Discord Updates Desktop App with New Features

Discord has started rolling out a redesigned desktop app that offers more customization options for users. The new app increases the number of free themes to four, including light, ash, dark, and onyx, giving non-Nitro subscribers more options. Additionally, Discord has introduced three new UI density options – default, spacious, and compact – which are separate from the existing message layout options, allowing users to further personalize the interface.

The redesign also includes the long-awaited option to resize the channel list and redesigned controls for voice and video calls. The mic and camera buttons now feature more color, making it easier for users to know if they’re muted or if their camera is active. According to Discord, these updates aim to enhance legibility, reduce visual noise, and maintain consistency across desktop and mobile devices.

New Game Overlay and Improved Performance

The redesigned app also ships with a new overlay that is faster and doesn’t impact game performance. Inspired by Valve’s recent redesign of Steam, Discord has reworked the interface around widgets, allowing users to move individual elements as they wish. The company has also re-engineered the overlay to avoid triggering anti-cheat systems like BattleEye, making it compatible with a larger portion of popular games on Discord. Users can even watch a friend’s stream directly from the new overlay.

Refocused on Gaming Community

The updates come after Discord CEO Jason Citron announced last May that the company would refocus on building the best possible communications tool for gamers. In 2020, Discord briefly rebranded itself as a general-purpose chat app, but has since recognized the need to narrow its focus on helping people deepen their friendships around games and shared interests.

Potential IPO on the Horizon

The update arrives at a pivotal moment for Discord, with a potential IPO looming. According to a recent New York Times report, the company could go public as early as later this year. With 72 percent of Discord users regularly gaming on PC, ensuring that these users are taken care of ahead of a potential IPO is crucial. The redesigned app and new features demonstrate Discord’s commitment to its gaming community and position the company for future growth.