Info about Borderless Gaming: Official game description: Borderless fullscreen for every game. GPU effects and upscaling. Old games that actually work. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Borderless Gaming has three tools that all work together: borderless fullscreen, BGFX for visual effects, and BGProxy for games that refuse to cooperate. Borderless fullscreen --------------------- Force any game into borderless fullscreen. Alt-tab without crashes, hide the taskbar, lock the cursor to the game window, mute games in the background, position a game at any size on any monitor. Set up a profile once and it applies automatically every time you launch. BGFX — effects and upscaling ---------------------------- BGFX captures your game and runs it through a GPU effect pipeline. 390+ effects — FSR, neural network upscalers, CRT scanlines, VHS, sharpening, anti-aliasing, LUT color grading. Stack as many as you want, each one feeds into the next. On Steam Deck, BGFX runs natively in Game Mode. Full gamepad navigation, per-game presets, and an in-game overlay to tweak everything while you play. No desktop mode required. On Windows, the same effect library runs through a Vulkan backend alongside D3D11 capture. BGProxy — fix old and broken games ---------------------------------- BGProxy intercepts a game's graphics pipeline and makes it work properly on a modern PC. OpenGL, DirectX 8 through 12 — from early 2000s classics to modern titles that just won't cooperate. Fullscreen-only games become real, resizable windows. The game re-renders to fit — drag the border, maximize, go ultra-wide, and the resolution follows. Alt-tabbing no longer pauses the game, and input is blocked in the background so you can multitask.  BGProxy also upgrades how the game talks to your hardware. DirectX games get FLIP model presentation for lower input latency and smoother frame pacing. OpenGL games are re-rendered through a DirectX 12 pipeline and their GL contexts are upgraded to the highest compatibility profile your driver supports, so the driver can apply optimizations that the original game never asked for. Broken timer code that causes micro-stutter is intercepted and fixed automatically — old 1–16ms sleep timers become sub-millisecond precision. Games that won't launch because they don't recognize your GPU can be spoofed into thinking you have a different graphics card. Pair it with BGFX to upscale and apply effects on top. Release date: Jul 23, 2015 Categories: Utility Software, Game Enhancement Tool, Window Management, Graphics Optimization, Compatibility Tool, Mod Support, Customization, Multi-Monitor Support Feature scans: - MTX: score 60; verdict: Predatory Monetization; summary: The analysis of user reviews reveals significant concerns regarding the monetization practices of the game. Key issues include putting accessibility features behind a paywall, lack of transparency about future paid DLCs, and the perceived overpricing of the product. These practices have led to frustration and dissatisfaction among users, who feel exploited and misled. - Wiki: score 10; verdict: Needs Improvement; summary: The analysis of user feedback reveals significant issues with the Alt-Tab functionality, which is a critical feature for many users. While there is positive feedback regarding the program's ability to facilitate easy Alt-Tabbing and fix screen issues, there are also concerns about the user interface and suggestions for alternative software. The overall sentiment highlights the importance of reliable Alt-Tab performance and user interface design. - Proton/Linux: score 15; verdict: Works Well with Minor UI Issues; summary: The reviews indicate that Linux offers comparable functionality to Borderless Gaming for free, with KDE Plasma providing built-in support for features like windowed borderless fullscreen. However, there are notable complaints about the user interface on Linux being poor, suggesting a mixed user experience. Overall, the compatibility and functionality on Linux are positive, but there are areas needing improvement, particularly in the user interface. - Steam Deck: score 55; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The analysis of user feedback reveals several key issues with the software. Significant problems include a terrible UI on Linux, lack of essential features, and stability issues such as crashes. However, there are also positive reports regarding specific functionalities like upscaling. The overall user experience is marred by these issues, indicating a need for substantial improvements. - Hardware Profile: No data Feature extractions: - Community Price: - Community fair range: $5.00 - $10.00 - Reasoning: The evidence suggests that users find the software valuable and worth the price. Comparisons to the price of a 'big mac' and mentions of the price being 'more than fair' indicate that users consider the price to be reasonable and good value for money. Additionally, one user explicitly states it is one of the better purchases they have made on Steam for that price point, reinforcing the idea of a fair price. - Playtime Metrics: - Game completion: N/A - Story completion: N/A - Session length: 2.0h - Endgame: N/A - Reasoning: The evidence provides some insights into the playtime metrics for Borderless