What FOV is Closest to Natural Human Vision? A Gamer‘s Perspective
As a passionate gamer and creator focusing on the latest titles, hardware and research in the gaming industry, field of view (FOV) is an important topic. The horizontal field of view of the average human eye spans about 135 degrees. But do popular games match this natural perspective? Or do they go wider or narrower?
FOV heavily impacts gaming experience and performance. A narrow tunnel view misses peripheral movement and puts competitive players at a disadvantage. But too wide can visually distort images. The optimum gaming FOV comes down to balancing realism, visibility needs and hardware limitations.
Natural Human Vision FOV
Before comparing gaming FOV, it‘s important to understand the fully adapted capabilities of the human visual system:
- 135 degrees horizontal FOV each eye, 114 degrees overlap binocular
- 180 degree vertical FOV per eye
- Estimated 576 megapixel resolution
- 10-14 f-stops of dynamic range
Thiscombination of wide viewing angle, sharp focus, and variable light adaptation allows humans to seamlessly scan environments and react.
Field of View in Gaming
Most games provide FOV options ranging from 60 to 120 degrees horizontally. Competitive first-person shooter (FPS) gamers generally prefer 90 to 110 degrees for optimal awareness. Single player titles often default lower, around 60 to 90, for increased immersion.
This 2020 study analyzing tournament play found mean FOV of about 103 degrees maximized kill rate. Peripheral vision aids tracking enemies and reaction time.
However, hardware can limit maximum FOV based on factors like screen size and viewing distance. Wider also visually distorts images. This tensions exists between ultra-realism and performance.
Table: Common FOV Ranges in Gaming Genres
Genre Typical FOV Range
------------ ------------------
First-Person RPG 60 - 85 degrees
Competitive FPS 90 - 120 degrees
Third-Person RPG 50 - 65 degrees
Racing Games 45 - 60 degrees
Flight Sims 60 - 90 degrees
VR Games 90 - 110 degreesWe see competitive favoring wider FOV for responsiveness while cinematic games mimic natural vision more closely.
Competitive vs. Immersive Field of View
Quote from top player Shroud on his ultra-wide 120 degree preference:
"I just really like having as much vision as possible. Seeing more makes me more aware."
But Quote from Hellblade developer on narrower artistic FOV:
"We want players fully immersed in the character. Wide angles feel disconnected and break presence."
Hardware advancements may soon solve this dilemma…
Next-Level Hardware Expanding FOV
From VR headsets like the Valve Index at 130 degrees FOV to ultra-wide curved displays reaching 180 degrees, technology is approaching the threshold of natural human vision:
Many expect VR and augmented reality to transform gaming in the coming decade. Lightweight extremely wide FOV AR glasses would provide the full environmental awareness of human eyes.
Emerging headsets like the Pimax 8KX boast 210 degree horizontal FOV thanks to two side-by-side panels. While distortion occurs at the far edges, we‘re approaching the threshold of maximum human perception.
Combined with advances in display resolution and frame rates, gaming FOV could extend past natural limitations. 1000 degree VR chambers like The Void foreshadow wild future possibilities.
Conclusion – Pushing Past Natural FOV Barriers
While the average human FOV spans about 135 degrees horizontally, most modern games fall in the 60 to 120 range. Competitive titles favor expansive FOV for combat performance while cinematic games mimic realistic vision.
Upcoming augmented reality glasses and advanced VR headsets point to a future where gamers surpass natural FOV limits. Matching or exceeding the full environmental awareness human eyes enjoy poses an exciting challenge for next generation hardware.
As a passionate gamer diving into the latest of this dynamic industry, expanded field of view promises to transform gaming realism, immersion and our environmental perception. I can‘t wait to experience the fully adaptive view of human eyes – and beyond.
