For Harry Hardcore-gamer, two things are of the utmost importance: Good gameplay, and awe-inspiring graphics. Bringing everything a Hardcore-gamer wants together into one little neat package is no simple task - for any of the parties involved - and if the Hardcore-gamer's chosen platform is the PC, it's at it's most difficult.
    
The rewards of overcoming the difficulties faced by programmers when optimizing for new hardware is evident to anyone whose owned a first or second generation Sony Playstation. Just pick up one of the early titles for either platform then compare the graphical detail with one of the more recent titles that have matured on the Playstation platform.

The GranTurismo franchise makes it really easy to see; the level of content and quality that has evolved on the Platstation is astounding!  Being able to spend a couple of years on optimizations clearly has it's benifits! It's in creating such optimizations that a programmer is often most challenged. But that's the Playstation reality, two years spent on optimizations! For the same set of hardware!

We will be looking primarily at PC hardware.

So what if your configuration were to have possible hardware combinations almost without number? In the PC market, that's just how it is. One not only has to be concerned about what hardware the gamer will be using, but the drivers that will be installed play a role as well.

PC game Developers not only have programmers to feed they've got their own familys to think of.
To succeed they need to get a product on those shelves. So most often at start-up they need INVESTORS.

But investors come at a price, often in the form of ENDORSEMENTS. Often a delivery deadline is attached as well.
   
In the PC video game market, the video card manufacturers can be one of the best financial sources developers have. Not only do graphics Card designers know the hardware that programmers will need to work with inside out. They've obviously dealt with others in this situation. Their support may hold the keys to the ultimate success of a project!

So how does this affect the gamer?  Just how do a programmer's optimizations affect the Hardcore-gamer? I asked myself this very question recently, I found what I feel is a clear and concise answer.