Gaming. The first quote suggests that users spend time configuring and using the software, indicating session length. The second quote mentions 'hours used' but does not provide a specific number. The third quote implies ongoing usage and updates, suggesting continued engagement. The fourth quote explicitly mentions 1100 hours of use, which is a significant outlier and may not represent typical usage but indicates long-term engagement. Given the lack of specific and consistent evidence for typical playtime metrics, the confidence is set to 0.3. - Time-to-fun: - Summary: The software offers immediate fun and utility with a shallow learning curve, though some initial setup issues may cause minor friction. - Stance: Fun immediately - Anchor: Successful configuration and setup - Time to anchor: 0h 15m - Friction: Fullscreen mode issues; UI misalignment - Unlock drivers: Setting the game to normal window mode; Hooking it up with borderless gaming - Conditions: Ultrawide monitor setup; Nvidia Surround disabled; Co-op gameplay - Player Archetypes: - Convenience Seeker (buy) - Motivation: Enhancing gaming experience with minimal hassle. - Playstyle: Uses the software to streamline gaming across multiple applications and monitors. - Experience: mixed - Purchase stance: buy - Labels: casual gamer; competitive player - Reference games: Minecraft; Little Nightmares III - Disgruntled User (no buy) - Motivation: Avoiding poor quality or unethical software. - Playstyle: Seeks reliable and ethical software solutions. - Experience: mixed - Purchase stance: no buy - Labels: ethical consumer; tech-savvy user - Reference games: N/A - Optimistic Supporter (sale) - Motivation: Supporting promising software with the expectation of future enhancements. - Playstyle: Uses the software while acknowledging its current limitations. - Experience: familiar - Purchase stance: sale - Labels: supporter; early adopter - Reference games: N/A Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category. Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews. What players like: - Wide game compatibility (weight 0.41): It works with a vast array of games, including those launched with and without Steam, and is compatible with both older and newer titles. This makes it a versatile tool for various gaming setups. - Enables borderless windowed mode (weight 0.41): This tool is highly praised for its ability to force games and applications into a borderless windowed mode, which is particularly useful for older games and those without native borderless support. It removes black borders and allows for a seamless gaming experience. - Converts windowed mode to fullscreen (weight 0.29): The tool effectively converts windowed games into a borderless fullscreen mode, providing the appearance of fullscreen without the typical issues associated with fullscreen exclusive modes. It also allows for resizing and customizing windowed modes. - Reliable and flawless performance (weight 0.26): The tool is reported to work as intended without problems, providing a reliable solution for borderless gaming. Users have noted that it works flawlessly and meets their expectations. - Customizable screen sizes (weight 0.24): Users can set custom screen sizes and aspect ratios, which is beneficial for streaming and customizing game windows to fit specific monitor setups. This includes support for widescreen and multiple monitor configurations. - User-friendly and simple (weight 0.23): The tool is noted for its simplicity and ease of use. It has an easy-to-understand interface and is quick to set up, making it accessible even for users who are not technically inclined. - Improves alt-tabbing experience (weight 0.21): The tool allows for seamless alt-tabbing, preventing issues like black screens and crashes when switching out of games. This feature is particularly useful for gamers who need to multitask. - Developer and community support (weight 0.19): The tool is supported by its developer and community, with additional features like dark mode and multi-monitor support. The developer is noted for being helpful and responsive. - Highly recommended tool (weight 0.16): Users highly recommend this tool for its convenience and effectiveness. It is considered a must-have for gamers looking to enhance their gaming experience with borderless windowed mode. - Free and open-source options (weight 0.07): A free version of the tool is available on GitHub, making it accessible to a wider audience. This includes paywalled features that can be accessed for free. Common complaints: - Functionality and detection problems (weight 0.3): The software often does not work as expected, with issues ranging from not detecting programs correctly to not functioning at all. - Confusing and worse UI (weight 0.26): The new user interface is considered confusing, less intuitive, and overall worse than previous versions, leading to a poor user experience. - Updates introduce more issues (weight 0.26): Each update seems to bring more problems, making the program worse and introducing new bugs and functionality issues. - Dark mode paywall criticism (weight 0.2): Users criticize the practice of charging for dark mode, considering it a greedy move, especially since it is an accessibility feature. - Reduced language support (weight 0.14): There have been complaints about the removal and lack of support for certain languages, including Russian and Chinese. - Accusations of code theft (weight 0.13): There are accusations that the developer has stolen code from open-source projects and is selling it as part of the software. - Software bloat (weight 0.1): The software has become bloated with unnecessary features, leading to a decline in performance and user satisfaction. - High price criticism (weight 0.07): Users find the software to be overpriced for what it offers, leading to dissatisfaction. - Ads in paid version (weight 0.07): Users are dissatisfied with the presence of ads in the paid version of the software, considering it unacceptable. - Taskbar visibility issues (weight 0.06): Users report problems with the taskbar either being hidden or constantly visible, affecting the user experience. - Better free alternatives on Linux (weight 0.06): Some users feel that the software is not needed as there are better free alternatives available on Linux. - Poor developer response to criticism (weight 0.06): The developers have been criticized for responding poorly to user feedback and being defensive about constructive criticism. - Admin permissions and restarts required (weight 0.06): The software requires admin permissions and computer restarts, which can be inconvenient for users. - Cursor misalignment issues (weight 0.06): There are problems with cursor alignment and hiding the mouse cursor correctly, affecting gameplay and usability. Gameplay feedback: - Advanced window management features (weight 0.14): The software supports scalable resolutions, window position adjustments, and multi-monitor setups, providing extensive customization for window management. - Windowed mode improvements (weight 0.09): It offers enhancements for windowed mode, including borderless window options and specific fixes for games like Fall Guys. - Positive gameplay experience (weight 0.05): Users report very good gameplay that is easy to learn but hard to master, providing a satisfying gaming experience. - Compatibility with mods and multiple games (weight 0.05): It is compatible with Source mods and supports multi-game compatibility, making it versatile for different gaming setups. - Supports ultrawide gaming (weight 0.02): The software supports ultrawide gaming setups, catering to users with ultrawide monitors. Performance notes: - FPS and performance improvements (weight 0.15): Many users report improvements in FPS and overall gaming performance. However, some users also experience FPS issues or loss. - Software stability and crashes (weight 0.1): The software is reported to be extremely buggy, with frequent crashes and freezing issues. Some users experience infinite loading or require system restarts. - Input and interaction problems (weight 0.1): Users report various input-related issues, including input lag and buttons not working properly. There are also issues with switching between windows and screens. - Functionality issues post-update (weight 0.09): Several users indicate that the program does not work as intended after recent updates. This includes the program not working at all or closing right after launch. - Screen tearing fixes and issues (weight 0.09): Disabling certain settings like vsync and fullscreen can fix screen tearing. However, some users still report screen tearing issues, specifically with games like Mafia 3. - UI and compatibility issues (weight 0.07): There are notable UI issues, particularly on Linux. Additionally, there are problems with DPI scaling and resolution settings. - Resource usage and system impact (weight 0.07): The software is generally lightweight on RAM, but some users report increased RAM usage. There are also concerns about performance issues on older or less powerful PCs. - Specific feature mentions (weight 0.06): Users mention specific features like frame generation, upscaling, and DLSS. These features are noted for their impact on performance and visual quality. - System-level issues (weight 0.06): Some users report that the software causes browser lag and other system-level issues. There are also mentions of sound issues in Windows 10. - Miscellaneous fixes and issues (weight 0.06): The software fixes some issues like alt-tab crashes but also introduces new problems such as composed flip issues and fullscreen optimization issues. - Startup and initialization problems (weight 0.03): Users report that the program does not start with Windows and has other initialization problems. Recommendations: - Recommended software (weight 0.13): The software is generally recommended by users, with many suggesting it is worth downloading or purchasing. - Free version on GitHub (weight 0.11): Many users suggest using the free version of the software available on GitHub instead of purchasing the paid version. - Buy to support developer (weight 0.1): Several reviews recommend buying the software on Steam as a way to support the developer, even if a free version is available. - Essential for multi-monitor users (weight 0.07): The software is highly recommended for users with multiple monitors, indicating it provides significant benefits for such setups. - Prefer legacy version (weight 0.07): Some users prefer the legacy version over