Earlier in the week, we discussed Windows 10 Preview Build 14997. This is a future Windows 10 Creators Update release for Insiders. While not arriving until next month, 14997 has leaked online and one feature is particularly interesting. WalkingCat has found a new DLL file called gamemode.dll, which suggests Microsoft is working on a dedicated gaming section for the platform.
The so-called Game-Mode for Windows 10 could mean a specific part of Windows 10 for games. Perhaps more exciting is the possibility of actually selecting a Game Mode that changes the look and feel of the platform.
Equally, there may be no specific UI changes, but changes to PC performance when Game Mode is selected. For example, Windows 10 could revert to boosting performance for CPU and GPU in Game Mode. This could be simply changing the performance setting, or going deeper and killing non-essential apps and processes.
https://twitter.com/h0x0d/status/814016751578906624
Game Mode
There are number of reasons why such a development in Windows 10 makes plenty of sense and is not surprising. Firstly, gamers have been requesting a specific game mode in Windows since before Windows 10. Since the newest platform arrived last year, those requests have moved up a few gears. This is something users want.
Microsoft has now unified Windows 10 across all devices, mobile, PC, HoloLens, and Xbox One. The company’s Xbox One console is a key to gaming across Windows 10. Microsoft has introduced a Play Anywhere feature that allows Windows 10 gamers to play Xbox One games on PC, and vice-versa.
Needless to say, the idea of a Game Mode goes nicely with the concept of Windows 10 as a true gamer’s platform across the board.
This new feature does not work on the leaked Windows 10 build 14997. Microsoft seems to just be placing the DLL file for a later release. Game Mode could be ready to land with the Creators Update, which the company confirmed will arrive in spring 2017.
