App screens and behaviors
This article will discuss the kinds of screens your app will need as well as specific app behavior.
Desktop
The Desktop screen in Overwolf apps
The desktop screen is where users interact with your Overwolf app outside of the game. Unlike in-game overlays or second-monitor experiences, the desktop screen serves as a hub for navigation, settings, and deeper engagement with app features.
The Desktop screen plays an important role in Overwolf apps. It provides:
- A central hub where users first land, making it the best place to introduce key features, recent activity, and important updates.
- More browsing time when users are not actively gaming and will have more time to explore new features, configure settings, and engage with the app.
- User interaction and support. The desktop is ideal for allowing users to interact with:
- App settings and customization.
- Community and social features.
- Support resources (e.g. FAQs, bug reporting).
- Rating and feedback options.
- Subscription and monetization features.
Best practices for the Desktop screen
Use the following principles to guide you in optimizing your user experience:
- Set clear expectations—if your app requires a game connection or a minimum number of matches played before displaying relevant data, inform users upfront to prevent confusion.
- Leverage the Desktop Experience—unlike in-game overlays, the desktop screen can accommodate more detailed content, so optimize it for deep engagement.
- Keep it separate from In-Game screens—the desktop screen should function as a separate window, both technically and from a UX perspective, ensuring a seamless experience between in-game and out-of-game states.