How Low Latency Affects Your Performance

You might be familiar with the frustration of delayed responses in your game. This is where the concept of ‘system latency’ comes into play. But what exactly is it, and how does it affect your gaming experience?

Understanding System Latency

System latency refers to the time delay between your action (clicking your mouse or keyboard) and the response on your screen. This delay can significantly impact your gaming performance. Lower latency means quicker response times, which is crucial in games like CS2 where fractions of a second can determine the outcome of a situation.

The Study on Latency

A research study focused on competitive ‘CS:GO’ players showed that even a small reduction in latency could lead to noticeable improvements in-game performance. The study involved experienced players and measured how changes in latency affected their accuracy and game scores.

Impacts of Reduced Latency

  • Enhanced Accuracy: Lower latency allows for more precise aiming and faster reactions
  • Improved Game Scores: With better response times, players tend to perform better, reflected in higher game scores.
  • Quality of Experience: Players reported a more enjoyable and responsive gaming experience with reduced latency.

What This Means for You

As a gamer, especially if you’re into competitive gaming, understanding and minimizing latency can be a game-changer. It’s not just about having the fastest internet connection; it’s also about your hardware and its ability to process the actions efficiently.

Conclusion

This insight into system latency underscores its importance in the competitive gaming world. If you are a competitive gamer, it’s a call to action to consider latency in your gaming setup. By optimizing for lower latency, you’re not just playing; giving yourself an edge over your opponents.

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References

Liu, S., Claypool, M., Kuwahara, A., Sherman, J., & Scovell, J. J. (2021, May). Lower is better? The effects of local latencies on competitive first-person shooter game players. In Proceedings of the 2021