Virtual reality (VR) technology has made remarkable progress in recent years, providing immersive experiences to users that were once only a part of sci-fi movies.
However, some users report experiencing dizziness or discomfort while using VR. This article aims to explain why people get dizzy while playing VR games and how to prevent it.
Why Do I Get Dizzy When Playing VR?
The reason why some people get dizzy while playing VR games is due to a condition known as VR sickness. VR sickness is similar to motion sickness and is caused by the discrepancy between what the eyes see and what the body feels.
In VR, users’ eyes see a virtual environment that may include rapid movements and shifts in perspective, while their body remains stationary. This causes a conflict between the senses, leading to dizziness, nausea, and headaches.
Factors Contributing to VR Sickness
Here are some detailed explanations and factors that can contribute to VR sickness:
Lagging Technology
If the VR technology is not up to par with the software or game being played, it may cause lagging or stuttering, leading to motion sickness. This is because the image being displayed is not in sync with the movement of the user’s head, causing a mismatch between visual cues and physical movement.
Field of View
The field of view refers to how much of the virtual environment a user can see at any given time. If the field of view is too narrow, it can cause the user to feel claustrophobic, leading to discomfort and dizziness.
On the other hand, if the field of view is too wide, it can cause the user to feel disoriented and overwhelmed.
In some VR games or experiences, users may have to move around or navigate through the virtual environment. This can cause dizziness as it creates a discrepancy between the user’s physical movements and the virtual environment.
To combat this, developers have implemented features such as teleportation, snap-turning, and smooth turning to reduce the amount of physical movement required.
Brightness and Contrast
High levels of brightness and contrast in VR environments can cause eye strain, leading to headaches and dizziness. This can be especially problematic for users who wear glasses or contact lenses.
User’s Physiology
Individual differences in physiology can also play a role in VR sickness. For example, some people are more susceptible to motion sickness than others. Additionally, people with a history of migraines or inner ear disorders may be more likely to experience VR sickness.
Prevention
There are several ways to prevent or alleviate VR sickness:
Take Frequent Breaks
Taking frequent breaks can help reduce the symptoms of VR sickness. Users should take a break every 15-20 minutes and remove the headset for a few minutes to allow their bodies to adjust.
Optimize the VR System
Optimizing the VR system by adjusting the field of view, brightness, contrast, and graphics settings can help reduce the symptoms of VR sickness.
Use Comfortable Settings
Using comfortable settings such as snap-turning, teleportation, or smooth turning can also help reduce the symptoms of VR sickness.
Consult with a Doctor
If the user has a history of motion sickness, migraines, or inner ear disorders, they should consult with a doctor before using VR technology.
Games That Make You Less Dizzy in VR
Virtual reality (VR) technology can provide incredibly immersive gaming experiences, but for some users, it can also cause dizziness and discomfort. However, there are certain games that have been designed to minimize the risk of VR sickness.
Superhot VR
Superhot VR is a first-person shooter game where time moves only when the player moves. This feature minimizes the amount of movement required, reducing the likelihood of VR sickness. The game also uses a fixed point of view, limiting the player’s field of view, which can help reduce dizziness.
Beat Saber
Beat Saber is a rhythm game where the player uses virtual reality controllers to slice blocks in time with the music.
The game uses a stationary viewpoint, and the player’s movements are limited to arm swings, reducing the likelihood of VR sickness. The game also features a bright and colorful environment, which can help reduce eye strain.
Moss
Moss is a puzzle-adventure game where the player controls a small mouse on a quest to save her kingdom.
The game uses a third-person perspective, reducing the player’s field of view and minimizing the amount of movement required. Moss also features a slow pace and limited camera movement, which can help reduce dizziness.
Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes
Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes is a multiplayer puzzle game where one player is in VR, attempting to defuse a bomb, while the other players use a printed manual to provide instructions.
The game uses a stationary viewpoint, limiting the player’s field of view and reducing the likelihood of VR sickness. The game’s cooperative nature also helps distract the player from any dizziness they may be experiencing.
Job Simulator
Job Simulator is a simulation game where the player takes on different jobs in a comical, cartoonish world. The game uses a fixed point of view, limiting the player’s field of view and reducing the amount of movement required.
The game also has a slow pace and humorous tone, which can help distract the player from any dizziness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, VR sickness can occur due to a mismatch between visual and physical cues, causing dizziness, nausea, and headaches. The cause can be due to lagging technology, the field of view, movement and navigation, brightness and contrast, or individual differences in physiology.
To prevent or alleviate VR sickness, users should take frequent breaks, optimize their VR system, use comfortable settings, and consult with a doctor if necessary.