Why Do Some Video Games Cause Motion Sickness And How To Play Comfortably

For millions of players, video games are a source of entertainment, challenge, and social connection. Yet for a significant number, the immersive experience comes at a cost: nausea, dizziness, headaches, and fatigue—symptoms collectively known as simulation sickness or gaming-induced motion sickness. Unlike traditional motion sickness from physical movement, this form is triggered by visual stimuli that conflict with the body’s sense of balance. Understanding why it happens—and how to manage it—is essential for anyone who wants to enjoy gaming without discomfort.

This condition doesn’t discriminate by age, platform, or genre. It can affect casual mobile gamers just as much as hardcore VR enthusiasts. The good news is that with targeted adjustments to settings, environment, and habits, most players can reduce or eliminate symptoms and reclaim their enjoyment of interactive experiences.

The Science Behind Gaming Motion Sickness

Motion sickness in video games stems from a neurological mismatch between what your eyes see and what your inner ear (vestibular system) senses. When you're sitting still but watching fast-moving visuals—such as a first-person shooter sprinting through corridors or a racing game speeding around curves—your brain receives conflicting signals. Your eyes report motion; your body reports stillness. This sensory dissonance confuses the brain, which may interpret it as a sign of poisoning, triggering nausea as a protective response.

Dr. Thomas Stoffregen, a kinesiologist and expert in human movement control, explains:

“The fundamental issue is postural instability caused by visual flow. When virtual motion dominates perception, postural sway increases—and so does the risk of sickness.”

His research shows that people who exhibit greater postural sway when standing while playing games are more likely to experience symptoms.

Not all games trigger this equally. Fast-paced, first-person perspectives tend to be the worst offenders. Virtual reality amplifies the effect due to its wide field of view and head-tracking mechanics, making the illusion of movement more convincing—and more disruptive to equilibrium.

Common Triggers in Game Design

Certain design elements increase the likelihood of motion sickness. Recognizing these can help players make informed choices about which games to approach cautiously—or modify for comfort.

• Camera movement: Unnatural camera bobbing, swaying, or rapid transitions disorient the visual system.
• Field of view (FOV): A narrow FOV creates a “tunnel vision” effect, increasing perceived speed and reducing peripheral reference points that help stabilize orientation.
• Framing devices: HUDs with moving reticles, floating indicators, or animated borders add unnecessary visual noise that strains spatial processing.
• Framerate drops: Inconsistent performance causes stuttering visuals, disrupting smooth motion cues and heightening discomfort.
• Artificial locomotion: Teleportation, snap turning, or joystick-based movement in VR often feel unnatural compared to real walking.

Tip: If a game feels dizzying within minutes, check the field of view setting first—increasing it by 10–20 degrees can dramatically improve comfort.

Practical Strategies to Play Comfortably

While not everyone can eliminate symptoms entirely, most can achieve significant relief through deliberate environmental and technical adjustments. These strategies work across platforms—from PC and console to mobile and VR.

Optimize Display Settings

Visual fidelity matters less than visual stability. Prioritize smoothness over graphical detail:

• Increase field of view (FOV) to at least 90 on PC or adjust to personal comfort.
• Enable motion blur reduction or disable motion blur entirely.
• Use high refresh rate displays (120Hz or higher) to minimize judder.
• Ensure consistent frame pacing—cap FPS slightly below max to avoid drops.

Adjust Movement Mechanics

How you move in-game has a direct impact on comfort:

• In VR, prefer teleportation over continuous movement if available.
• Use “snap turning” instead of analog turning to reduce rotational disorientation.
• Select third-person modes when possible—seeing your character’s body provides grounding.
• Avoid games with artificial acceleration or drifting mechanics unless adjustable.

Create a Stable Physical Environment

Your surroundings influence your susceptibility:

• Sit rather than stand during long sessions to stabilize posture.
• Play in a well-lit room—low light increases visual strain and reduces external reference points.
• Keep real-world objects visible in peripheral vision to anchor your sense of space.
• Avoid playing on moving vehicles or unstable surfaces.

Tip: Place a small lamp behind your monitor to create ambient lighting. This reduces eye strain and helps ground your perception.

Step-by-Step Guide to Reducing Symptoms

If you’re already experiencing discomfort, follow this timeline to gradually build tolerance and restore comfortable gameplay.

