In the Blackrock Foundry, the latest raid in World of Warcraft, one encounter literally makes raiders sick.
“If I have to do this one more time, then … I!” is probably a phrase that each of us has heard or said when we were stuck on a particularly disgusting boss. In the latest raid of WoW, this is not an exaggeration, it is actually true this time. The double boss Hans’gar and Franzok in the Blackrock Foundry causes dizziness and nausea in some players, just like reading while on a bus. Reports range from discomfort, headaches, and nausea to actual panic attacks.
This is not due to the fight being particularly challenging, but rather because of a specific space mechanic in the fight: a series of conveyor belts moves, there are flexible void zones, the contrast is relatively low, and the whole encounter looks like it’s constantly moving, while the player obviously stays stable in their seat. The human body doesn’t really cope well with that – just like with the reading-on-the-bus issue.
The site Blizzardwatch, which deals with the problem, advises to take travel medications, play in a well-lit room, and maintain a considerable distance from the monitor. Additionally, in-game solid objects like the Warlock’s teleport circle or a guild banner can help.
