How does internet latency affect online gaming performance?.

Internet latency is the time it takes for data to travel from the player's device to the game server and back. High latency can result in lag, which negatively impacts gameplay by causing delays in actions and responses. Here are key points to consider:

Key Facts

• Definition: Latency is measured in milliseconds (ms).
• Ideal latency: Below 30ms is considered excellent for online gaming.
• Acceptable range: 30ms to 100ms is generally acceptable; above 100ms may cause noticeable lag.
• High latency effects: Can lead to missed shots, delayed movements, and overall poor gaming experience.

Examples or Use Cases

• First-person shooters (FPS): In FPS games, a latency of more than 50ms can lead to competitive disadvantages.
• MMORPGs: High latency can affect real-time interactions with other players and NPCs, disrupting gameplay flow.

FAQs

• What is considered high latency for gaming? Latency above 100ms is typically seen as high and can affect gameplay.
• How can I reduce latency? Using a wired connection, optimizing your network, and selecting game servers closer to your location can help.