FPS in games: What is frame rate per second, what does it affect, and what FPS is considered a good indicator

Contents:

• What is FPS
• How does FPS affect games
• How to determine FPS in games
• How FPS in games differs from frame rate in movies

FPS in video games is a subject of constant debate. What is preferable – a stable 30 frames per second on consoles or an unstable 60 frames per second on PC, which can drop to 40 or even 20 frames? Some players claim that 120 FPS is optimal. But is this really true, and how does frame rate affect gameplay?

Frame rate directly affects the smoothness of the game and the perception of dynamics. A high FPS provides a sharper image and reduces lag, which is especially important in fast-paced shooters and competitive games. A low FPS can lead to blurry images and difficulty in control, which negatively affects the gaming experience.

In addition to comfort, FPS also affects the player's reaction time and their ability to make decisions in critical situations. Players running at 60 FPS and above can react faster to enemy actions, which can be a decisive factor in a game.

Therefore, the choice between stability and high frame rates depends on player preference and the type of game. It is important to understand that the ideal FPS can vary depending on the genre and individual requirements.

Skillbox Media's Gamedev editorial team answers important questions regarding gaming performance. In this article, we will look at how to correctly determine the frame rate (FPS) in a game and explain the difference between high and low frame rates. Understanding these aspects will help you improve your gaming experience and make the right choices when setting graphics in games.

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• What is FPS?
• How does FPS affect games?
• How to determine FPS in games?
• How does FPS in games differ from frame rate in movies?

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What is FPS?

FPS (from frame per second) is a measure of the number of frames displayed in one second. This term is widely used to evaluate image smoothness in video games. The higher the FPS value, the smoother and more natural the animation and movement in the game appear. High FPS values ​​contribute to a better gaming experience, providing more precise controls and visual clarity. Players strive to choose games and hardware that can maintain a high FPS level for the ultimate gaming experience.

While it is often said that the higher the frame rate, the better, it is important to understand that this value has a limit. The optimal frame rate is considered to be 60 FPS, which provides a smooth image in most modern games. A frame rate of 30 FPS is also common, especially in console games. Esports shooters often feature 120 FPS, which ensures the smoothest possible image. In these games, where every detail can impact the outcome of a match, extra frames are critical to success.

How FPS Affects Games

Frame rate, or FPS, plays a key role in the visual perception of a game. It determines the smoothness of the image and affects the overall comfort during the game. If the frame rate drops below 30 frames per second, players begin to notice delays, lags, and other problems that may arise due to insufficient hardware. Thus, FPS becomes the main indicator of game performance, important for ensuring a high-quality gaming experience. A high frame rate not only improves graphics but also contributes to more responsive controls, which is especially important in fast-paced games.

Steady performance in games is often more important than a high frame rate. Players may perceive a frame rate of 30 FPS as more comfortable than 35-45 FPS if it is unstable and periodically drops. Any such fluctuation causes a feeling of lag, as the brain is adjusted to a fixed frame rate. Therefore, to ensure a high-quality gaming experience, it is necessary to strive for stable performance, which avoids unpleasant situations and guarantees a smooth gameplay.

A game's frame rate largely depends on the platform it is running on. On PC, the main limitation is the hardware power, which can vary significantly. This often creates challenges when optimizing a game, as achieving consistent performance on all computers is impossible due to the large number of possible hardware combinations. Optimization requires taking into account various hardware characteristics, making the process complex and multifaceted.

When developing games for consoles with fixed hardware, the optimization process becomes more manageable, as the game must be adapted to the specific standards of each console. However, this poses another problem: the device's power is often insufficient to achieve 60 frames per second. As a result, developers are forced to limit the frame rate to 30 frames per second. This compromise ensures stability, although it reduces overall game performance.

