Which of the following options is NOT a benefit of using post-processing effects?

Using post-processing effects primarily serves to enhance the visual experience of a game by applying various techniques that can improve aesthetics, create dynamic lighting effects, and add levels of detail that can make the graphics more engaging.

Enhancing visual aesthetics refers to the overall improvement in how the game appears, which can attract players and improve immersion. This includes the use of filters, color grading, and effects like bloom and depth of field.

Creating various lighting effects is another critical aspect of post-processing, enabling developers to create moods and atmospheres that contribute significantly to gameplay and narrative.

Adding texture detail can involve techniques such as ambient occlusion or sharpening filters that enhance the perceived quality of textures, making scenes appear more detailed and realistic.

The notable exception here is the increase in hardware requirements. While post-processing effects indeed add visual fidelity, they can also demand more from the system’s resources, which is not a benefit in the context of gameplay experience. Instead, it can lead to performance issues if players' hardware does not meet the enhanced requirements. Therefore, this choice correctly identifies an aspect not considered a benefit of using post-processing effects.