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 quantity of VR. Or relatively, I used to be till it bought so rattling scorching out that now I’d relatively do something however put a scorching, 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 heatwaves and different information. It has been up to date once more so as to add details about heatwaves in Alaska and NYC.
Previous summers noticed document temperatures throughout america, even in locations which have traditionally averted such outrageous warmth. And these heatwaves proceed to hammer tens of millions of oldsters, resulting in fatalities. In 2022, Europe is struggling by the worst heatwave in historical past, setting new and harmful temperature data. The recent climate in 2022 was so dangerous that Google and different corporations are struggling to maintain servers on-line as they fail because of the intense warmth. In the meantime, Valve and Nintendo warned people that the Steam Deck and Swap may not work correctly in these excessive circumstances. And now in 2025, components of Alaska have been put underneath a warmth advisory warning for the primary time in historical past. New York Metropolis is setting warmth data, too, with some faculties closing because of the lethal excessive temperatures. On June 23, NYC was put underneath an “Excessive Warmth Warning,” the best warmth advisory stage.
All of that is nearly definitely a symptom of the continued results of worldwide warming, which is throwing our whole planet into weather-related chaos and destruction. To place it one other method: Shit is dangerous.
I say all this to make it clear that the unbelievable warmth we’re seeing proper now could be critical and is hurting and killing folks. Clearly, the truth that I or others can’t play video video games comfortably may be very far down on the listing 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’ve got fortunately been capable of keep away from a number of the increased temperatures seen elsewhere 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 shortly turns into. Once 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 approach to overheat throughout hotter days like these. It’s a disgrace as a result of I do like taking part in 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 instances. Extra graphically spectacular video games on my PC trigger additional warmth to construct up in my tiny dwelling workplace. Consoles additionally spit out a stunning quantity of scorching air if you play video games that push the {hardware}. The Xbox Collection X, particularly, may be very efficient at expelling burning scorching air at a fast charge. This is excellent for the console, after all. But it surely additionally signifies that I’ve a mini-jet engine cooking me alive. At the least 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 scorching, and since operating your AC all day is pricey and dangerous for the atmosphere. 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 periods of Marvel Rivals, that looks like trade-off.
And certain, as these people on that once-popular present usually stated “Winter is coming.” Properly, first fall, then winter. The purpose is: Cooler and colder days will not be too distant. However as these excessive shifts in climate and local weather turn out to be extra widespread and extra excessive yearly, I anticipate the summer season months to turn out to be a fair worse time to make use of electronics that produce tons of warmth.
In fact, as issues worsen, with the ability to play video games comfortably will most likely turn out to be one among my decrease priorities behind issues like discovering water, staying cool, and combating off roving bandits looking down any sources they’ll discover. Nonetheless, I’ll miss taking part in video video games.
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