Technical Issues for Video Game Developers and Architects to Prevent Photosensitivity

Epileptic seizures can be triggered by specific visual stimuli, such as flickering lights and patterns. This is of special interest, considering the multitude of “real life” potential triggers, such as television and video games. The likelihood of television—and video games—induced seizures occurrence relies on several variables. Individual predisposition plays a central role. Monitor characteristics (i.e., flicker frequency, alternation rate, chromatic contrast) and content properties (i.e., brightness, emotional involvement) may also contribute to seizures occurrence in photosensitive subjects. Therefore, recommendations directed to the broadcast and TV industry have been developed in several countries, and some multinational consumer electronics and video game companies are currently financing studies on the risks deriving from visual stimulation. Environmental visual triggers include natural and artificial intermittent lights (i.e., solar rays flickering through tree leaves, discotheque stroboscopes, car headlights), and patterns (i.e., striped surfaces, escalator steps, banner advertisements). However, specific guidelines on preventive measures to limit the risks deriving from photosensitivity are lacking.