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SPECIFICTION
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Feral GameMode

github.com

Free plan LinuxSelf-hosted
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Spec score 8.0 #5 of 34 in Game Graphics Optimization Software

What it is

Feral GameMode is a free Linux daemon and library that lets games request temporary optimisations to the host operating system or game process. It can adjust the CPU governor, I/O priority, process niceness and scheduler policy, inhibit the screensaver, change GPU performance mode, pin or park CPU cores, and run custom scripts. Games and launchers with built-in support can activate GameMode automatically; other games can be launched with the gamemoderun command or a Steam launch option. GPU performance mode is supported for NVIDIA and AMD, while GPU overclocking is listed for NVIDIA. The project lists packages for Ubuntu, Debian, Solus, Arch, Gentoo, Fedora, OpenSUSE and Mageia, with possible availability elsewhere. Configuration uses a gamemode.ini file with options for GPU and CPU settings, filters, supervisor access and scripts. GameMode is maintained by Feral Interactive and is available under the BSD 3-Clause License (Revised). Its build depends on Meson, internal communication uses systemd, and development requires a C environment. For hybrid GPU commands such as optirun, automatic integration after game startup is unavailable; a wrapper with gamemoderun is described instead.

Spec sheet

What it does
GameMode is a daemon and library that lets games request temporary optimisations to the Linux host operating system or game process.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
License
GameMode is available under the BSD 3-Clause License (Revised).Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Headquarters
London, EnglandRead 28 Sep 2026 · github.com
Founded
1996Read 28 Sep 2026 · github.com
Configuration
GameMode uses a gamemode.ini file, and its example configuration documents options including GPU, CPU, filters, supervisor access, and custom scripts.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Game integration
Games and launchers with GameMode support activate it automatically; other games can be started with the gamemoderun command or Steam launch option.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
GPU settings caution
The example configuration warns that GPU optimisations such as overclocks are used at the user's own risk and that resulting hardware damage is the user's responsibility.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
GPU support
GPU performance mode is supported for NVIDIA and AMD, and GPU overclocking is listed for NVIDIA.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Limit: hybrid graphics
The README says GameMode cannot automatically integrate hybrid GPU commands such as optirun after the game has started, but describes using a wrapper with gamemoderun.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Linux distributions
The project lists packages for Ubuntu, Debian, Solus, Arch, Gentoo, Fedora, OpenSUSE, and Mageia, with possible availability elsewhere.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Maintainer
The repository identifies Feral Interactive as the maintainer of GameMode.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Maker history
Feral Interactive says it began in 1996 with a mission to bring games to Mac.Read 4 Oct 2026 · feralinteractive.com
Optimisations
Supported optimisations include CPU governor, I/O priority, process niceness, scheduler policy, screensaver inhibition, GPU performance mode, CPU core pinning or parking, and custom scripts.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Support route
The README asks users to report GameMode issues in the repository's GitHub Issues section rather than directly to Feral.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
System requirements
The project says its build depends on Meson and its internal communication uses systemd; development also requires a C development environment.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

GameMode Free Linux daemon and library · BSD 3-Clause License Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every Feral GameMode plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free Linux daemon and library
  • Supports several CPU and process adjustments
  • GPU performance mode for NVIDIA and AMD
  • Can activate automatically with supported games
  • BSD 3-Clause License

Limits

  • Linux is the only listed platform
  • Hybrid GPU commands do not integrate automatically after startup
  • GPU overclocking is at the user's risk

Who it suits

GameMode suits Linux players whose games or launchers support its automatic activation, as well as users willing to launch games with its command or a Steam option. It is also relevant to users who want configurable host or process adjustments.

Verdict

GameMode offers a broad set of temporary Linux optimisations and several activation routes. Hybrid GPU workflows may require a wrapper, and GPU overclocking carries a stated user-risk caution.

Where Specifiction places it

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