateurs as it will safeguard them from chances of frustration which might take shape in course of game development.
Apart from heavy duty programming, these laptops are also required to cater to the requirements of the game you wish to build. Every part of the laptop including its CPU, memory, graphics card and storage needs to work in harmony to ensure zero lag.
Program instructions are processed by the CPU. Given the fact that game development encompasses multiple tasks, it is imperative to opt for a processor which can handle all such tasks efficiently.
If you are on the lookout for a best-in-class performance, then it is advisable to opt for the i7-7700HQ or 6700HQ processors. There exist even better options in the market for laptop processors but it is rarely seen that the CPU is imposing a bottleneck on the gaming development.
Thus, unless you are willing to dish out an extra $2000, these CPU’s would fit your gaming development beautifully.
Factors To Consider
For getting the true flavor of gaming development its mandatory to go ahead with a minimum of Nvidia GeForce GTX 960M/970M graphics card. These cards allow the running of games in VR or 4k display.
And in case if you wish to rise above the ordinary, opt for GeForce GTX 1080 which can help you break boundaries powered by the SLI technology. A minimum of 8GB RAM is required for hassle-free game development.
But in case if you are thinking of working in the VR, Unreal Engine or 3D modelling genre, you are bound to stumble across higher RAM requirements. For the holistic satisfaction while proceeding in the game development paradigm, it is imperative to have a cutting-edge display with a minimum of 1080p being mandatory.
Although those in favour of the old-school approach would like to go ahead with the hard disk drives, splurging a bit more for obtaining SSD will surely be worth every penny. Enough said let’s take a look at the list of five best laptops which surely will ensure complete satisfaction to every gaming developer out there.
Our Top Picks for Best Game Development Laptops
1. Lenovo Legion Y720 80VR0078US
Specs:
Lenovo has completely revamped its gaming line with a badass texture which has got audience hooked on since the very first day. In comparison to its predecessors, the Y720 is much slimmer thus enhancing its portability.
The age-old “Lenovo” logo at its full metal lid has got a swanky new makeover with a ripped Y which complements its brushed aluminium looks. By shelling out less than $1500, game developers can now get their hands on a crystal clear 4k display courtesy the Y720.
With a maximum screen resolution of 1920x1080 pixels, its 15.6-inch screen can suffice for professional level gaming development. As you orientate the display towards intricate detailing, it shall allow users to maintain a track of their own textures.
And in case if you are wishing to engage in some hard-core gaming once you get bored with the developmental frontier, the Y720 is bound to position you a step ahead of your peers for maintaining the gaming crown. The red backlit keyboard radiates a bold aura from every corner which can be programmable and customizable as per user preference.
The 30-key rollover helps in preventing the ghosting effects whereas the fine spacing helps in accurate and swift typing. The Y720 comes with an immersive and powerful Dolby Atmos sound system which is bound to stun audiophiles with its utmost brilliance.
The in-built subwoofer and four speakers housed in the rear section produces ground-shaking bass which is an absolute must in gaming laptops. The GeForce GTX 10-Series graphics card powered by NVIDIA Pascal architecture enhances the system performance by three times compared to previous generations.
PROS
- Good storage
- RV Support
- Great for gaming
CONS
- Poor display
See Also: 5 Best Laptops For PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds)
2. ASUS ZenBook Pro
Specs:
The ZenBook range of Asus has been accredited for releasing powerful and proficient notebooks and the Pro also does not deviate from this general consensus. The astonishing 3840x2160 resolution of this Full HD display is bound to teleport you to a world wherein you can experience pin-sharp visuals having eccentric vibrancy at your fingertips.
The touchscreen display of the UX501VW with 10 point touch control aids in navigating through documents and webpages like an absolute pro. You are bound to benefit from twice the level of accuracy compared to standard touchscreens with its high-fidelity actuators embedded into the glass display.
To complement the amazing 4K display, there's a secondary 4K display called a ScreenPad. It's used as a touchpad and an advanced programmable control surface. It can be used with either touch or the included stylus.
