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Desktop Screens

The desktop screen is where users interact with your Overwolf app outside of the game. Unlike in-game overlays or second screen experiences, the desktop screen serves as a hub for navigation, settings, and deeper engagement with app features. It also can be a source monetization from both ads and subscriptions.

The Desktop screen plays an important role in Overwolf apps. It provides:

  • A central hub where users first land, thus making it the best place to introduce key features, recent activity, and important updates.
  • User interaction and support. The desktop screen is generally used when the user is not playing the game. Therefore, it 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.
  • Leverage monetization—the desktop screen is a good place to monetize your app using ads and subscriptions. For more information, see Monetization.