What is the Best Laptop for Game Development in 2021? A Guide for Developers

Game development has been a hot trend these days as apart from console gaming, mobile gaming is also getting huge attention. In this scenario, developers might need the services of a best laptop for game development.

Now addressing the real issue, a typical college laptop simply can’t run softwares like Unity, Unreal Engine, or Android Studio. That said, as a professional gaming developer, you might require a computing machine that has beast specifications.

Luckily, I’ve already researched the market for you and have found the top 7 laptops that have immense processing and rendering speed. These laptops are judged based only on their specs, design, durability, and budget range.

So, let’s dive right into the discussion of best gaming development laptops of 2021:

Top 7 Best Laptops for Game Design and Development:

1. MSI P65 Creator – Best Laptop for Programming and Game Development:

MSI with its P65 Creator has left other brands behind in the race of being called the best laptop for game development. That being said, this beast of a laptop has all what it takes to be on top level. In fact, there is no shame in admitting that it’s been performing better than the MacBooks or Razer Blades, etc. I’m completely surprised just by looking at how thin the laptop is even with the availability of latest specifications. The laptop ensures that you can carry out any kind of task on it without any lag or stutter. Don’t believe me? Let’s hop on to what it offers and you’d know what I’m talking about:

First things first, one of the best laptops of 2021 comes with Nvidia RTX 2060 graphics interface. With a 6GB VRAM, it is easier for this machine to run heavy game development softwares like Unity, Android Studio, and Unreal Engine.

Besides, the processing speed is also top-notch. You’d get to enjoy the availability of a superfast core i7, 9th gen. processor. So, running heavy programs and softwares in a single go is just like eating a hot piece of cake for this laptop.

As far as the display is concerned, it’s also flawless. The UHD 4K display is UltraWide and has thin bezels at the same time. So, you can see true and proper balance between RGB color enhancements while working on multiple gaming projects.

In the end, the laptop from MSI is destined for greatness as it has got a 32GB DDR4 random access memory. I mean, no matter from which aspect you look at it, P65 won’t be disappointing you by any means possible.

Final Views:

MSI has indeed produced a laptop that has left everyone’s mouth wide open no matter if someone’s a developer or a gamer. I’d strictly suggest you to get this beast as soon as possible.

 

2. Razer Blade 15 – Best Laptop for Unity Game Development:

Razer’s been in the gaming industry for as long as I can remember. It’s the experience of the brand that speaks for itself especially when it comes to producing some of the top-notch game development laptops. The computing beast that we are about to talk about is Blade 15. It’s already famous among the likes of famous YouTubers, Gamers, and Developers. Although the price tag it has got is way more than expected, Razer does complete justice with it and you’d never feel like wasting your money. The best laptop for game development is simple, sleek, and unique at the same time. All in all, Razer Blade 15 is a laptop that every game developer dreams of when he starts developing multiple games and programs.

Starting with some cool aspects of the laptop, what I loved in the Blade 15 is 4K QLED display running on 60Hz. This stats is simply insane especially when it comes to a game development laptop. You’d always enjoy sitting in front of the laptop to work on different game projects.

On the other hand, the presence of Nvidia RTX2070 could easily be felt. The immense graphics enhance the rendering speed which is perfect for checking out the dummies of different game projects in a single go.

What makes Razer Blade 15 the best laptop for Unity Game Development is its capability of handling powerful programs and apps with ease. Intel Core i7, 10th gen. processor makes it easier for this machine to handle the overload like a cherry on the cake.

Last but not the least, the combo of 16GB DDR4 ram combined with 512GB SSD ensures blazingly fast speed when it comes to saving projects. You’d never run out of space as well no matter if you want to utilize this laptop for gaming or for developing games.

Final Views:

I have used every praising word in my dictionary to complement the Razer Blade 15 as much as possible. In short, get this laptop especially if spending more is not a problem for you. You’d never be complaining about lag or stutter for a long time.

 

3. Asus ZenBook Pro Duo UX581 – Best Laptop for 3D Game Development:

The entertainment and surprises just don’t end here as I’m about to present one of the most expensive game development laptops available in 2021. Yeah, you heard it right. Asus ZenBook is easily going to cost you around 3000 dollars and I’m not even kidding. What makes this laptop separate from other computers is that it comes with a full-fledged ScreenPad. It’s been installed just above the keyboard and you can utilize it for various game developing projects at the same time. Apart from that, you’d be surprised to hear that the laptop has a lightweight design. Even with the latest specs being installed, the laptop won’t become a burden on your hand. So, you can easily carry it around from one place to another. As far as I’m concerned, ASUS has done an astonishing job of placing a ScreenPad on a laptop to make the life of developers as convenient as possible.

