Is it better to have lights on while gaming?

Whether or not it’s better to have lights on while gaming depends on a few factors, including your personal preferences, the type of game you're playing, and the environment in your room. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of gaming with lights on versus off:

1. Gaming With Lights Off

• Pros:

  • Enhanced Focus and Immersion: Playing games in a dark room can increase the level of immersion, especially for games with rich graphics, dark settings, or horror themes. Without distractions from ambient light, your focus stays entirely on the game, and the visuals become more vibrant.
  • Better Contrast: A dark room can improve contrast, making it easier to spot details on the screen, which is especially helpful in darker scenes of games.
  • Less Screen Glare: Without overhead lights, there's less chance of glare on your screen, especially if it's a glossy display.

• Cons:

  • Eye Strain: Playing in a completely dark room can cause eye strain because your eyes constantly adjust between the bright screen and the surrounding darkness. This can lead to fatigue and discomfort after long gaming sessions.
  • Poor Room Lighting: If the room is too dark, you may feel disoriented when you need to get up, especially during a long gaming session.

2. Gaming With Lights On

• Pros:

  • Reduced Eye Strain: Having ambient light in the room can help reduce eye strain. It balances the contrast between the bright screen and the dark room, which makes it easier on your eyes.
  • Improved Focus: With the right amount of soft light, your brain won’t be distracted by the complete darkness of the room. This can help with longer gaming sessions without feeling fatigued.
  • Aesthetic Lighting: Adding RGB lighting or strategically placed lamps can enhance the gaming atmosphere and make your setup feel more stylish, creating a more enjoyable environment.

• Cons:

  • Distractions: Bright lights or overly colorful lighting can distract from the game, especially in fast-paced or competitive games. It can also affect your ability to focus on specific details on the screen.
  • Glare: Depending on the placement of the light source, you might get reflections or glare on your screen, which can interfere with your experience, especially if you have a glossy monitor.

3. Optimal Lighting Setup

If you’re looking to create a balance between immersion and comfort, here are some tips:

• Soft Backlighting: Consider adding ambient lighting behind your monitor, like LED strips. This helps create a soft glow that reduces eye strain while not distracting from the gameplay.
• RGB Lights: For added style, you can use RGB lights that can change colors based on the game’s mood. This can create a dynamic and immersive atmosphere.
• Adjustable Lighting: Use a desk lamp with adjustable brightness so you can fine-tune the level of light based on your comfort and the type of game you're playing.

Conclusion

Ultimately, it’s better to have lights on while gaming for the sake of comfort and eye health, but it’s important to manage the lighting carefully. Dim or soft lighting that doesn’t compete with the brightness of your screen is ideal for a gaming environment. Try experimenting with different lighting options and see which setup works best for your gaming style!