what software/hardware do the pros use to create games?

Answer 1

To create any software, the developer will want a machine similar to the one the program will optimally run on. For games development, you'd want a high end machine with a really good graphics card, and the latest DirectX drivers and what not.

In terms of the game development environment, games developers will want the speed and power of native code. They'll use C++, probably using Borland C++ Builder or Microsoft Visual C++. Plus there'll be tons of other tools for generating graphics and fractals involved, and you'll need some serious math skills, for understanding mandelbrots, etc..

Realistically, one person alone can't develop a modern era 3D game. It just can't be done, unless you have prodigious skill.

Answer 2

There is a utility for people who want to develop games that just don't have the ability or time to learn all that deep level C++ code. Dark BASIC is a utility for writing 3D games and it make writing code a piece of cake. The code is very similar to BASIC.