Stating some important specs, the ScreenPad being installed in the laptop comes with a 4K UHD interface. An intuitive touch-pen is also included within the laptop to operate the Pad perfectly. The overall display is also operating on 4K UHD interface.

Core i9, 9th gen. processor makes it easier for the best laptop for game development to handle the overload of running 3D game developing softwares. Besides, the immense processing speed also avoids lag and stuttering especially when you are busy multitasking.

RTX 2060 by Nvidia handles all the rendering and graphics of the laptop. It could also be utilized for hardcore gaming. I, being a gaming enthusiast have tried many AAA titles on it and the laptop hasn’t disappointed me at all.

Lastly, the presence of 32GB DDR4 ram ensures an immense random speed to handle all kinds of multitasking projects. You could run any kind of program on Asus ZenBook Pro Duo and it would work as a running rabbit.

Final Views:

Asus ZenBook is already giving a tough time to the likes of Razer Blade 15 and Asus P65 Creator. However, it’s extremely expensive and that’s why I’d want you to consider all the consequences of being empty pocketed after getting this beast.

 

4. Acer Predator Helios 300 – Best Budget Laptop for Game Development:

Sorry for giving you mini heart attacks by mentioning some of the most expensive laptops first. However, to calm you down a little bit, I’m presenting you Acer Predator Helios 300. It’s one of the most affordable laptops you can get for game development. I’ve enjoyed its presence for quite some time and believe me, this laptop never made me angry no matter what kinda work I got from it. From a designing point of view, although it’s unique, is still a bit bulky. That’s the only fault that I found in this laptop. Apart from that, it’s perfect from almost all perspectives, be it the lightning fast processor or the presence of latest graphics interface. Let’s hover on to some of the best specifications that this laptop has got as follows:

With the core i7, 9th gen. processor, it’s easier for the laptop to run almost all kinds of heavy applications and programs. That being said, you can easily run 3D Unity, Adobe Creative Cloud, and RPG Game Maker on it without any hassle.

In addition to that, the ergonomic and backlit keyboard allows you to code for multiple games without fatiguing your arms way too much. One of the major reasons I love this laptop is that it’s easier to type and code on it.

Other than that, Helios 300 also proves to be a perfect gaming partner as it comes with Nvidia GTX 1660Ti Super graphics card. So, apart from playing latest games, you could also enjoy an extremely fast rendering speed.

Final Views:

Acer Predator Helios 300 being awarded as the Best Budget Laptop of 2021 is a perfect option for game developers who are a bit tight on budget. Get this exceptional gaming machine before it runs out of stock.

 

5. ASUS ZenBook 15 –Best Laptop for Game Development and Coding:

Another game development laptop that falls in the category of best budget option is from Asus. The brand new ZenBook 15 proves to be a perfect alternative to all the gaming beasts I’ve mentioned above. Powered by some amazing specs and an impeccable designing, Asus has literally won the hearts of many game developers. What intrigued me the most in this laptop is the availability of an enhanced cooling system. It remains cool and at an optimum temperature even if you are running multiple apps on it.

The presence of the latest Core i7, 10th gen. processor could easily be felt as it enhances the overall speed of the best laptop for 2D game development. That said, running heavy softwares is just like eating popcorn for ZenBook 15.

On the other hand, Nvidia GTX 1650 graphics card can also handle hardcore gaming as well as rendering different game making projects. You can, thus utilize these graphics for any purpose you want.

Last but not the least, one of the best features about Asus game development laptop is that it has got a mini ScreenPad, i.e. ScreenPad 2.0. It has replaced the typical TouchPad that comes with normal laptops.

Final Views:

Get the brand new ASUS ZenBook 15 ASAP especially if you are a game developer with a limited budget.

 

6. MSI GL65 Leopard – Best Laptop for Android Game Development:

Need a laptop that can run softwares like Android Studio within a single click? You might want to avail the services of MSI GL65 Leopard. This laptop is meant for running heavy programs and softwares without any hassle. Besides, the ultra-slim design and unique gaming body is what every game developer needs to work on the go. With all the specifications included in the best laptop for game development, it’s easier to say that this laptop can do wonders in rendering game making projects without wasting time.

MSI gaming laptop is powered by the latest Intel Core i7, 10th gen. processor to ensure superfast processing speed. Hence, it can manage to operate almost all kind of apps and programs without any hassle.

