macOS Sonoma has arrived, bringing with it a new feature called “Game Mode” by Apple. When activated, it automatically kicks in when launching a game to prioritize the CPU and GPU to maximize performance. It also enhances connectivity with wireless devices, reducing latency for controllers and AirPods.
Apple’s macOS Sonoma introduces a new feature known as Game Mode, designed to optimize the Mac for gaming. This feature prioritizes CPU and GPU performance to enhance gaming experiences and reduce latency with wireless devices.
What is Game Mode?
Game Mode is a new feature on macOS Sonoma that aims to enhance gaming performance by prioritizing CPU and GPU resources. This feature is part of Apple’s efforts to make the Mac more appealing to developers and users as a gaming device.
Game Mode automatically activates when launching a game, giving it top priority for CPU and graphics processing. Background apps are pushed to the background, and Bluetooth sampling rates are doubled to improve responsiveness with wireless peripherals.
To give you an idea of how Game Mode works, we ran Geekbench 6 on a MacBook Pro M1 while playing Resident Evil: Village in Game Mode. Despite Geekbench running in the background, the game ran smoothly without interruptions.
Can Game Mode be Disabled and Re-enabled?
Yes, Game Mode can be toggled on and off by clicking the game controller icon in the menu bar. If you disable Game Mode and exit the game, you will need to manually re-enable it when launching the game again.
Which Games are Compatible with Game Mode?
Apple claims that Game Mode works with any game, including recent and upcoming titles on Mac. Some highlighted games during the macOS Sonoma presentation include Death Stranding Director’s Cut, Dragonheir: Silent Gods, Humankind, and World of Warcraft: Dragonflight. Games from iPhone and iPad that can run on Mac can also utilize Game Mode.
While developers may not prioritize Mac versions due to lower sales volumes, Apple’s focus on optimizing Mac performance with Game Mode is a step in the right direction. Apple has also developed a new toolkit to simplify game porting to Mac, making it easier for developers to create Mac versions.
Progress is underway, but creating a thriving gaming market on Mac will take time.
