Variable Frame Timing Affects Perception of Smoothness in First-Person Gaming

Devi Klein, Josef B. Spjut, Ben Boudaoud, Joohwan Kim

Abstract: With the advent of variable refresh rate (VRR) monitor technologies, gamers experience variable frame timing (VFT) during their gameplay. Combining VRR with low-latency GPU rendering and increased display refresh rates enables smoother variation of frame presentation sequences. Here, we assess how VFT affects self-reported perceived smoothness of game play by introducing frequent but relatively small ($\mathbf{(4 - 1 2 ~ m s}$) variations in frame time around typical refresh rates (30-240 Hz). Our results demonstrate that VFT degrades the perceived smoothness of game play for large variation in frame time (12 ms) but has a diminished effect on perceived smoothness for small variations in frame time (4 ms).