Nyan-cat-ftw-video2463_small
Reputation: 1747
Follow 0
Follow 1

Best ways to avoid motion sickness when playing PC games?

So I'm in the process of transitioning from playing console games (as I have my whole life) to playing more and more PC games and I'm having to stop at regular intervals (~2 hours) to keep myself from puking whenever I'm playing anything first-person. I've got terrible motion sickness and I'm afraid Dr. Freeman and friends are beginning to take their toll on my health.

I know that the FOV difference (90 degrees in-game versus 120 in real-life) can be an issue, but I think the big thing is sensitivity: I play with my sensitivity at 9 (which is ridiculous), but when I'm 2 feet from my laptop I've gotta turn it down to like 2 and still, even then, I'm on the verge of blowing chunks AND I feel like I'm swimming in concrete. Any tips? 

Also, not to be a wimpy nerd about it, but we're talking serious (8/10) "real-life" motion sickness here.

NGC1275 asked in Games about 1 year ago | Report

Answer this question or share it with a smart friend:

Avatar_default
Type your answer here…

Asker's Favorite

  • Avatar_default
    Reputation: 831
    Follow 1

    I've had the same problems initially on all the Source-engine Valve games (HL2, Portal, L4D, etc), but I've found it's better after fiddling with some of the advanced controls.

    For one, you can adjust the FOV on the Source games. Oddly, though bigger was better for most but on the Left for Dead games smaller seemed to make me less queasy for whatever reason. Not having V-sync on can supposedly also cause motion sickness in some people. I also find higher screen resolutions harder to handle, so I usually don't go over 1024x768 (or widescreen equivalent). If your computer really outclasses the game, setting a lower framerate limit can also help. Conversely, if your computer is struggling, running lower detail or a lower screen resolution can make things less herky-jerky.

    Jack answered in Games about 1 year ago | Report
    2 comments by NGC1275 and NGC1275…
    Share this answer with a friend:
Latest Greatest

3 Other Answers

  • Cateyes_small
    Reputation: 2173
    Follow 2

    A couple of suggestions (with the caveat that I'm not a gamer).

    1. Get significant distance from your screen. See if you can find a way to hook up your computer to a TV, or barring that, borrow a projector for a little while. The nausea may have to do with the fact that when you're so close to your computer screen the tunnel vision is intensified, and there's not as much in your peripheral vision.

    2. Start eating a LOT more ginger. It's been shown to be pretty effective against nausea (thank you, Mythbusters!), and it may help you here.

    Otherwise, you might need to just break up your playing time to allow yourself to chill out.

    MyrnaMinkoff answered in Games about 1 year ago | Report
    1 comment by NGC1275…
    Share this answer with a friend:
  • Medium_2868373187_b2c11c89cf_o_small
    Reputation: 2266
    Follow 2

    You might want to check the settings on whatever games you are playing and see if you can turn off things like "head bob" or "move with camera" or something like that.

    A lot of games have realistic motion and movement as a character runs to give the game a better feel. But that often means that the screen itself if bobbing and moving as if someone was running. That likely contributes to your motion sickness.

    Basil answered in Games about 1 year ago | Report
    Comment on this answer
    Share this answer with a friend:
  • Squirrelhat_small
    Reputation: 410
    Follow 0

    Oh man, I feel for you! I like the suggestion of changing your resolution (I am so going to try that myself), but I gotta admit, when I'm motion sicking all over a game I just pop the non-drowsy Dramamine. Man, I love that stuff!

    Squirrel Girl answered in Games about 1 year ago | Report
    Comment on this answer
    Share this answer with a friend: