Epileptic Seizures. A very small percentage of people may experience epileptic seizures when exposed to certain visual stimuli, including flashing lights or certain patterns that may appear in videogames. Even people with no personal or family history of seizures or epilepsy may have an undiagnosed condition that can cause seizures while watching or playing videogames. Symptoms of this condition can include light-headedness, vertigo, dizziness, altered vision, eye or muscles twitches, jerking or shaking of arms or legs, involuntary movement, disorientation, confusion, momentary loss of awareness, loss of consciousness, or convulsions. These symptoms can lead to severe injury. Immediately stop playing and consult a physician if you experience any of these symptoms; do not recommence playing until you receive approval from your physician. Parents should watch for and ask their children about these symptoms—children and teenagers are more likely than adults to experience seizures. The risk of seizures may be reduced by taking the following precautions: do not sit too close to the screen; do not play on large screens; play in a well-lit room; do not play when drowsy or fatigued; do not play for extended periods of time; take frequent breaks (at least 15 minutes every hour). If you or any of your relatives have a history of seizures or epilepsy, consult a physician before playing or watching videogames.
Musculoskeletal Disorders. Some people may experience occasional discomfort in their hands, arms, shoulders, neck, joints, or other body parts when playing videogames. Immediately consult your physician if you experience any discomfort, pain, throbbing, aching, tingling, numbness, soreness, burning sensation, or stiffness, even if these symptoms occur when you are not playing a videogame. Symptoms such as these can be associated with painful and sometimes permanently disabling injuries or disorders of the nerves, muscles, tendons, blood vessels, and other parts of the body. These musculoskeletal disorders can include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, tenosynovitis, vibration syndromes, and other conditions. To decrease the risk of musculoskeletal disorders, avoid excessive play and take frequent breaks (at least 15 minutes every hour). Please consult your physician for information about these conditions and for ways to avoid or limit their impact.
3D Images. Some people may experience discomfort (such as eye strain, eye fatigue or nausea) while watching 3D video images or playing stereoscopic 3D games. If you experience such discomfort, you should immediately discontinue use of screens until the discomfort subsides. Take regular breaks, at least 15 minutes every hour, when playing games with 3D images. Please note, however, that the necessary length and frequency of breaks may vary from person to person—please take breaks that are long enough to allow any feelings of discomfort to subside. If symptoms persist, consult your physician. Please consult with a physician or optometrist before allowing young children (especially those under the age of six) to watch 3D images or play 3D games.
Motion Sickness. Playing and watching videogames can cause motion sickness in some people. If you or your child feels dizzy or nauseous when playing or watching videogames, stop and rest, and contact your physician for further guidance. Do not drive or engage in other demanding activities until you have fully recovered.
General Health Guidelines. Make sure you always get enough sleep. Always play in a well-lit environment. Always sit at least the recommended distance away from your screen. Take regular breaks, at least 15 minutes every hour. Immediately discontinue playing if you experience any negative health symptoms, including dizziness, nausea, fatigue, discomfort, pain, or headache. Consult your physician if any negative health symptoms persist. Adults should supervise children to ensure they comply with the guidelines in this document. Always adapt your surroundings and arrange your gaming equipment to promote a comfortable and relaxed posture.
Movement in Real Space. Some games involve physical movement in the real world. If you’re playing such a game, make sure you won’t hit, run into, or trip over other players, bystanders, pets, furniture, or other objects when playing. Before playing: (i) fully review you environment; (ii) make sure you are a safe distance away from windows, walls, stairs, ledges, etc., and that your play area doesn’t contain anything or anyone you might hit, run into, or trip over; and (iii) be aware of potential dangers over your head, including light fixtures, fans, and other overhead objects. If necessary, move objects, people, or pets out of the play space or pick a safer play space. While playing: (a) stay far enough away from the television to avoid contact; (b) keep enough distance from other players, bystanders, and pets; and (c) stay alert for objects or people you might hit or trip on—people and objects can move into the area during gameplay, so always be alert to your surroundings. Always make sure you have good footing while playing by staying on a level surface with good traction and making sure you have appropriate footwear (no high heels, flip-flops, etc.). Always arrange all cables and cords so that people and pets are not likely to trip over or accidentally pull on them as they move around or walk through the area. Please note that if you or a controller hits a person or object, you may cause injury or damage; therefore, always grip controllers firmly (and use straps if appropriate) to make sure they cannot slip out of your hand.
First-Party Guidelines. Many videogame systems and platforms have their own health and safety guidelines. Please review and comply with any such applicable guidelines before playing a Square Enix videogame.