It wont be required to run the games, just like you can still "run" games now with a GeForce FX 5200. However, from this point on, it will be REQUIRED if you want the have all the eye candy. Basically, ATI cards are a waste. All these new games everybody is drooling over will require Pixel Shader 3.0 if you want it to look like the demos. Otherwise, expect UT2004 quality graphics, which are mediocre by todays standards.