Is what makes a game region locked because of the game or hardware?

I think I know the answer already. Region lock is put on games not on hardware correct?

So even if lets region free becomes true with next gen hardware the changes will be made at(sofeware(disc/game)level correct? they don't have to have to do anything to the hardware correct?

So for example lets say I have a JAP/import ps2 game and if the ps3 can play any region ps3 games that would mean imported ps2 games would not work correct? But JAP/import ps3 games would work cause game makers did not put the region coding on it correct?

The reason I ask this if the PS3 is region free it still won't play import ps2 games cause those import ps2 games will still have a region lock on them and the ps3 won't play them correct?