Discord has released an update for its Linux version that improves game and screen capture. The new feature is hardware-accelerated video encoding, compatible with Nvidia, AMD, and Intel GPUs. This allows streaming to consume fewer system resources, leaving more power for games.
Hardware encoding: less load on the CPU 🚀
The update implements support for VA-API and NVENC, offloading video encoding work from the CPU to the GPU. On devices like the Steam Deck or the Lenovo Legion Go S, this translates to more efficient resource usage. When streaming, the system no longer has to split its power between the game and video conversion, improving both performance and battery life.
Steam Deck stops sweating bullets 💧
Until now, streaming directly from a Steam Deck was like asking a waiter to serve tables while juggling plates. With this update, the GPU handles the heavy lifting, and the CPU can focus on its own tasks. Linux users can finally stream without the system starting to choke. And all without having to sacrifice a charger at the altar of battery life.