Not way back, I purchased a VR headset in anticipation of the then-upcoming Resident Evil 4 port. (I’ve an issue, I do know.) Since then, I’ve performed an excellent quantity of VR. Or fairly, I used to be doing that till it bought so rattling sizzling out that now I’d fairly do something however put a sizzling, sweaty VR headset on my face or sit close to a big PC or console pumping out heat air.
Replace: 6/23/2025: This story was initially revealed on August 2, 2021. It was later up to date in July 2022 to include European warmth waves and different information. It has been up to date once more so as to add details about warmth waves in Alaska and NYC.
Previous summers noticed report temperatures throughout the US, even in locations which have traditionally prevented such outrageous warmth. And these warmth waves proceed to hammer thousands and thousands of parents, resulting in fatalities. In 2022, Europe suffered by its worst warmth wave in historical past, setting new and harmful temperature data. The new climate in 2022 was so unhealthy that Google and different corporations struggled to maintain servers on-line as they have been failing as a result of intense warmth. In the meantime, Valve and Nintendo warned people that the Steam Deck and Swap won’t work correctly in these excessive situations. And now in 2025, elements of Alaska have been put beneath a warmth advisory warning for the primary time in historical past. New York Metropolis is setting warmth data, too, with some faculties closing as a result of lethal excessive temperatures. On June 23, NYC was put beneath an “Excessive Warmth Warning,” the best warmth advisory degree.
All of that is nearly definitely a symptom of the continuing results of worldwide warming, which is throwing our total planet into weather-related chaos and destruction. To place it one other means: Shit is unhealthy.
I say all this to make it clear that the unbelievable warmth we’re seeing proper now’s severe and is hurting and killing individuals. Clearly, the truth that I or others can’t play video video games comfortably may be very far down on the checklist of issues attributable to international warming. However it’s nonetheless annoying, and speaking to others who’re experiencing this warmth, it’s clear I’m not alone.
I reside in Kansas, the place we have now fortunately been capable of keep away from among the increased temperatures seen in locations like Seattle, NYC, and the UK. Even nonetheless, on this warmth, I can’t play VR video games comfortably, given how sweaty and uncomfortable the headset rapidly turns into. While you think about that many good VR video games ask you to face, transfer round and use movement controls, the prospect turns into even much less interesting. It’s a simple technique to overheat on hotter days like these. It’s a disgrace as a result of I do like enjoying VR video games like Beat Saber; I simply can’t do it whereas temperatures hover round or over 100.
It’s not simply VR that feels uncomfortable to play throughout these abnormally blistering occasions. Extra graphically spectacular video games on my PC trigger additional warmth to construct up in my tiny residence workplace. Consoles additionally spit out a stunning quantity of sizzling air while you play video games that push the {hardware}. The Xbox Collection X, particularly, may be very efficient at expelling burning sizzling air at a fast charge. This is superb for the console, after all. However it additionally implies that I’ve a mini-jet engine cooking me alive. Not less than it’s quiet whereas I soften.
I spoke to some buddies who’re experiencing comparable points. A few of them are avoiding sure video games on particular platforms proper now as a result of it’s too rattling sizzling, and since operating your AC all day is dear and unhealthy for the setting. I personally attempt to restrict how usually I run our house’s AC system, and if I can avoid wasting cash and electrical energy by skipping some classes of Marvel Rivals, that looks as if an excellent trade-off.
And certain, as these people on that once-popular present usually mentioned, “Winter is coming.” Properly, first fall, then winter. The purpose is: Cooler and colder days aren’t too far-off. However as these excessive shifts in climate and local weather develop into extra frequent and extra excessive yearly, I anticipate the summer season months to develop into a fair worse time to make use of electronics that produce tons of warmth.
In fact, as issues worsen, having the ability to play video games comfortably will in all probability develop into one in every of my decrease priorities behind issues like discovering water, staying cool, and preventing off roving bandits looking down any sources they will discover. Nonetheless, I’ll miss enjoying video video games.
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