Member Avatar for desingingmindTX

If any one could tell me why my monitor turns off when I launch a computer game, it would be most appreciated. I have a MacMini and I have tried dumping files, launching games from the applications folder and running the game while the monitor is down to see if it will reactivate. The strange thing is that I can hear the game running on my speakers and the keyboard is responsive... just can't see anything.

Help!

  • 4 Contributors
  • 3 Replies
  • 103 Views
  • 5 Months Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by junt

Dani AI

Generated

As and noted, resolution is a good first check, and 's question about whether the game ever ran is important. Given reported the game audio and keyboard still work while the screen goes dark, the problem is most likely a display-mode/handshake or system-level setting rather than the app failing to start. Try the focused checklist below to pin it down.

  • Try another monitor and a different cable/adapter (DVI vs VGA/HDMI). Faulty adapters or EDID/handshake issues often cause a blank screen when the OS switches modes.
  • Force the game into windowed mode or edit its preferences so it does not request fullscreen. Many games have a plist or config inside the app bundle or under ~/Library/Preferences that stores resolution/fullscreen flags.
  • Boot into Safe Mode to rule out third-party drivers or extensions: Use safe mode to isolate issues on your Mac.
  • Reset NVRAM/PRAM and the SMC (these store display and power settings): Reset NVRAM/PRAM and Reset the SMC.
  • Check Console.app (Applications/Utilities) right after reproducing the problem. Look for GPU/display errors, kernel messages or I/O errors that point to software or hardware faults.
  • Run Apple Diagnostics/Hardware Test to check GPU/hardware: Use Apple Diagnostics.

If diagnostics are clean and the issue only happens with that game, the game is likely forcing an unsupported refresh or mode—set refresh to 60Hz or use windowed mode. If it happens across multiple apps/displays even in Safe Mode, it points to a system or hardware fault; consider reinstalling macOS or arranging hardware service.

Recommended Answers

All 3 Replies

Member Avatar for DenisOxon

Sounds to me like screen resolution is wrong. I suggest you check what resolution game requires and then try changing screen to that resolution manually. Then try game.

Denis

Member Avatar for John A

Agreed, it sounds like the game is trying to use an unsupported screen resolution, in which case the monitor would go blank or switch off. You should probably check the manual of both your monitor and your game to find out whether your monitor meets the minimum screen resolution requirements of the game.

Member Avatar for junt

I will answer that question with a question was the game or let me paraphrase it., did the game that you are trying-to run did run at one time or another after you installed it?.,or was this a newly installed game and if its., did you have the hardware requirements fully complied with as with all the settings? the answer to this questions will remedy your problems. specially the resolution settings and that will explain why you can't see the game your playing. Good Day!

junt

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.