Skip to main content

Sony Warns of Possible 3D Health Risks

A new warning has appeared on Sony’s online Terms of Service, that warns users of a few potential pitfalls to enjoying 3D gaming.

First spotted by Joystiq, the new terms read:

Recommended Videos

“Some people may experience discomfort (such as eye strain, eye fatigue or nausea) while watching 3D video images or playing stereoscopic 3D games on 3D televisions. If you experience such discomfort, you should immediately discontinue use of your television until the discomfort subsides.

“SCEA recommends that all viewers take regular breaks while watching 3D video or playing stereoscopic 3D games. The length and frequency of necessary breaks may vary from person to person. Please take breaks that are long enough to allow any feelings of discomfort to subside. If symptoms persist, consult a doctor.

“The vision of young children (especially those under six years old) is still under development. SCEA recommends that you consult your doctor (such as a pediatrician or eye doctor) before allowing young children to watch 3D video images or play stereoscopic 3D games. Adults should supervise young children to ensure they follow the recommendations listed above.”

Earlier this year, Samsung released a similar set of warnings that warned against:

“(1) altered vision; (2)lightheadedness; (3) dizziness; (4) involuntary movements such as eye or muscle twitching; (5) confusion; (6) nausea; (7) loss of awareness; (8) convulsions; (9) cramps; and/ or (10) disorientation,” the Samsung’s press release said.

It is worth noting that manufacturers frequently list any and all potential concerns with any technology to avoid potential lawsuits, but with the current generation of 3D technology still in its infancy, it is worth noting.

Ryan Fleming
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Ryan Fleming is the Gaming and Cinema Editor for Digital Trends. He joined the DT staff in 2009 after spending time covering…
Here’s what E3 2023 could look like without Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft
Playstation character wall at E3 2018

Let's start with the good news: E3 2023 will be held in its in-person format once again after three long years of digital events necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, this time with ReedPop at the helm. The bad news is that Sony, Xbox, and Nintendo -- gaming's "Big 3" -- may not show up at the industry’s biggest convention this summer.

This is according to a report from IGN citing multiple sources, who claimed the companies won’t be a part of the show or make appearances on the floor at the Los Angeles Convention Center in any way. Their absence from this year’s E3, especially Nintendo’s, may come as a shock to the gaming community, but it's not such a surprise when looking at the past few iterations of E3. Even before the pandemic locked everyone down in 2020, Sony and Xbox had been hosting their own E3-style livestreams, so it was more likely they would do it again this year anyway. Nintendo, on the other hand, managed to show off its upcoming games via Nintendo Direct streams and at its booth, console kiosks and all.

Read more
Wolfenstein 3D and more classic Bethesda games join PC Game Pass
classic bethesda games pc game pass quake champions

Bethesda has announced that it added six titles to the PC Game Pass service today, most of which are from the 1990s or early 2000s. However, there is no word about them being included on Xbox Game Pass for console or cloud.

The six new games include Wolfenstein 3D, Return to Castle Wolfenstein, Quake 4, Quake Champions, An Elder Scrolls Legend: Battlespire, and The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard.

Read more
PS Plus Premium lineup includes Final Fantasy, VR games, and more
Screenshot of Sam causing an explosion in Death Stranding with an enemy getting blasted away.

Today, PlayStation shared the full list of PS1, PS2, PS4, and PS5 games that are part of the new games library for PlayStation Plus Premium and Extra subscribers as the service started to roll out in Asia.

PlayStation Plus' relaunch in North America is just around the corner, but Sony fans in Asia are getting a first look at these new models for Sony's subscription service. On top of allowing members to play online and get two free games a month, PS Plus Premium and Extra contain a library of games similar to Xbox Game Pass. Today, we got a look at what that list actually looks like.

Read more