Frame Rate

What is Frame Rate?

A 3D game is essentially a series of still images displayed in rapid sequence to create the illusion of movement. The frame rate is the number of complete images or frames, which are generated by a device such as a graphics card and sent to the screen over a period of time. This is typically measured as frames per second (fps). The higher the frame rate, the smoother the visuals of the video.

A typical baseline for smooth gameplay is 30fps, while 60fps is considered ideal for fluid gaming motion. For competitive gaming, such as so-called “twitch” gaming, which relies on reaction time, even higher frame rates are desirable. Many desktop computer displays intended for gaming are now capable of presenting a refresh rate of 144Hz or higher, while smartphone displays capable of 120Hz refresh rates are now entering the market.