Why Pro Gamers Stick with Flat Monitors: The Unvarnished Truth
Professional gamers are a breed apart. Their livelihoods depend on razor-sharp reflexes, unwavering focus, and equipment that can keep pace with their demanding skills. While curved monitors have gained traction in the broader gaming community, the pro scene largely remains loyal to flat monitors. But why? The answer boils down to a blend of performance, practicality, and established habits.
The primary reasons pro gamers prefer flat monitors are reduced distortion, wider viewing angles, lower latency, and familiarity. In competitive first-person shooters (FPS), milliseconds matter. The slight distortion inherent in curved monitors can negatively impact aim and situational awareness, particularly at the edges of the screen. Flat monitors, on the other hand, provide a consistent, distortion-free image across the entire display. The wider viewing angles of flat monitors are also crucial, allowing pros to quickly scan their surroundings without having to physically turn their heads as much. Furthermore, some flat monitors, especially those designed for esports, often boast incredibly low input latency, giving pros a slight edge in reaction time. Finally, professional gamers often invest heavily in specific setups and configurations to hone their performance. Switching to curved monitors after years of competing with flat screens can disrupt their finely tuned muscle memory and lead to performance dips. This resistance to change is not about stubbornness; it’s about maximizing consistency and minimizing risk in a high-stakes environment.
Diving Deeper: Performance Advantages of Flat Monitors
Distortion and Competitive Play
Curved monitors aim to immerse the player by wrapping the image around their field of vision. However, this curvature introduces distortion, especially near the edges of the screen. In fast-paced FPS games, this distortion can be a significant disadvantage. Pro gamers need to be able to accurately assess distances and track targets across the entire screen. Even a subtle distortion can throw off their aim and reaction time. Flat monitors, with their consistent geometry, eliminate this variable, providing a level playing field for all players. GamesLearningSociety.org offers some fascinating research into gaming and player perception.
The Importance of Viewing Angles
While curved monitors are designed to be viewed from a specific sweet spot, flat monitors offer wider viewing angles. This is particularly important in team-based games where pros need to quickly glance at different parts of the screen to gather information. The wider viewing angles of flat monitors allow them to do this without having to physically reposition themselves. The ability to see everything clearly from a variety of angles is paramount for effective communication and coordination within a team.
Latency: The Silent Killer
Input latency, the delay between an action and its corresponding response on the screen, is a critical factor in competitive gaming. Even a few milliseconds of lag can be the difference between a win and a loss. While curved monitors have made strides in reducing latency, many flat monitors still boast lower input lag due to their simpler design and mature technology. Pro gamers prioritize responsiveness above all else, and flat monitors often deliver the fastest and most consistent performance in this regard.
The Psychological Factor: Comfort and Familiarity
Beyond the technical advantages, there’s a psychological aspect to the preference for flat monitors. Pro gamers spend countless hours practicing and competing with their chosen equipment. They develop a deep understanding of how their monitor behaves and how to optimize their performance accordingly. Switching to a curved monitor, even if it offers some potential benefits, can disrupt this established workflow and introduce uncertainty. The comfort and familiarity of flat monitors provide a sense of stability and confidence that is invaluable in high-pressure situations. Furthermore, it’s not uncommon for professional gamers to have sponsorship deals where they are required to use specific equipment. If their sponsor provides flat monitors, they may not have the option to switch to curved, regardless of personal preference.
The Cost Factor: A Practical Consideration
Professional gaming is a business, and cost is always a factor. While the price gap between flat and curved monitors has narrowed, flat monitors are generally still more affordable. For teams and organizations that need to equip multiple players with high-performance monitors, the cost savings of opting for flat screens can be significant. The money saved on monitors can then be invested in other essential resources, such as coaching, travel, and marketing.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Monitor Technology
The debate between flat and curved monitors is likely to continue as technology evolves. Curved monitors are constantly improving, with manufacturers addressing issues like distortion and latency. However, flat monitors are also becoming more advanced, with features like higher refresh rates, faster response times, and improved color accuracy. Ultimately, the choice between flat and curved monitors is a personal one. However, for professional gamers, the performance advantages of flat monitors, combined with their familiarity and cost-effectiveness, make them the preferred choice for now. As researchers at the Games Learning Society continue to study the intersection of gaming and human performance, we may see future shifts in professional gamers’ monitor preferences as they seek every possible edge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are curved monitors objectively “bad” for gaming?