With the advent of newer gaming consoles such as the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, developers have begun targeting 60 frames per second, made possible by their powerful hardware. While these consoles are advertised as capable of supporting 120 frames per second, this only applies to a limited number of games. For example, on PlayStation 5, games like Fortnite, Devil May Cry 5 - Special Edition, and God of War: Ragnarok can run at high frame rates at certain settings. Similarly, on Xbox Series X, 120 FPS is available in games like Minecraft Dungeons and Overwatch 2. High frame rates improve gameplay, providing a smoother and more responsive experience, which is essential for today's gamers. We've never limited developers' goals on our platform, whether it's 60 FPS on Xbox 360 or 4K at 60 FPS on Xbox One X. Our goal is to provide them with the tools they need to create games on any of our devices. With the launch of Xbox One X, we've reached a new level of graphical quality, but we continue to strive for improvement. We want games to not only look amazing but also deliver a great experience. Looking to the future, we'll focus not just on resolution and pixel count, but also on how games are experienced by players through high frame rates.

Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, discussed key aspects of the company's strategy for the development of the gaming industry in a 2020 interview. He emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive environment for players and developers, which contributes to a wider audience and better games. Spencer also noted that Xbox is committed to innovation, including cloud technologies and subscription services that are changing the way people access games. It's important that the company actively listens to feedback from the community, which allows it to adapt to changing user needs and remain competitive in the market.

Many developers working with Sony share a similar opinion.

4K resolution is optimal and will be relevant for a long time. However, instead of the standard 60 frames per second, I strive to increase the frame rate to 120 or even 240 frames per second. This, in my opinion, will be a significant step forward in the development of video games. High frame rates provide smoother and more responsive gameplay, which is especially important in modern games, where every split second can change the outcome of a battle. Increasing the frame rate not only improves visual perception but also promotes deeper immersion in the game world. Kazunori Yamauchi, the director of the Gran Turismo series, shared his thoughts on the future of video games and how Gran Turismo continues to evolve in a 2020 interview. He noted the importance of realistic driving and conveying the emotions experienced by drivers on the track. Yamauchi also emphasized that attention to detail, such as vehicle physics and graphics, remains at the core of development. Gran Turismo strives not only to entertain but also to educate players about motorsports and automotive engineering. In this context, Yamauchi discussed plans to implement new technologies and improve the gameplay experience to attract both new and dedicated fans of the series.

In single-player games, frame rate does matter, although it is not the deciding factor. However, in esports, a high FPS becomes critical to success. A high frame rate ensures smoother gameplay, improves reaction times, and allows for quick responses to opponents. Therefore, for esports athletes, FPS optimization is one of the key aspects to pay attention to.

When choosing equipment for competitions, professional players also consider the screen refresh rate. This characteristic determines how quickly and frequently the image on the display is updated. For example, at 60 Hz, the frame is updated every 16 milliseconds, and at 144 Hz, every 6 milliseconds. A high refresh rate ensures a smooth image and reduces latency, which can significantly improve gaming results. Therefore, it is important to choose devices with an appropriate refresh rate to achieve maximum gaming performance.

A high monitor refresh rate may not notice the difference in perception, but it plays a vital role in fine motor skills. Esports athletes playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive can use an extra 10 milliseconds for more precise aiming after years of training. To achieve their maximum potential, professional players require high-end devices, even though Counter-Strike doesn't have strict hardware requirements.

An example of improved gaming experience is Call of Duty: Black Ops - Cold War. In 2019, NVIDIA, a graphics card manufacturer, conducted a study on so-called "flick shots" – moments when a player quickly aims at an enemy and fires accurately. In Black Ops, using a monitor with a 360Hz refresh rate improves shooting accuracy by 4% compared to 240Hz. This seemingly insignificant increase can play a decisive role in a competitive gaming environment.

We always support developers in their aspirations on our platform, whether it's achieving 60 FPS on Xbox 360 or 4K and 60 FPS on Xbox One X. Our goal is to provide the tools to help them create games for all of our platforms. With the introduction of Xbox One X, we have achieved impressive graphical results, but we still have room for further improvement. We strive to ensure that games not only look great but also provide an immersive experience. Going forward, we plan to focus not only on resolution, but also on the gaming experience that high frame rates provide.

Phil Spencer, General Manager of Xbox, shared his views on the future of gaming in a 2020 interview. He noted the importance of technological development and its impact on player interaction. Spencer also emphasized the importance of creating high-quality content and making games accessible to a wide audience. An important aspect of his remarks was Xbox's commitment to integrating cloud technologies, which opens new horizons for gamers. He emphasized that Xbox will continue to work to improve the gaming experience, as well as support indie developers, which contributes to the diversity of game content. Spencer expressed confidence that the future of gaming will be associated with innovation and constant interaction with the community.

