u/Foolish_Gambit_Dev

So I am a Mac book pro M2 user and building a game on unity. Imaging CloverPit, Raccoin, etc. A single room 3d roguelite game with gambling mechanics and a hint of horror.

I need a PC for game testing my builds, plus steam pc gaming but I have a total budget of 350 bucks. What are my options? What to avoid, what to look for? should I go for a Laptop, Mini PC, or build my own PC tower? Is 16GB and 520SSD enough?

I don't need anything fancy. Just play test my builds and play Slay the Spire, Slots&Daggers, CloverPit, etc. At best No Man Sky at a solid 30fps.

What's your advice lads and lasses?

I'm a solo game dev, new to this whole thing but deep into everything game dev. Learning play testing and the advice I am reading is "play test as soon as you can".

My current plan is below:

1. Play test with a few friends when you have a mechanic loop but not a final game. Test whether the mechanic is readable, understandable and more importantly if it's fun.

2. When the Vertical Slice is rough but done. Put your game on itch.io but under a secret name and images. Test , feedback, make changes.

3. When the demo is polished and ready. Play test via live streaming for final changes. only after this post on steam.

4. Demo feedback from steam to make changes in the final game.

I probably have this wildly wrong. Correct me, educate me.

New game dev here who's become OB-SESSED with making games. Like it's all I consume and do for the last 6 months. What's the best genre to jump into as a complete newbie?

Set up is Unity, Blender, Aesprite, Codex.

Also any advice?