diff --git a/src/vm_screen.c b/src/vm_screen.c
index a03cff2..cd7a795 100644
--- a/src/vm_screen.c
+++ b/src/vm_screen.c
@@ -168,7 +168,7 @@ vm_screen_active(vm_screen *screen)
 {
     SDL_Event event;
     char ch;
-    static int counter = 500;
+    static int counter = 300000;
 
     // There may be _many_ events in the queue; for example, you may be
     // facerolling on Zork because it feels good. And good for you if