Discord is developing a Game Mode to reduce resource use while gaming

Discord is developing a feature called Game Mode that would automatically reduce animations and disable effects when its client detects a game, potentially freeing up CPU and GPU resources. TechRadar reported the development, citing VideoCardz, and said DiscordPreviews described the feature in a post on X dated September 26, 2026.

Discord already offers Reduced Motion, which reduces animation and hover effects, as well as an option to disable hardware acceleration. TechRadar says Game Mode sounds similar to an automatic toggle for Reduced Motion, but it is unclear whether it will do anything beyond that. The report also notes that Discord has not mentioned reducing RAM use.

The feature’s effect on gameplay remains uncertain. TechRadar says screen sharing can use substantial system resources, particularly at higher resolutions, and that frame rates can suffer even below 1080p. The impact may be greater on lower-end systems with less RAM. The report does not say whether Game Mode will address performance during screen sharing.

Discord is built with Electron, a framework for desktop apps that uses web technologies; the report describes its client as running in an embedded Chromium browser engine, also used by Google Chrome. Discord has not detailed whether it plans broader changes to the desktop app.