On Tuesday, Discord revealed that it had completely revamped its Overlay feature.
This updated Overlay aims to enhance the user experience for streamers by making game streaming on Discord more user-friendly.
Previously, streamers had the option to toggle the Overlay display while gaming, which resulted in the entire Discord client appearing in the center of the screen. This often obstructed the stream and created a cumbersome user experience.
In the newly released version of Overlay, users can incorporate specific Discord widgets around the screen for convenient access. This allows them to view messages and adjust audio and video settings without needing to open the entire Discord client. These widgets are customizable in terms of opacity, size, and placement.
Additionally, if another friend is streaming simultaneously, a picture-in-picture widget allows users to view their feed directly from their Overlay. This feature can prove useful for collaborative online gaming. Users participating in a live chat can also see the webcam videos of other users.
Discord has indicated that the Overlay will now be compatible with a larger variety of games and will offer smoother performance.
Furthermore, Discord is introducing several updates to its Desktop app. Those who favor dark mode will find the inclusion of more free dark themes appealing; users can choose from different shades such as Ash, Dark, and Onyx. New user interface density options will also allow customization of word spacing.
These updates primarily cater to power users, especially creators who might use in-server livestreams as a monetization avenue. Nevertheless, these enhancements should also be appreciated by casual users engaging in gaming with their friends.