The VisualMaster display of this ASUS model features a wide color gamut having 100% sRGB, 72% NTSC and 74% Adobe RGB. The factory color calibrated screen aids with super-fast boot up and the IPS display brings along brilliant color reproduction and contrast which adheres to its quality even when viewed at from extreme 178 degree angles.
The ZenBook juggles with heavyweight programs and lets you carry around an entire photo editing studio in your backpack fueled by a 16GB DDR4 memory, a 9th-generation hexa-core Intel Core i7 processor and PCIe x 4 Solid State Drive.
The high-quality and custom-built speakers powered by Harman Kardon technology helps the ZenBook Pro in improving the overall bass response and produce a highly powerful full-frequency sound.
PROS
- Good Visuals
- Great design
- Reasonable battery life
CONS
- Average WebCam
3. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3
Specs:
The Surface Laptop line-up of Microsoft has gained widespread popularity given its outstanding performance. Used for both work and play, some consider this as the ultimate portable Windows 10 laptop. It has decent specifications to support hat claim.
Apart from the super-slim look which packs in a brilliant 13-inch screen, this sexy convertible beauty brings along top-notch hardware’s under its hood. All of this is packed into a laptop weighting only 2.8 pounds. You won't notice this one in your backpack or briefcase.
Even with tiny dimensions, the Surface Book comes well stocked with an array of ports in the form of an SD card reader, USB-C ports, a headphone jack, a Mini DisplayPort and a proprietary charging socket.
The Surface Laptop's portability is enhanced even more with 11.5 hours of battery life. And when you do need to charge it, it will go from empty to 80% in about an hour.
The intelligent hinge of the Surface Book allows for comfortable typing by even adjustment of its weight balance which prevents the screen from becoming top heavy irrespective of its angle.
This lap-friendly convertible also stuns with a larger glass-finished pad which feels more accurate and responsive compared to its Type Cover siblings. Its PixelSense display with a maximum resolution of 2256 x 1504 pixels promises sharp graphics having optimum brightness and zero backlight bleed.
Packed with 16 GB of DDR4 memory, Intel Core i7 CPU and 256 GB PCI SSD, the laptop easily outperforms its peers with the extreme versatility. In fact, it's up to 3 times faster than it's predecessor. If you need a portable development machine with ample computer power and great looks, search no further than this pick.
PROS
- Great memory
- High-quality CPU
- Very fast
CONS
- Too compact for some
4. Apple MacBook Pro 15"
Specs:
Apple; this one name is enough to create a frenzy amongst all tech nerds. Each of its product offerings manage to conjure an alluring cult following with bang on portability and performance.
The 15 inch MacBook Pro with its whip-smart storage, high-performance processors and cutting-edge graphics allows game developers to travel into virgin territories weighing on their wings of dreams.
Powered by eighth generation Intel Core processors, the MacBook Pro coughs up pretty amazing processing jobs such as encoding video and rendering 3D models. The energy efficient laptop can also help with the energy conservation drill while performing lighter tasks such as checking email and browsing the web.
Its 10-bit HEVC hardware acceleration allows users to unleash the full potential of streaming performance and 4K video compression in macOS High Sierra. Its blazing fast solid-state drive aids in easy launching of applications, quick booting time and can even import humungous files in a flash.
The function keys which had for long occupied the top tier of your keyboard gets replaced by the much more capable and versatile Touch Bar in the MacBook Pro.
Depending on your operation, the touchpad changes automatically by revealing the tools whose operation you already are well aware off such as intelligent typing features, interactive content browsing or adjust methods and system controls of brightness and volume level.
With a high contrast ratio and LED backlighting, the MacBook Pro delivers the most pristine of whites and bewitching of blacks with complete precision.
Compared to the standard sRGB, the Mac model provides support to a wider base of vibrant reds and greens making the way for realistically vivid details and true-to-life pictures which are an absolute must for color grading, graphic designing and photo editing.
PROS
- High-end design
- Easy to use
- Great display color and clarity
- Great straming performance
CONS
- Prone to malfunctioning
5. LGI HP Spectre x360
Specs:
If you think that gaming development is one tough drill which is better delegated to bulky PC’s, then the HP Spectre x360 with its slim and sexy looks but robust functionality is bound to take you by surprise.
