Games

The Ongoing Debate: 30fps vs 60fps vs 120fps

February 15, 2024

The Ongoing Debate: 30fps vs 60fps vs 120fps

What is FPS?

FPS stands for frames per second. It refers to how many still images your monitor displays per second to create the illusion of motion. The more frames per second (FPS), the smoother and more realistic the motion appears.

Common FPS rates include:

30 FPS – The standard for films and TV. Provides smooth enough motion for most applications.
60 FPS – Considered the sweet spot for gaming and live-action footage. Provides very smooth motion.
120 FPS – An emerging standard for high-end applications like esports gaming. Provides extremely fluid lifelike motion.

So in summary, a higher FPS rate leads to a smoother, more lifelike visual experience. But you need a monitor with a high enough refresh rate to actually see those extra frames.

The Case for 30 FPS

30 FPS has been the standard in TV and film for decades. At this frame rate, motion appears smooth enough for the human eye in most applications.

Some arguments in favor of 30 FPS:

File sizes – 30 FPS video has smaller file sizes compared to 60 or 120 FPS footage. This makes it easier to store and transmit.
Backward compatibility – 30 FPS is universally supported across devices, from smartphones to Blu-Ray players. Higher FPS footage may not play smoothly everywhere.
Aesthetic – Some filmmakers argue that 30 FPS has a distinctive “cinematic” look. Higher frame rates can look too “smooth” for certain creative works.

So in situations where small file size, universal playback, and a classic film look are priorities, 30 FPS is still a valid choice.

The Case for 60 FPS

60 FPS is now the standard for gaming and live-action footage. At this frame rate, motion appears extremely smooth and responsive, almost lifelike.

Arguments in favor of 60 FPS:

Responsiveness – The added smoothness makes gameplay more precise and responsive, especially in fast-paced games.
Immersion – The lifelike motion increases the feeling of immersion in games and action footage.
Clarity – 60 FPS can make video appear cleaner and sharper, especially during fast motion.

For gaming, live sports, and video production, 60 FPS is now the common target. The smoothness makes a big difference in gameplay and viewing experience. Viewers can easily tell the difference between 30 FPS and 60 FPS video.

The Case for 120+ FPS

120 FPS and above is an emerging format targeted at high-end gaming PCs and esports. At 120+ FPS, motion becomes buttery smooth with virtually no blur during fast movement.

Arguments for 120+ FPS:

Hyper-responsive gameplay – Every frame matters in competitive gaming, so 120+ FPS gives players an edge with lightning fast on-screen response.
Ultimate immersion – The added smoothness heightens the feeling of being in the game, crucial for VR and simulation apps.
Future-proofing – As display technology improves, 120+ FPS will become more common. Supporting higher frame rates now will extend the lifespan of games.

However, there are downsides:

Steep hardware requirements – Achieving over 100 FPS requires top-tier PC hardware and monitors with a 120Hz+ refresh rate.
Diminishing returns – The differences between 60 FPS and 120 FPS are less noticeable for general gameplay.

So for most, 60 FPS hits the sweet spot. But 120 FPS and up makes sense for competitive gaming where every millisecond counts. As hardware continues to improve, it will likely become the new standard.

When Does FPS Matter Most?

Not all content requires high FPS. Here are some examples of when FPS makes the biggest impact:

Competitive gaming – Every frame matters in esports and multiplayer shooters. 120+ FPS gives players an edge.
VR/simulation – High FPS is key for achieving immersion and preventing motion sickness in VR.
Live action video – Fast motion will appear cleaner at 60+ FPS. Great for sports and action cams.
Animation – Higher FPS makes movement more fluid in 3D or stop motion animation.

FPS matters less for:

Cinematic footage – 24-30 FPS is often still used for the “film look.”
Turn-based games – Slower paced games like RPGs are still very playable at 30 FPS.
2D gameplay – Simple or retro 2D games often look fine at 30 FPS.

So in summary, competitive games, VR, live action video, and animation benefit most from higher FPS. But for cinematic or casual content, 30 FPS is often sufficient. Evaluate your needs and hardware capabilities when deciding which FPS target makes sense.

Achieving Higher FPS

To take advantage of 60+ FPS, you need:

Higher resolution – Output more frames each second without sacrificing image quality. Requires strong GPU.
Faster display – A monitor with a 60Hz, 120Hz, or 240Hz+ refresh rate to actually see those extra frames.
Optimized settings – Tweak in-game settings for optimal FPS. Turn down resource-heavy settings like shadows.
Reduced load – Close background programs and processes to devote more resources to the game.

Upgrading from 30 FPS to 60 FPS is achievable for many users. Going above 100+ FPS still requires top-tier (and expensive) GPUs and monitors. Evaluate your budget and needs when deciding what frame rate target makes sense.

Conclusion

While 30 FPS was once the across the board standard, 60 FPS and above offers tangible benefits for gaming, VR, animation, and video production. But it requirescapable hardware and monitors. 30 FPS still excels for cinematic footage and casual games. There is no single “right” FPS – choose the frame rate that makes sense based on your specific needs and capabilities. As hardware improves over time, 60+ FPS will become the new norm.