For starters, I want to learn how to code, especially how to code video games. I’d figured I’d start trying to discern what computer to get for that, since I’d have been mulling over getting a new one anyway (my old one’s messed up). I was just going to get another laptop, but apparently game design and development require a bit more of a beefy setup, like a gaming PC to run better, especially with operating things like Unreal Engine.
I know next to nothing about PC builds. I don't have nearly enough technological knowledge. I don't have the foggiest idea about game design. I barely know coding. I'm practically just a consumer of games with sprinkled YouTube knowledge as well as Scratch and Khan Academy projects when I was little. I need some help. I have no points of reference (i.e., "how much storage did X game dev need to create X game?" or something). I really don't want to start on these things with the buggy laptop I'm using now or spend money on another laptop that won't get the job done.
Additionally, I want to produce beats on the side. Nothing too crazy or intricate, but I realize it complicates things, or adds to the pool of consideration at the very least.
Another reason I want to get a beefy one (at least relative to my previous computers) so soon is because the one I currently have, a Windows 11 laptop, doesn't meet even a single of these expectations. There are old Roblox games it can't run without crashing, and I thought it best to spend the money I usually would on fixing this thing to be rerouted it towards the one I'll eventually need, sooner or later. Mostly sooner, since I really want to get good practice in these days where I don't have a whole lot else to do. Again, it's just that I need a new computer as soon as possible for the regular reasons, and I'll need a better computer soon for game development. Or maybe I don't? I don't know.
Here is a list of questions:
- What is the minimum requirement PC to make games, not on the same level as GTA or Elden Ring or whatever, but still full games? (sorry if this question is too broad)
- What parts do I need for this computer, and what parts would be good to have? What parts do what?
- How much would you estimate all of this would cost?
Thanks in advance. I'll post any other questions I have in the comments below as an addendum. Sorry if these are dumb questions.