3 min read
Discord has launched a significant update for its desktop app, introducing a refined user interface, new dark themes, and an overhauled in-game overlay designed to enhance the gaming experience. The update aims to align the desktop client more closely with the mobile version while providing better customisation and improved functionality.
New Dark Mode and Theme Options
The new Onyx theme, which optimises viewing on OLED displays, has replaced Discord’s dark mode design. The update includes Light, Ash, Dark, and Onyx, which offer users free customisation options for their desktops. Discord offers new UI density options that allow users to adjust the spacing, thereby enhancing their reading experience.
The resizable channel list feature now enables users to effortlessly peruse extended channel names. These enhancements enhance the usability of the user interface by reducing visual distractions and making it simpler to read.
Discord’s call interface underwent a substantial overhaul with the inclusion of an action bar. This design modification has enabled Discord users to gain a fast understanding of their microphone and camera status. The new colour indicators emit a more intense red light when the microphone is muted and a green glow when the camera is activated. These updates have resulted in a user-friendly interface that enables the effortless administration of calls.
Improved Game Overlay
Among all the updates in the current release of Discord, the game overlay section is a significant advancement. The previous version of the overlay function was directly connected to game windows, which could result in performance issues and the activation of anti-cheat software. The new version operates with individual widgets, providing a faster and more efficient experience.
“Because it no longer attempts to hook directly into games—which can trigger anticheat software and sometimes just doesn’t work—the overlay should now work with ‘wayyyy more titles, including a larger portion of the most-played games on Discord,’” according to the update announcement.
Users gain control over how objects appear in their overlay by altering their positions to suit individual preferences. Users benefit from this action bar alongside voice and video controls, and they can commence game broadcasting with just one click. The redesigned overlay now delivers a key feature that lets users observe their friends play games in real-time during gameplay to accomplish multiplayer split-screen simulations.
Beyond these core changes, Discord has updated the desktop client with refreshed colors and illustrations to maintain visual consistency across platforms. According to Peter Sellis, Senior Vice President of Product at Discord, the goal is to “reduce visual noise and maintain consistency across both desktop and mobile devices.”
Discord updated the desktop client with new illustrations and fresh colours to ensure that its platforms have consistent visuals. “With over 72% of Discord users regularly gaming on PC, our focus continues to be enhancing everyone’s experience on desktop, whether it’s before, during, or after the game,” reads today’s blog post.
The Discord Social SDK introduced in the UI refresh package enables game developers to incorporate Discord communication functions into their games. The company will commence the distribution of “Video Quest” mobile ads in June, as market rumours regarding its upcoming public listing persist.
With this latest update, Discord has reinforced its commitment to creating a seamless and customisable experience for its users, making it a more powerful tool for both gaming and communication.
