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Game compliance for in-Game overlays and ads

Overwolf provides developers with the tools to create innovative apps that enhance the gaming experience without disrupting it. However, to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for players, it is crucial to follow Overwolf's strict guidelines on how overlays and ads behave in-game. By prioritizing user experience and thoughtful overlay placement, Overwolf apps can seamlessly integrate into gameplay, enriching rather than disrupting the player’s journey.

Ensuring a smooth and immersive gaming experience is a top priority for Overwolf. Developers must carefully design their overlays and ad behavior to respect gameplay and provide value without interruption. By following these guidelines, developers can create high-quality apps that enhance the gaming experience while maintaining compliance with Overwolf’s policies. Apps that fail to adhere to these rules will not be published or approved for distribution.

Required in-game user experience​

When designing an Overwolf app, it is essential to prioritize the user experience. The goal is to provide valuable information and functionality without interfering with gameplay. Disruptive overlays, intrusive ads, and poorly timed UI elements can negatively impact player immersion and engagement. To avoid this, all apps must adhere to the following principles:

  • Do not cover or interfere with the game UI—players rely on their game interface to make decisions, and any overlay that obstructs it will be rejected.
  • Avoid displaying overlays during active gameplay—the gaming experience must remain uninterrupted; overlays should only appear at appropriate moments.
  • Ensure overlays are relevant and useful—information provided should be beneficial to the player, enhancing their experience rather than distracting from it.

The correct way to display overlays​

To provide a seamless experience, overlays must be shown only at times when they do not interfere with gameplay. These moments include:

  • During game loading screens—when the player is waiting for a match or level to load, overlays can be displayed without causing disruption.
  • After a match ends—post-game overlays can provide insights, statistics, and highlights while the player is no longer actively engaged in gameplay.
  • Between rounds or matches—in games with structured breaks between rounds, overlays can be shown during these natural pauses.
note

Apps that display persistent overlays during gameplay will not be approved. Overlays must always be easy to dismiss, ensuring that players have full control over their experience.

Ads behavior guidelines​

To maintain a high-quality gaming experience, ads must be implemented in a non-intrusive manner. The following rules apply to all Overwolf apps:

  • No in-game ads during active gameplay—ads should only be shown during loading screens, after matches, or in menus where they do not interfere with player actions.
  • Ads should never cover important UI elements—players must always have full visibility of their game controls and essential information.
  • Ad frequency should be reasonable—excessive ad displays can frustrate users and negatively impact engagement.
  • Ads must be dismissible or skippable where applicable—players should not feel trapped or forced to interact with advertisements.
note

Apps that do not comply with these guidelines will not be approved for the Overwolf Appstore.