3D FPS gives me vertigo

[NinjaJedi]

Hi I have been a gamer for my whole life. (Since the 2600 days.) I even was a tester in the mid 90's (off and on from 94-98) for Tengen/Time Warner/Atari (coin-op) I never had any problems playing a game. When COD (1 or 2 I can't remember which) came out I started to experience vertigo or dizzy spells while playing. Sometimes so bad I would need to lay down in a dark room. I believe it is just the first person perspective that is causing this cause when I play for example Oblivion in 3rd person view I am ok. Once I switch to first person after 15 minutes or so I start to feel it coming on and have to stop. I have heard of the whole flashing lights causing seizures but I wonder if maybe its just the movements on the screen that are causing this or is it the newer games being more graphically intense.

Just wondering if this happens to others or if anyone has heard of it before.

The only other thing that happened to me while playing a game that I would consider troubling or weird is while testing road rash for the game gear I was sorta hypnotized or fell asleep while playing but I snapped out of it and was still playing the game and in first place yet have no memory of playing for about a 10-15 minute period.

 

[videogames101]

1. Ask a doctor
2. ---
3. Profit?

 

[NinjaJedi]

Originally posted by: videogames101
1. Ask a doctor
2. ---
3. Profit?

Cha-ching-ching huh? lol

 

[chizow]

Its not uncommon, some people recommend dramamine to try and ease the symptoms. I used to get some discomfort way back when I first started playing FPS games but I don't anymore. A few things you can try are:

1) try to increase frame rate/smoothness - low FPS, jerky gameplay can make this worst, so try lowering settings or resolution and get FPS above 60. You can also try enabling V-sync and Triple Buffering to smooth things out.
2) increase brightness - dark scenes and quick dark/light transitions can make things worst. Increasing brightness even to unrealisitic levels can help ease the transitions.
3) sit in a comfortable position - get a good chair, sit back naturally, don't tense up etc. Good desk and KB and mouse can help a lot too. Make sure your monitor is level to your eyes in a comfortable spot.
4) Adjust viewing aspect - if you're on a wide screen, try running it at a 4:3 standard aspect ratio. That extra peripheral area can be distracting or increase the confusion your brain is going through (moving but not moving).
5) Eat something, take a break - make sure you're well-rested and not hungry/thirsty. Being tired or hungry can add to any discomfort.

I can't say for sure its something you can get over with time, every person is different. Every once in a while I get some uneasiness, but usually its only after I haven't played an FPS in a while or I'm tired or hungry etc.

 

[Avalon]

Originally posted by: NinjaJedi
The only other thing that happened to me while playing a game that I would consider troubling or weird is while testing road rash for the game gear I was sorta hypnotized or fell asleep while playing but I snapped out of it and was still playing the game and in first place yet have no memory of playing for about a 10-15 minute period.

You could use that to your advantage to become the first unconscious person to win the CPL

But that's weird. I've heard of it, just haven't heard of any personal experience before. It's definitely the first person thing, because I know that happens to people in movies, too. Take for example Cloverfield. A lot of people were getting dizzy and seeing other similar symptoms.

 

[NinjaJedi]

Originally posted by: chizow
Its not uncommon, some people recommend dramamine to try and ease the symptoms. I used to get some discomfort way back when I first started playing FPS games but I don't anymore. A few things you can try are:

1) try to increase frame rate/smoothness - low FPS, jerky gameplay can make this worst, so try lowering settings or resolution and get FPS above 60. You can also try enabling V-sync and Triple Buffering to smooth things out.
2) increase brightness - dark scenes and quick dark/light transitions can make things worst. Increasing brightness even to unrealisitic levels can help ease the transitions.
3) sit in a comfortable position - get a good chair, sit back naturally, don't tense up etc. Good desk and KB and mouse can help a lot too. Make sure your monitor is level to your eyes in a comfortable spot.
4) Adjust viewing aspect - if you're on a wide screen, try running it at a 4:3 standard aspect ratio. That extra peripheral area can be distracting or increase the confusion your brain is going through (moving but not moving).
5) Eat something, take a break - make sure you're well-rested and not hungry/thirsty. Being tired or hungry can add to any discomfort.

I can't say for sure its something you can get over with time, every person is different. Every once in a while I get some uneasiness, but usually its only after I haven't played an FPS in a while or I'm tired or hungry etc.

Thanks for the tips.
This will happened on console and PC games so I am not sure its due to frame rate. I have tried some of the other things mentioned (screen level/distance, new chair, screen settings) with no success. I never thought of taking Dramamine I do have some in the house. I think I will try that next time. Glad to see I am not alone though it sounds you have not had it as bad as I have.