You’d be amazed to know that one of the most affordable game development laptops comes with the presence of RTX 2070 graphics card from Nvidia. It’s interesting, isn’t it?

Final Views:

MSI Leopard is, in fact, the only laptop that has received the highest positive customer ratings in 2021. So, what are you waiting for? Go get this laptop before it’s too late.

 

7. LG Gram – Best Laptop for Coding and Gaming:

Well, it’s sad, but I have to end the review section with LG Gram as it’s been circulating among the developing circle for quite some time now. That said, the best laptop for game development comes with an improved user interface. The bolting fast speed makes it easier for developers to run their favorite game developing apps without any hassle. On the other hand, the design is simple, sophisticated, and unique enough to be carried around from one place to another without any worries.

Heading towards some main specifications, LG Gram is basically famous for its outstanding battery. On one full charge, the laptop can run for as long as 10 hours with full-time internet surfing and other relevant apps running.

In addition to that, the 10th gen. ore i7 processor also enhances the overall processing speed to make it easier for developers to keep operating their favorite programs without any worries.

Final Views:

LG Gram is hands down, one of the most portable game development laptops available in 2021. Get this awesome machine and enjoy long-lasting battery while making 2D and 3D games.

 

Top 3 Picks:

Based on my experience, positive customer feedback, and what the critics say, the top 3 picks are as follows:

1. Asus P65 Creator as it’s the best laptop for game design and development in 2021.
2. Acer Predator Helios 300 as it’s the best choice for developers on a low budget.
3. MSI GL65 Leopard if you need a computing machine for making Android games.

How to Select the Best Laptop for Game Development in 2021?

Whenever it comes to choosing a game developing laptop, the decision isn’t an easier one to make. If you are a newbie game developer, then must read these tips for game development.

That’s because game developing laptops are expensive. I mean, even if you go for the best budget laptop, you’d have to spend around $1000 to $1200.

So, to make sure that you get the best computer for the money, I’m here with some brief recommendations.

Have a look at them as follows:

Never Compromise on RAM:

Running heavy programs and softwares for gaming development isn’t a piece of cake especially for the laptops.

That said, you shouldn’t compromise on the RAM when it comes to a game designing laptop.

A memory of at least 16GB DDR4 is necessary to run different programs and apps without any hassle.

On the contrary, getting a laptop with 32GB DDR4 ram might do wonders for you for a long time.

Graphics Matter A Lot:

As graphics matter a lot in case of a gaming laptop, the same rule applies here when you are in search of a game developing laptop.

That said, the presence of latest graphics card makes it easier for the laptop to render different game making projects by spending a lot of time. In addition, the overall speed is not impacted at all.

So, my recommendation is to go for a laptop that has RTX graphics card from Nvidia. You can also rely on GTX 1650 or 1660Ti variants. However, anything lower than this might be problematic for you.

Display Plays a Crucial Role:

Although processing speed is what matters the most when it comes to the best laptop for game development, never underestimate the power of a 4K display.

It will improve your choices of selecting different colors while editing a game and will also help you to sit in front of the laptop for a long time.

Therefore, it’s necessary to invest in a laptop that comes with a 4K display with an enhanced refreshing rate for a better user interface.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Which processor is best for game development?

From Intel perspective, a core i7, 9th, or 10th gen. is a must to run heavy applications and softwares flawlessly. On the contrary, if you want an AMD processor, then go for Ryzen 7 and above for better speed.

2. Is gaming laptop good for coding?

It’s BEST to invest in a gaming laptop either for coding or for game development purposes. Why? Because a gaming laptop is equipped with hardcore specs which makes it easier for the laptop to manage and handle heavy apps without any hassle.

3. Is 8GB ram enough for game development?

A big NO! Get a laptop with at least 16GB DDR4 memory if you want to avoid lag and hanging issues while developing different games.

4. What graphics card do game developers use?

Right now, the RTX series from Nvidia is getting popularity among the game developers. However, GTX 1080ti and 1660Ti are also frequently used by the developers for better game designing.

5. Is MacBook good for game development?

NO! A MacBook won’t be enough for game development. Although it can be used for editing videos and that stuff, but it won’t work ideally while running 3D Unity and other game-making engines.

Summarizing Things Up:

I’ve never been this excited to discuss the game development laptops and Boy Oh Boy! The aforementioned machines were something else. I hope that you find your best option as per your will and wish to enjoy developing games without any worries.