How to determine FPS in games

There are various ways to determine how many frames per second (FPS) a particular game produces. One of the simplest methods is to use the built-in benchmark. This mode tests and displays the maximum frame rate in a variety of conditions, including empty locations, scenes with many objects, as well as with a large number of enemies and complex visual effects. However, it's important to note that not all games offer such a benchmark, which can make it difficult to accurately measure performance. Alternative methods for checking FPS include using third-party programs and utilities that provide frame rate data during gameplay.

One option for tracking frame rate in games is to use third-party software. The most well-known program for this purpose is Fraps. It not only allows you to take screenshots but also displays the current FPS counter in the game. This makes Fraps a popular choice among gamers looking to optimize their gaming settings and improve performance. Using Fraps helps players better understand how changes to graphics settings affect game performance, which is especially useful for those seeking the highest quality gaming experience.

If you're unhappy with the frames per second (FPS) in a game, one solution may be to lower the graphics settings. This is only available to PC users. However, consoles also now offer a graphics mode that allows you to find a balance between resolution and frame rate. For example, you can select a high resolution with 30 FPS or lower the resolution to achieve 60 FPS. However, these settings cannot be considered full-fledged graphics parameters.

How FPS in games differs from the frame rate in movies

In cinema, the standard frame rate is 24 frames per second (FPS). This indicator is the most comfortable for viewers, providing a smooth and natural image. 24 FPS helps create the effect of cinematic realism, which makes films more attractive and exciting.

The frame rate of film was first consciously determined by the pioneers of cinematography, the Lumiere brothers. It was 16 frames per second, which was the result of carefully thought-out calculations. At the same time, the consumption of 35-mm film was equal to one foot (0.3048 meters) per second. This approach became the basis for the further development of the film industry and had a significant impact on the technology of filming and playback.

During the silent film era, the projection speed of films often exceeded the shooting frequency. The projectionist, controlling the projector handle, chose the showing speed depending on the emotional mood of the film and the reaction of the audience, varying the speed from 18 to 30 frames per second. This art of tempo control made it possible to create a unique atmosphere and enhance the impact of a film on the audience.

With the advent of sound films, the situation in the film industry changed. Different sound playback speeds led to a change in frequency, as a result of which the actors' voices sounded higher. This prompted American film companies to consider creating a single standard. In 1926, the 24 frames per second (fps) standard was established as a compromise between image smoothness, film consumption, and the technical capabilities of the time. This is the frame rate at which we continue to watch movies to this day, highlighting the importance of standardization in the film industry to ensure a high-quality viewing experience.

Modern directors sometimes experiment with higher frame rates to create smoother images and enhance the viewer's immersion. A prime example of this approach is Peter Jackson's The Hobbit, which was shot at 48 fps. Also worth noting is Ang Lee's Gemini Man, which used 120 fps. These experiments open new horizons in cinematography, allowing viewers to have a unique viewing experience.

Game performance and frame rate depend not only on your hardware but also on quality optimization by the developers. Their main goal is to create a game that will run effectively on various configurations and gaming devices, while providing a high FPS level. Optimization involves the use of modern technologies and methods, which allows to reduce the load on the hardware and improve the gaming process for a wide audience.

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Graphics optimization in games is a key aspect of development, which directly affects performance and visual quality. Key optimization techniques include using low-resolution textures, which reduces the load on the graphics card without significantly losing image quality. Efficient use of levels of detail (LODs) also plays a key role: depending on the distance to an object, the game can load more or less detailed models.

Also, optimizing lighting and shadows is important. Alternative methods, such as shadow maps and pre-computed lighting, help reduce computational costs. Texture compression technology, which reduces memory footprint without noticeable loss of quality, is also worth mentioning.

Another important aspect is optimizing the code and algorithms used for rendering graphics. Efficient algorithms can significantly speed up the drawing process, which is especially important in open-world games. Using technologies such as culling and batching helps reduce the number of objects that need to be processed in each frame, improving overall game performance.

In conclusion, graphics optimization in games includes a variety of methods and technologies aimed at achieving a balance between image quality and performance. Correct application of these approaches allows you to create an engaging and responsive gaming experience.