Discord continues to thrive, boasting millions of daily users for chatting, video calls, and gaming, despite facing controversies in recent years. Users have noted that the desktop version of the app felt outdated, leading to widespread requests for an update. That much-anticipated update has finally arrived. One of the major enhancements is the revamped Game Overlay feature.
In the previous version, the overlay often slowed down game performance because it interfered with the game window. This incompatibility also led to issues with anti-cheat software, rendering the feature unusable in many popular games. The new Game Overlay addresses these concerns by being both faster and more efficient, and it now supports a larger selection of games, including well-known titles. This updated overlay includes a new action bar that allows users to access voice and video controls, stream games with one click, and join calls effortlessly.
Additionally, users can now watch their friends’ streams directly within the overlay, which is fully customizable to prevent interference with crucial game elements. The overall design of the Discord desktop app has also undergone a significant makeover. It retains a user-friendly feel similar to the mobile app while offering more customization options. The visual updates include revised icons and colors for improved clarity, along with four new themes: Light, Ash, Dark, and Onyx.
Users can choose between Spacious, Standard, and Compact layouts to suit their preferences. While on active calls, the updated app offers more centralized controls for voice and video functions. Grouping buttons into a single bar simplifies access to settings, and visual cues indicate when the microphone or camera is active, thanks to a clear red or green light.