system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: Why can a seven year old PS 3 run GTA V, but a seven year old computer couldn't?

Aside from "Because it's not out on PC"
gpt
It can, depending on the PC. The problem is not in regards to OS, etc. It is almost entirely due to weaknesses in optimization. Due to the fact that every PS3 or 360 has identical hardware they optimize the game *purely* for that set of hardware. PC hardware for a gaming PC created today would be approximately 5-6 (or 10 if you spend the money) times the ability of a PS3 graphics card.  The problem with PC's is the fact that theres 1000's of different combinations of hardware and software that can be running on a PC, and the company needs to optimize their game for them all. This is the primary reason why so many PC gamers decry console ports, because when you go from console -> PC, optimization always suffers. 

Have you ever played a game on PC where you exceed the recommended system requirements but it's still poor FPS on medium settings? That's a sign of poor optimization.