First off all ALL software from Notepad.exe to the latest AAA video game hast to load. Loading is simply the processes of taking assets off of the hard disk and putting them into ram*. This is done since memory is faster then the hard disk(any hard disk even solid state). This always takes some time, even if it's not noticeable in human terms.
One might incorrectly think that as computers get faster loading times should decrees but this is not the case in reality. The real 'case' is, as computers get faster, software becomes more demanding too take advantage of the faster hardware and loading times are about the same.
* It should be noted that for some software(and games) other things take place too, all to get the game 'ready' to be played.
But what about cartridge games? Systems that use cartridges have to load just as CD based systems due. The cartridges games systems use contain ROM which is incredible fast, so fast that you can't see the load times. You can see proof that things are loaded into RAM in some N64 games, in which the game will continue to try and keep playing if the cartridge is accidentally removed. It's not recommend that you try this on purpose as the removal of the cirdge while the system is on could damage the certidge.(most lickly the save game;)
APPEMEDMENT: Some games like Sonic Unleashed for Xbox 360/PS3 or more impressively for it's age(2001)Jak and Daxter for PS2, hardly load at all. This is done by 'streaming' the game, unloading assets no longer used behind the character after they no longer visible and loading assets in front of the character before they visible. If you die in these games far from where you hit the last checkpoint you will see a bit of a loading time.
You don't see this in too many games since it's probably a large programming headache. It also does not lend itself well to all forums of game play. (for example games that have a defenite level start and end).
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