Am I Playing Better Now? The Effects of G-SYNC in 60Hz Gameplay

TL;DR

This study investigates how G-SYNC technology impacts gameplay at 60Hz, revealing it benefits experienced players and enhances performance, though its emotional effects are limited.

Contribution

It provides the first analysis of G-SYNC's effects at 60Hz, extending prior research from 30Hz to more common gaming frame rates.

Findings

G-SYNC improves performance for veteran players at 60Hz.

Effects of G-SYNC are less pronounced at 60Hz than at 30Hz.

G-SYNC's emotional impact on players is limited.

Abstract

G-SYNC technology matches formerly regular display refreshes to irregular frame updates, improving frame rates and interactive latency. In a previous study of gaming at the 30Hz frame rates common on consoles, players of Battlefield 4 were unable to discern when G-SYNC was in use, but scored higher with G-SYNC and were affected emotionally. We build on that study with the first examination of G-SYNC's effects at the 60Hz frame rate more common in PC gaming and on emerging consoles. Though G-SYNC's effects are less at 60Hz than they were at 30Hz, G-SYNC can still improve the performance of veteran players, particularly when games are challenging. G-SYNC's effects on emotion and experience were limited.