Discord's Game Mode cuts CPU and GPU usage, but skips memory reduction

Discord is rolling out a resource-light Game Mode designed to improve gaming performance by reducing CPU and GPU usage while games are running. The feature automatically disables animations and effects when it detects gameplay, freeing up system resources that could help games run smoother.

The mode was first spotted by the unofficial Discord Previews account and later confirmed by Discord itself. However, observers have flagged a significant gap: the new Game Mode makes no mention of reducing memory usage, Discord's most persistent performance complaint.

Discord runs on Electron, a framework built on Chromium (the same core technology powering Chrome), which is known for heavy memory consumption. Last year, Discord implemented an automatic restart feature when memory usage exceeded 4 GB, though the company indicated this was a temporary measure. That restart feature remains active.

PC Gamer's own testing found Discord's impact on gaming frame rates was manageable when process priorities were properly configured. However, RAM usage remains a bigger concern, especially as memory prices have risen. Discord acknowledged the limitation in an X post, stating it is "aiming to add more resource-saving features over time," suggesting memory optimization could be a future priority.