6 ways to fight back against motion sickness while gaming

This article has been updated since its original publication on February 2, 2021.

Many gamers, despite their love for first-person games, find themselves succumbing to motion sickness. This isn't a skill issue; the games themselves trigger a physical reaction. Gaming sickness, a form of motion sickness specific to video games, manifests with familiar symptoms: dizziness, nausea, sweating, headaches, and vomiting.

While a complete cure for gaming-induced motion sickness remains elusive, strategies exist to mitigate symptoms, reduce their intensity, and potentially build tolerance. Crucially, pushing through the discomfort is counterproductive.

Understanding Gaming-Induced Motion Sickness

The exact cause remains unclear, but the leading theory points to sensory conflict. Your brain receives conflicting information, leading to disorientation. Normal movement involves consistent sensory input: your eyes see movement, your inner ear confirms it. In gaming, this balance is disrupted. The realistic on-screen movement clashes with the reality of your stationary body, causing a stress response and resulting sickness. This is especially prevalent in first-person games like Call of Duty, Dishonored, and Borderlands.

Strategies for Managing Gaming Sickness

• Short Play Sessions: McGill University researcher Séamas Weech recommends short, frequent gaming sessions to gradually build tolerance. This "getting your legs" approach avoids overwhelming your sensory system. Take breaks at the first sign of discomfort. The effectiveness depends on individual experience and game complexity.

• Screen Size Matters: Large screens heighten immersion but also exacerbate sensory conflict. Smaller screens, or increasing your distance from larger screens, provide a more stable visual reference, grounding you in reality. Avoid extremely small screens, however, as eye strain can worsen symptoms.

• Adequate Lighting: Well-lit environments reduce eye strain and reinforce the awareness of your physical surroundings, minimizing sensory conflict.

• Environmental Control: Utilize strategies for regular motion sickness: fresh air, cool water, and a fan to simulate movement.

• Additional Aids: Ginger (tea, beer, candy, or supplements – consult your doctor for supplements) and acupressure wristbands targeting the P6 point may provide relief. Motion sickness glasses, while not scientifically proven effective for gaming sickness, might be worth considering as a last resort. Gaming glasses can help with eye strain and headaches.

• Game Selection and Settings: Certain games are more likely to induce sickness. Adjust game settings: reduce camera speed, adjust field of view (e.g., from first-person to third-person), and lower the frame rate if necessary. Consider switching to less graphically demanding or less fast-paced games temporarily.

Remember, pushing through symptoms is detrimental. Prioritize gradual adaptation and enjoyable gaming experiences.

The above is the detailed content of 6 ways to fight back against motion sickness while gaming. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!