How to Prevent Gaming Motion Sickness – Best Tips & Guide

Gaming is a popular pastime for many people, but for some, it can also cause motion sickness. This can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience, making it difficult to enjoy the game. Motion sickness occurs when the brain receives conflicting information from the eyes and inner ear, causing symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and headaches.

In this article, we will discuss some tips and strategies for preventing gaming motion sickness, so you can continue to enjoy your favorite games without feeling sick. From adjusting in-game camera settings to taking breaks, we will explore various ways to reduce the risk of motion sickness and make your gaming experience more comfortable. Whether you’re a casual or hardcore gamer, these techniques can help you prevent motion sickness and enjoy your games to the fullest.

How to prevent gaming motion sickness

There are several ways to prevent gaming motion sickness:

1. Take breaks every hour or so to rest your eyes and stretch your body.
2. Adjust the in-game camera settings to reduce movement or make it more comfortable for you.
3. Sit at a comfortable distance from the screen and at a comfortable angle.
4. Use a larger monitor or TV to reduce the need to move your head.
5. Reduce the game’s graphic settings if they are causing the game to run poorly, which can contribute to motion sickness.
6. Try using a gaming chair with good lumbar support.
7. Try using anti-motion sickness medication if all else fails.
8. Try playing in a well-lit room to reduce the contrast between the game and the surrounding environment.
9. Reduce or eliminate distractions while playing, such as background music or noise.
10. Try adjusting the frame rate of the game or use v-sync to make the game run smoothly.
11. Use a gaming controller or keyboard and mouse that feels comfortable to you.
12. Try playing games that have a more stable camera angle or less intense movement.
13. Try using VR headset with a higher refresh rate and a wider field of view.
14. Lastly, you can also try using visualization techniques such as deep breathing exercises or progressive muscle relaxation to reduce stress and anxiety that might trigger motion sickness.

Note that it’s important to pay attention to your body and stop playing if you start to feel sick.

Why do I get motion sickness from gaming?

Motion sickness from gaming, also known as “virtual reality sickness” or “cybersickness,” occurs because the visual cues from the game do not match up with the physical sensations the body is experiencing. When playing a game, your eyes are telling your brain that you are moving, but your inner ear and other sensory inputs do not confirm this movement. This can cause confusion in the brain and result in symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and disorientation.

Additionally, certain elements in games can exacerbate the problem, such as fast camera movements, intense or rapid movement, or highly detailed and realistic graphics. People who are susceptible to motion sickness in real life are also more likely to experience it while gaming.

To alleviate the symptoms, you can try taking breaks while gaming, and make sure to play in a well-lit room with minimal external stimuli. You can also adjust the game settings, such as reducing the field of view, decreasing camera movement, or altering the in-game movement speed.

How long does video game motion sickness last?

Can low FPS cause motion sickness?

Low FPS (frames per second) can potentially contribute to motion sickness in some individuals. When a game is running at a low FPS, the images on the screen may appear choppy or laggy, which can cause discomfort or disorientation. This can make the experience of playing the game less immersive and can make it harder for the brain to process the visual information, potentially leading to motion sickness.

Additionally, when the frame rate is low, the game’s camera movement may appear jerky, which can also cause discomfort and contribute to motion sickness. This is because the brain is receiving conflicting information from the eyes and inner ear, which can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and headaches.

It’s worth noting that low FPS is not the only cause of motion sickness, it can also be caused by other factors such as a fast-moving camera, intense movement, and poor lighting. To reduce the risk of motion sickness, it is recommended to play games with a high FPS, and also adjust other settings such as in-game cameras and graphic settings.

How do you get rid of cybersickness?

Here are a few strategies that may help alleviate symptoms of cybersickness:

1. Take breaks: Take regular breaks while gaming to give your brain a chance to adjust to the virtual environment.
2. Adjust game settings: Reduce the field of view, decrease camera movement, or alter the in-game movement speed.
3. Play in a well-lit room: Play in a room with minimal external stimuli, where the lighting is similar to the in-game environment.
4. Use anti-motion sickness medication: Over-the-counter medication like Dramamine can help alleviate symptoms of motion sickness.
5. Limit your exposure to VR: If you experience cybersickness often, it may be best to limit your exposure to VR or even take a break from it.
6. Try different VR headsets: Some VR headset designs may be more comfortable and cause less cybersickness.
7. Exercise before playing: Exercise before playing can help to reduce the symptoms of cyber sickness.
8. Use the ’20-20-20 rule’: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.

It’s also worth noting that not everyone will experience cyber sickness, and some people may be more susceptible to it than others. If your symptoms persist or become severe, it’s always a good idea to speak to a doctor or healthcare professional.

Can gaming give you motion sickness?

Yes, gaming can cause motion sickness in some individuals. This is because gaming involves a lot of visual and auditory stimuli, as well as fast-moving camera and intense movement. When playing a game, the brain receives conflicting information from the eyes and inner ear, which can lead to motion sickness symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and headaches.

The risk of motion sickness while gaming is higher in individuals who are already susceptible to motion sickness, such as those who experience motion sickness while traveling or watching movies. However, anyone can experience motion sickness while gaming, particularly if the game has a fast-moving camera, intense movement, or poor graphics.

It’s worth noting that not all people will experience motion sickness while gaming, as it can be caused by different factors and not everyone is equally sensitive to them. But it’s important to pay attention to your body and stop playing if you start to feel sick.