Video Game Motion Sickness: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

Introduction

Motion sickness is a common issue for many gamers, yet it remains a taboo topic within the gaming community. The fear of being perceived as “less hardcore” can prevent players from discussing their experiences. However, it’s essential to recognize that motion sickness from video games is a legitimate concern. It can lead to headaches, dizziness, nausea, heavy sweating, and excessive salivation. Let’s dive into what causes this ailment and explore ways to prevent it.

What Is Motion Sickness?

Often referred to as simulator sickness, motion sickness linked to video games was first identified during the use of flight simulators. This condition arises when there’s a disconnect between what your eyes perceive and what your body feels. Essentially, it’s the feeling you get when your brain senses movement while your body remains stationary. For instance, sitting in a parked car and watching another car back up can create a sensation of motion that triggers nausea.

The prevailing theory is that your body mistakenly interprets this disconnect as a sign of poisoning, causing you to hallucinate movement. This leads to nausea and, in severe cases, vomiting as your body attempts to eliminate perceived toxins.

How Do Games Cause Motion Sickness?

Not all video games induce motion sickness, but certain types are more likely to trigger symptoms. Games with a low field of view can make players feel as though they are falling, while others with erratic camera movements can overwhelm the senses. The interplay of different movements—such as head bobbing and weapon bobbing—can exacerbate the issue.

For example:

  • Call of Duty features head bobbing during gameplay.
  • Halo includes a noticeable gun bob.
  • BioShock also employs a gun bob mechanism.
  • Gears of War has a realistic camera that follows the character, contributing to motion sickness.

Interestingly, you can experience motion sickness even as a spectator. Watching someone else play a game with a player-controlled camera that moves unpredictably can trigger nausea.

Symptoms of Motion Sickness

Recognizing the symptoms of motion sickness is crucial. Common signs include:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Heavy sweating
  • Excessive production of saliva

If you experience any of these symptoms while gaming, it’s vital to take immediate action.

Treatment and Reducing the Risk

If you start to feel motion sickness, here are some steps to alleviate your symptoms:

Stop Playing Immediately: Taking a break is the first step. Step outside or open a window to get some fresh air.

Adjust Your Environment: Play in a well-lit room to reduce strain on your eyes.

Sit further away from the screen to lessen the intensity of visual stimuli.

Gradual Exposure: Your body may adapt to gaming over time. Try playing in short sessions and gradually increase your playtime as you become more accustomed to the experience.

Medication: Some over-the-counter medications like Dramamine, Bonine, Meclizine, and Benadryl may help. However, be cautious of potential drowsiness.

Choose Wisely: If certain games consistently make you sick, consider switching to titles with simpler movements. Games that minimize camera movement and focus on stationary objectives can provide a more comfortable gaming experience.

Conclusion

Motion sickness from video games is a genuine concern that many players face. Understanding its causes and symptoms can help you mitigate the effects and enjoy gaming without discomfort. Don’t shy away from discussing your experiences; remember that you’re not alone. By making simple adjustments and being mindful of your gaming habits, you can continue to explore new virtual worlds without the risk of nausea.