the current paid version, suggesting it has better functionality or value. - Improve transparency and communication (weight 0.02): Users suggest that the developer should improve transparency and communication. - Price considered fair (weight 0.02): At least one user found the price of 20 reais to be fair. - Mention of Lossless Scaling (weight 0.02): Lossless Scaling is mentioned, possibly as an alternative or related tool. - Resize Raccoon works (weight 0.02): Resize Raccoon is mentioned as a working alternative. - Join developer's Discord (weight 0.02): Suggestions to join the developer's Discord for support or issue resolution. - Have both BG and LS (weight 0.02): Recommendation to have both BG and LS, possibly referring to related software or tools. Other player notes: - Similar to ShareX (weight 0.02): Players noted that the game has similar functionality to ShareX, a popular open-source screenshot and screen recording tool. Emotions: - Frustration (weight 0.3): Users are frustrated primarily due to software issues, including frequent crashes, compatibility problems, and updates that introduce more bugs rather than fixes. Additionally, the removal of features such as Steam family support and language options, along with a complex and less user-friendly interface, contribute to the frustration. - Satisfaction (weight 0.29): Users express satisfaction with the software's ability to resolve specific display issues and enhance gaming experiences, particularly on ultrawide monitors. The software's functionality, ease of use, and effectiveness in solving problems such as screen resolutions and multi-tasking are highly appreciated. - Disappointment (weight 0.11): Disappointment stems from the software not working as expected, especially after updates that introduced more issues and removed useful features. Users also express dissatisfaction with the high cost and the need to pay for features that were previously free or included. - Anger (weight 0.08): Anger is primarily caused by the introduction of paid features such as dark mode DLC, which users find unethical and manipulative. Additionally, software issues, removal of language support, and the developer's perceived lack of respect for users contribute to this emotion. - Gratitude (weight 0.04): Users feel grateful for the software's ability to solve specific gaming issues and for the developers' responsiveness in fixing problems. The addition of features like dark mode for free and the overall usefulness of the software in enhancing gaming experiences are highly appreciated. - Appreciation (weight 0.03): Appreciation is expressed for the software's usefulness and convenience in resolving long-standing gaming issues. Users value the software's ability to provide a stable experience and meet their specific needs, making it a valuable tool for gaming. - Happy (weight 0.02): Happiness is derived from the software's ability to resolve fullscreen issues and meet users' gaming needs effectively. The new version working well and the support from the community also contribute to this positive emotion. - Satisfied (weight 0.01): Satisfaction comes from the software's ability to improve FPS and provide functionality such as making games windowed or borderless windowed. Users are content with the software's performance and its ability to meet their gaming needs. - Excitement (weight 0.01): Excitement is generated by the anticipation of new features such as frame generation and upscaling, which enhance the gaming experience. The software's ability to fix HDR mode and provide a multi-view experience also contributes to this emotion. - Relief (weight 0.01): Relief is felt when the software solves specific problems such as streaming at different aspect ratios and restores previously removed features like Chinese language support. Users are relieved when issues are fixed and the software works as expected. - Frustrated (weight 0.01): Frustration arises from the need to manually activate profiles and the software not working correctly after updates. Crashes and screen issues also contribute to this frustration. - Excited (weight 0.01): Excitement is generated by the software's ability to scale automatically and improve the fluidity of games. Users are excited about the enhanced functionality and the positive impact on their gaming experience. - Hope (weight 0.01): Hope is expressed for the continued improvement and updates of the software. Users hope that issues will be fixed soon and that the software will keep getting better with future updates. - Enthusiasm (weight 0.01): Enthusiasm is derived from the software's ability to greatly enhance the gaming experience by allowing seamless multitasking. Users describe the software as a game changer due to its significant positive impact. - Disappointed (weight 0.01): Disappointment is caused by the presence of ads in paid software, which users find unacceptable and frustrating. - Disapproval (weight 0): Disapproval stems from bad practices and lack of respect for licensing policies by the developers. Users disapprove of unethical behavior and manipulative actions. - Distrust (weight 0): Distrust is caused by the developer's actions and contradictions, leading users to question the integrity and reliability of the software and its creators.}