When x264 is properly optimized for video games, having the hardware encoders require only double the bitrate for similar results is probably optimistic, if any

When x264 is properly optimized for video games, having the hardware encoders require only double the bitrate for similar results is probably optimistic, if anything. Especially in DOTA/LOL, x264 is just leagues apart in dealing with the semi-static backgrounds. You can tell the people who use the hw encoders because the stream looks like mush, even at high quality settings. The target for most streamers is Twitch 1080p H.264, because that's the platform where the money is made. 4K is not needed or useful, and H.265 won't help simply because twitch won't stream it.