The textures are so not worth the space. Sounds? Sure, we are still making progress with audio design that can be noticed and enjoyed. Graphics? We are way passed the point where we can meaningfully improve on those without making concessions that just aren’t worth it.

No one properly optimizes games anymore. Devs used to have to work with extreme limitations, and make the absolute best of what little they had.

Now with tech advancing quicker than people can keep up with and get accustomed to, and megacorporations like Microsoft prioritizing deadlines rather than overall quality (or the mental health of their developers), that doesn’t really happen any more.