Eyewear and Video Game Collaborations Hardcore Gamers Shouldn’t Miss

Gaming has become a mainstream cultural phenomenon in the past few years, with casual and competitive gaming becoming a fun hobby and profession. To capitalize on this immense growth, brands have been hopping on the bandwagon and releasing products inspired by popular video games. 

The eyewear industry is no exception, especially now that glasses have become crucial accessories for protection and style for gamers. Since many gamers spend an average of eight hours a day gaming, gaming glasses are essential for combating issues like eye strain, headaches, dry eyes, and blurred vision, which are common symptoms gamers face during long sessions.

Some gamers enjoy collecting cool merchandise for their favorite game, and eyewear is a practical and fashionable item that can prove helpful for daily use. Gaming and eyewear collaborations combine the best of both worlds to create a fun and valuable item to enhance your look, gaming experience, or both; here are a few you shouldn’t miss:

Gunnar x Fallout

Credit: @gunnaroptiks on Instagram

Gunnar Optiks is a trailblazer in blue light filtering and eye strain protection, and its technology continues to prove valuable in gaming. The brand has long collaborated with various video game franchises, including Overwatch, Call of Duty, and World of Warcraft. However, Gunnar’s collaboration with Fallout became quite a hit, thanks to the release of the series adaptation in April 2024. The Fallout Vault 33 frames take cues from the game’s ‘50s-esque post-apocalyptic vibes with retro-futuristic square style.

Gamers can enjoy prescription and non-prescription versions to suit their vision needs for seamless gameplay. The G-Shield lens coating keeps reflections and smudges at bay for the best visibility. It also offers blue light and UV protection to keep the eyes safe and comfortable. A sunglasses version is also available for gamers who want to protect their eyes while outdoors. 

Oakley x Fortnite

Credit: @oakley on Instagram

Oakley has long been optimizing protection and comfort for athletes across a wide range of sports, but with the rise of video gaming and esports, the brand has also expanded its product range to gamers. Oakley’s gaming glasses are designed to feel lightweight and comfortable when worn under a headset, and the cutting-edge technology filters out blue light, reducing eye strain.

They come in the brand’s popular eyewear designs, such as the Holbrook and Frogskins, so gamers can cop a classic model for gaming sessions. Designs like the HSTN Metal and Sutro have also gotten the Fortnite touch. To deepen its connection to gaming, Oakley partnered with Fortnite to release a special collection of gaming glasses inspired by the video game.

The Helux Fortnite model is equipped with Prizm Gaming 2.0 Lens Technology to keep the eyes fresh and protected while gaming, reducing glare from OLED and LED screens and keeping vision sharp for more accuracy. They’re ideal for comfort, protection, and style for gamers of all kinds. 

Gentle Monster x Tekken 8

Credit: @gentlemonster on Instagram

Gentle Monster has taken over the fashion world with its avant-garde eyewear designs, combining trendy aesthetics with futuristic details to create a distinctive style. The South Korean eyewear brand has had its share of collaborations, from Maison Margiela to Blackpink’s Jennie, covering high-fashion and K-pop. However, the brand recently delved into gaming in partnership with Tekken 8, which features new moves and exciting looks for the characters.

The new Inferno CS1 model takes inspiration from the iconic Kazuya Mishima, giving the sunglasses a devilish look. Spiked silver accents around the frame and red mirror lenses look striking and intense, and the imagery continues with arms that resemble devil horns to call back to his Devil Kazuya form. The shades perfectly combine Gentle Monster’s unique style while incorporating a recognizable video game character; it’s the ideal look for any fashion-forward gamer.