# Game mode

**Settings → Game mode** controls how Nock steps back while you play. **Step back while I play** is on by default. When Nock detects a game, its overlay disappears, shortcuts stop listening, the microphone closes, and Nock does not type, click, or capture the screen. Notices wait until play is over; background work continues.

Game mode changes Nock's behavior. It cannot promise that a game or anti-cheat system will allow Nock to run or that you will not be flagged.

## Check game status

The status line says whether a game is in front, whether Nock is stepped back, and what signal caused detection. Detection can use a game list, a game's own category, a launcher, anti-cheat activity, or a full-screen game app. If the status says Nock cannot tell which app is in front, automatic detection is unavailable at that moment.

## Adjust what counts as a game

In the **Advanced** section:

1. Enter the Mac app name or Windows program name.
2. Choose **Always a game** to make Nock step back for it, or **Never a game** to exclude it.
3. Use **Seen on this computer** to review recent detections and add an app to the exclusion list.

Browsers, video players, presentations, and calls are not treated as games unless you add them. The lists are stored on this computer.

## Strict anti-cheat option

When **Warn me about games with strict anti-cheat** is enabled, Nock can ask whether to **Close Nock until I’m done** or **Keep it running** for a detected game. You can choose to remember that answer for that game and review or forget it in the same settings area. The stricter **Quit Nock’s on-screen parts while a game runs** option applies even when the game is behind other windows; you can turn game mode off from Settings or Nock's menu to bring the interface back sooner.

Nock does not hide from a game, screen capture, Task Manager, or Activity Monitor. It does not read or change game files or memory. Follow each game's rules and the warning shown; Nock cannot determine whether a specific anti-cheat permits it.

## Sound while playing

**Allow sound while I play** is off by default. When off, spoken lines wait and appear after the game. When on, speech may play during a game. This changes audio behavior, not game detection or anti-cheat policy.