Draped in a sleek silver aluminium body, the 1.3 kg HP model differs from its predecessors in terms of a considerably tighter hinge which comes in handy especially when the convertible is toggled in between modes.
The HP designers have made sure to pack in the ports of both today and tomorrow in terms of dual Thunderbolt 3 slots, a boxy USB 3.1 slot, one headphone jack and a microSD memory reader. The volume and power buttons as well as the fingerprint reader can be traced alongside the ports in this convertible.
Once you lift up the lid, its 13.3-inch touchscreen display is bound to stun game developers with its extreme high resolution imagery. The display also responds accurately to the navigational swipe gestures of Windows 10 for opening the notification centre and viewing all tabs.
This HP beauty can create an absolute blast with its throbbing sound waves powered in the core by Bang & Olufsen-tweaked speakers. Solid productivity and speedy performance gets guaranteed with the unique combination of 512GB PCIe SSD, 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8550U CPU 128 MB dedicated Intel HD graphics card and 16GB of RAM.
PROS
- 16GB RAM
- Grea processor
- Reliable
- Great straming performance
CONS
- Graphics are average
6. Microsoft surface book 2
Specs:
Sleek and portable are two great ways to describe this laptop. The laptop adapts to the way you like to work; for example, you can use it as a tablet or as a laptop.
The screen can be detached and reattached to the frame, so if you need to turn it around or see an image differently, this feature makes it easier to do so. This is an important feature for game development!
PROS
- 8GB RAM
- Good Display
- Touch screen
- Can be a tablet and a laptop
- Portable
CONS
- Small screen
Specs:
The first thing that is striking about this laptop is that it has 32 GB RAM which makes it one of the best laptops for games development on the market. If you are a games designer and feel like a standard laptop with 8GB RAM or 12 GB RAM isn’t enough, this laptop will surely knock your socks off.
You won’t find yourself unable to connect the laptop to your television or projector as it has outstanding connectivity. If you need to take your laptop to meetings or seminars, this is a good choice for you.
PROS
- 32GB RAM
- Ultra High Definition display
- Powerful processor
- Great design
CONS
- Terrible battery Life
Specs:
The feature that stands out the most here is the backlit keyboard. It is brighter than most keyboards and makes programming and designing games easy in a dimly lit room.
Its graphics are very average, but it is more than good enough for simple games that don’t require high-quality graphics. You may struggle to design games that demand good graphics with this laptop.
PROS
- 16GB RAM
- Looks great
- Backlit keyboard and bright display
- Great design
CONS
- Poor quality webcam
- High price range
Specs:
The Dell G3 is a great laptop for game designers that are on a budget. It is very reliable and has 16GB RAM which is far more than most laptops on the market that are sold for this price.
We liked how connective this laptop is too. Here is a list of the Dell G3's ports and connectivity options:
- WiFi
- HDMI
- Bluetooth
- SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1
- SuperSpeed USB 2.0
- Headset Jack
- Standard SD Card slot
PROS
- Great price point
- Easy to navigate
- Backlit keyboard
- Good battery life
CONS
- Feels like a budget latpop
- Low-quality hardware
Specs:
The laptop’s processor is amazing and extremely powerful. You shouldn’t have any trouble running multiple programs at once on this laptop.
Although its 15.6 -inch full HD display isn’t exactly small, the laptop itself is compact and very lightweight. In fact, the laptop is less than an inch thick, making it look sleek and stylish.
PROS
- Ultra-thin
- Powerful processor
- Full HD display
CONS
- Battery life could be better
- Display looks dull
Conclusion
Your final choice will be determined by the type of game you wish to develop. Whether you are targeting the smartphone audience or the ones wishing to enjoy virtual reality, all these decisions will swing in unison to influence your ultimate laptop selection decision.
A MAC might be of great help if you thinking of developing a game earmarked against iPhone users, but it will be no match for a laptop in the other genres available in the market. In our today’s article, we have spoken about the basics of game development along with the kind of laptop which shall help you in proceeding with the same.
Well, coming up with five names was surely one difficult task to achieve since there lies ample choices and every one of them promise exceptional performance but we have overcome all odds and come ahead with a comprehensive list which will surely help you unleash full throttle potential in the game development spectrum.