No, curved monitors are not inherently bad for gaming. They offer a more immersive experience and can be beneficial for single-player games or for gamers who prioritize visual appeal over pure competitive performance. However, the potential for distortion and the adjustment period required can be detrimental in professional settings.
2. Do curved monitors cause eye strain?
Curved monitors can potentially reduce eye strain for some users because they more closely match the natural curvature of the human eye. This can lead to a more comfortable viewing experience, especially during long gaming sessions. However, individual experiences vary.
3. What monitor size is best for competitive gaming?
Most pro gamers use 24-inch or 27-inch monitors. 24-inch monitors are a popular choice because they allow players to see the entire screen without having to move their heads as much. 27-inch monitors offer a slightly larger viewing area, which can be beneficial for some games.
4. What refresh rate do pro gamers use?
Pro gamers almost universally use monitors with high refresh rates, typically 144Hz or higher. Higher refresh rates result in smoother, more responsive gameplay, which is essential for competitive gaming.
5. Is a 1ms response time necessary for competitive gaming?
A 1ms response time is highly desirable for competitive gaming. Faster response times reduce ghosting and blurring, resulting in a clearer and more responsive image. While not strictly necessary, it can provide a noticeable advantage.
6. Do curved monitors affect FPS (frames per second)?
Curved monitors themselves do not directly affect FPS. FPS is determined by your computer’s hardware (CPU and GPU) and the game settings. However, a higher resolution monitor may require more processing power, which could indirectly lower FPS.
7. Why do pro gamers sit so close to their monitors?
Sitting close to the monitor allows pro gamers to see every detail on the screen and react more quickly to in-game events. It also helps to minimize distractions and maintain focus.
8. Is IPS or VA better for gaming?
IPS panels are generally considered better for gaming due to their faster response times, wider viewing angles, and more accurate color reproduction. VA panels offer deeper blacks and higher contrast ratios, but they can suffer from slower response times and ghosting.
9. Do streamers use curved monitors?
Some streamers use curved monitors for their immersive qualities, but many prioritize high-performance flat monitors for the reasons outlined above. It ultimately depends on their priorities and the type of content they create.
10. Are curved monitors a gimmick?
Curved monitors are not a gimmick. They offer legitimate benefits, such as increased immersion and potentially reduced eye strain. However, they are not a necessity for everyone, and the benefits may not be worth the extra cost for all users, especially at smaller screen sizes.
11. Can I use a curved monitor for productivity tasks?
Yes, curved monitors can be used for productivity tasks. The wider viewing area and increased immersion can be beneficial for tasks such as multitasking and video editing.
12. What resolution do pro gamers typically use?
Most pro gamers use 1080p resolution. While higher resolutions offer sharper visuals, they also require more processing power and can reduce FPS. Pro gamers prioritize high FPS over visual fidelity.
13. Why do pro gamers prefer smaller monitors?
Smaller monitors are easier to scan quickly with your eyes, allowing you to take in more information without having to move your head as much. Smaller monitors are easier to focus on during intense matches.
14. What are the disadvantages of using curved monitors?
Some disadvantages include potential image distortion at the edges, limited viewing angles for multiple viewers, and higher cost compared to flat monitors.
15. Is a 75Hz monitor good for gaming?
While playable, 75Hz is not ideal for competitive gaming. A 144Hz or higher monitor is recommended for a smoother and more responsive gaming experience.