Speaking with Gamasutra, he cited the WARP (Windows Advanced Rasterization Platform) feature of the new operating system as a major boon, as it allows the CPU to handle DirectX acceleration if a dedicated video card isn't up to snuff, or even present.

"We want the game to look incredible on high-end systems, but I want people to be able to play this on their three-year-old laptop on the airplane," he explained.

In addition to running the digital distribution platform Impulse and publishing PC titles like Gas Powered Game's Demigod and Ironclad's Sins of a Solar Empire, the niche-focused studio is also known for its work on the Galactic Civilization strategy franchise.

"One of the things that comes up often is, 'How has Stardock made so much money on these niche games?' Well, because our games run on millions of boxes."

As part of that drive towards accessibility, Stardock isn't planning to require DirectX 10--supported by Windows Vista and 7--"until Windows Vista hits critical mass."

Wardell added that "apparently, performance is really good" within Windows 7. The OS is currently available in release candidate form and hits store shelves on October 22.