What is Game Mode?
Game Mode is the state Staged enters when you're actively gaming. It enables features that keep you focused on your game while still allowing access to your apps in zones when needed.
Key features of Game Mode:
- Cursor Lock - Your mouse cursor stays within the Game Stage
- Dimming - Zones around your game dim to reduce distraction
- Quick Toggle - Press Ctrl + Shift + G to toggle Game Mode on/off
Cursor Lock
When Game Mode is active, your cursor is locked to the Game Stage area. This prevents accidental clicks outside your game and keeps you focused.
How Cursor Lock Works
The cursor lock uses Windows' ClipCursor API to confine your mouse to the Game Stage boundaries. This is the same method games use for "raw input" mouse capture - it’s native, adds no input processing, and doesn’t interfere with game input.
Toggle Cursor Lock
Press Ctrl + Shift + G to toggle Game Mode and cursor lock.
This is the universal toggle that works in any game, even in exclusive fullscreen.
Temporarily Unlocking the Cursor
Sometimes you need to click on Discord or check something in another zone. You have two options:
Hold to Unlock
Hold Ctrl + Shift to temporarily free your cursor. Release to re-lock.
Best for: Quick glances at zones
Toggle Mode
Press Ctrl + Shift + G to toggle Game Mode off. Press again to re-enable.
Best for: Extended zone interactions
Edge Zones (Coming Soon)
In a future update, you’ll be able to define “edge zones” - areas at the screen edges that temporarily unlock the cursor when you push against them. This allows natural access to zones without keyboard shortcuts.
Dimming Mode
Dimming reduces the brightness of your app zones while you’re gaming. Your Game Stage stays at full brightness while surrounding zones fade into the background.
Why Use Dimming?
- Reduce distractions - Bright Discord messages or videos won’t pull your attention
- HDR enhancement - Creates a stunning contrast effect on HDR displays
- OLED protection - Reduces burn-in risk on static UI elements
- Ambient feel - Apps are visible but unobtrusive, like peripheral vision
Dimming Levels
You can configure dimming per-zone or globally:
| Level | Brightness | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Off | 100% | Zones stay fully visible |
| Light | 70% | Slight fade, still readable |
| Medium | 40% | Noticeable dim, balanced |
| Strong | 20% | Heavy dim, minimal distraction |
| Custom | 0-100% | Fine-tune per zone |
HDR Dimming
On HDR displays, dimming works differently. Instead of just reducing brightness, it uses the HDR headroom to create true contrast - your Game Stage can hit peak brightness while zones remain comfortably dim. This creates a dramatic, cinema-like effect.
HDR Tips
- Enable HDR in Windows Display Settings first
- Games should run in HDR mode for best effect
- Adjust dimming levels higher (60-70%) for HDR - it’s more impactful
- Works great with OLED and Mini-LED displays
Keyboard Shortcuts
Game Mode uses global hotkeys that work even when games have focus:
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + Shift + G | Toggle Game Mode on/off |
| Ctrl + Shift (hold) | Temporarily unlock cursor |
| Ctrl + Shift + D | Toggle dimming on/off |
| Ctrl + Shift + 1-9 | Focus zone 1-9 |
| Ctrl + Shift + 0 | Return focus to game |
Customizing Shortcuts
You can change these shortcuts in Settings > Keyboard:
- Open Staged settings
- Go to the Keyboard tab
- Click on any shortcut to change it
- Press your desired key combination
- Click Save
Shortcut Conflicts
If a shortcut conflicts with a game’s controls, change it in Staged. Avoid using common gaming keys like Ctrl + Shift + Q or similar.
Automatic Game Mode
Staged can automatically enable Game Mode when you launch a game:
- On game launch - Game Mode activates when you start a game from Staged
- On game focus - Game Mode activates when the game window gains focus
- Always - Game Mode stays active as long as a game is running
- Manual - Only enable Game Mode with the keyboard shortcut
Configure this in Settings > Game Mode > Activation Mode.
Per-Game Settings
Some games benefit from different Game Mode settings. You can configure per-game overrides:
Competitive Games
For CS2, Valorant, etc.: Strong dimming, cursor lock always on, minimal zones.
Casual / Story Games
For RPGs, adventure games: Light dimming, easy cursor unlock, more visible zones.
Strategy Games
For RTS, city builders: No cursor lock (needs edge scrolling), no dimming.
Setting Up Per-Game Settings
- Open your Game Library in Staged
- Right-click on a game
- Select “Game Mode Settings”
- Configure cursor lock, dimming, and activation mode
- Click Save
Common Issues
Cursor escapes the Game Stage
Some games release the cursor during menus or cutscenes. This is normal - the cursor lock re-engages when the game recaptures it.
Tip: Use “Manual” activation mode for games with frequent menus.
Shortcuts don’t work
Some anti-cheat systems block global hotkeys. Try changing the shortcut or use a different key combination.
Tip: Ctrl + Alt combinations often work better.
Dimming looks wrong
If dimming appears as a harsh transition, ensure you have hardware acceleration enabled in your graphics drivers.
Tip: For HDR displays, calibrate in Windows HDR settings first.
Next Steps
If you encounter issues with Game Mode or any other Staged features, check our troubleshooting guide: