Field of view

Field of view, or FOV, describes how wide the game’s camera sees. A narrow field of view is like looking through a telescope: things appear larger and closer, but you see less around the edges. A wide field of view shows more of your surroundings, with objects looking smaller and the edges of the picture sometimes slightly stretched. FOV is usually given as an angle, for example 70 or 90 degrees, though games measure it in different ways, so numbers are not always comparable between games.

FOV is different from view distance, which controls how far into the distance the game draws detail.

Seeing more versus seeing further

FOV affects both comfort and play. In first-person games, a wider field of view lets you notice more of what is happening around you, which some competitive players value. A narrower one makes distant targets larger. Your seating also matters: sitting close to a large monitor suits a wider FOV, while sitting further from a TV often suits a narrower one.

Comfort and motion sickness

Some people feel queasy, dizzy or get headaches during first-person games, often described as motion sickness or simulation sickness. Adjusting game settings can help some players. Commonly suggested changes include widening the FOV, reducing or turning off camera shake, head bob and motion blur, and taking regular breaks. If symptoms are bothersome or persist, stop playing, and see the NHS guidance on motion sickness for general advice.

Finding the setting

FOV options are common in PC games and increasingly found on consoles, usually in display, camera or accessibility menus. Not every game has one. If you or a family member struggles with comfort in a particular game, check reviews or accessibility guides before buying, as these often mention whether FOV and motion options are available. Third-person games, where the camera sits behind your character, tend to cause fewer comfort problems for many people.