1. Pause immediately at the first sign of dizziness or nausea. Continuing worsens symptoms and extends recovery time.
2. Look away from the screen and focus on a stationary object for 1–2 minutes. Breathe slowly and deeply.
3. Hydrate and rest in a quiet, well-lit space. Avoid screens for at least 30 minutes post-session.
4. Review settings after recovery: increase FOV, reduce camera effects, cap frame rate.
5. Re-enter gradually: Start with 10-minute sessions using comfort-optimized settings.
6. Track progress: Note which games, settings, or durations cause issues to refine your approach.
7. Build tolerance slowly: Add 5 minutes per session weekly, only if no symptoms occur.

Some players report developing increased resilience over weeks of controlled exposure. However, pushing too hard too soon can reinforce sensitivity. Patience yields better long-term results than endurance.

Do’s and Don’ts: Quick Reference Table

Do	Don't
Use a wide field of view (≥90 FOV)	Play with default narrow FOV settings
Choose seated, stable positions	Play while lying down or on an unstable surface
Take breaks every 20–30 minutes	Play for extended periods without pause
Opt for third-person or top-down perspectives	Force yourself into intense first-person games
Enable comfort features in VR (e.g., vignetting during movement)	Disable safety features to “tough it out”
Play in a bright, distraction-free room	Game in dark rooms with flickering lights

Real Player Experience: Overcoming VR Discomfort

Jamal, a 32-year-old software developer, was excited to try VR after years of flat-screen gaming. He purchased a headset and launched a popular sci-fi adventure title. Within seven minutes, he felt queasy, his vision blurred, and he had to stop. Discouraged, he assumed VR wasn’t for him.

After reading about motion sickness mitigation, he revisited the game with changes: he adjusted the FOV to maximum, enabled snap turning, lowered brightness to reduce glare, and placed a floor lamp behind his TV to maintain ambient cues. He limited sessions to 10 minutes and used a kitchen timer to enforce breaks.

Over three weeks, he gradually increased playtime. By week four, he completed his first full hour without symptoms. Today, he plays regularly and even recommends the same setup to friends. “It wasn’t the hardware or my body,” he says. “It was learning how to use it safely.”

Expert Insight: What Developers and Doctors Say

Game designers are increasingly aware of accessibility concerns. Robin Hunicke, co-founder of Funomena and former designer at thatgamecompany, emphasizes intentional design:

“Comfort isn’t an afterthought—it should be baked into the core experience. Simple choices like smoothing acceleration or offering multiple locomotion styles can open games to millions more players.”

From a medical standpoint, Dr. Susan Sharkey, a neuro-otologist specializing in vestibular disorders, advises:

“If motion sickness interferes with daily life or persists beyond gaming, consult a specialist. Underlying conditions like vestibular migraine or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) can amplify sensitivity and require treatment.”

FAQ: Common Questions About Gaming Motion Sickness

Can children outgrow motion sickness from video games?

Some children may become less sensitive as their vestibular systems mature, but others remain affected into adulthood. Early symptom management—like limiting session length and optimizing settings—can prevent negative associations with gaming.

Are certain genres inherently safer?

Yes. Turn-based strategy, puzzle games, and 2D platformers rarely cause issues. Slower-paced third-person adventures or games with fixed cameras (like classic Resident Evil titles) are generally more comfortable than fast first-person shooters or VR roller coasters.

Does screen size or distance matter?

Absolutely. Larger screens fill more of your visual field, increasing immersion—and risk. Sitting farther back (at least 6–8 feet from a TV) reduces peripheral visual input that contributes to disorientation. On monitors, a distance of 24–30 inches is ideal.

Conclusion: Play Smarter, Not Harder

Motion sickness doesn’t have to be a barrier to enjoying video games. With awareness of the underlying causes and a proactive approach to customization, most players can find a comfortable way to engage with digital worlds. The key is not to endure discomfort, but to adapt the experience to your physiology.

Start with one change—adjust your FOV, sit in a brighter room, shorten your sessions—and observe the difference. Small tweaks often yield dramatic improvements. As developers continue to prioritize accessibility, and as players advocate for their own comfort, gaming can become more inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.

💬 Have a tip that helped you beat gaming motion sickness? Share your experience in the comments and help others play more comfortably.