Granblue Fantasy Freezing in Background? Workarounds After Chrome's Windows Occlusion Removal

Granblue Fantasy (GBF), the popular web-browser RPG developed by Cygames, can sometimes present frustrating issues for players who like to multitask. A common problem arises when the game freezes in the background while running in Chrome, particularly when switching tabs during battles. This issue has been exacerbated by Chrome's removal of the Windows Occlusion flag. This article explores potential workarounds to keep GBF running smoothly in the background.

Understanding the Issue: Windows Occlusion and Background Throttling

Previously, Chrome users could rely on the "Windows Occlusion" flag to prevent background tabs from being aggressively throttled. This setting allowed web applications like Granblue Fantasy to continue running with minimal interruption, even when the browser window was minimized or another tab was in focus. However, with the removal of this flag in recent Chrome updates, the browser now prioritizes the active tab, often causing background tabs, including GBF, to freeze or significantly slow down.

Potential Workarounds for Background Freezing

While the removal of the Windows Occlusion flag presents a challenge, several workarounds can potentially mitigate the background freezing issue in Granblue Fantasy:

• Try a Different Browser:
  • Firefox: Firefox is known for its robust performance and customizable settings. It might handle background tabs more efficiently than Chrome.
  • Other Chromium-Based Browsers: Consider using other Chromium-based browsers like Brave or Vivaldi. These browsers often offer more granular control over performance settings and might have features that help prevent background throttling.
• Disable Chrome's Performance-Saving Features:
  • Memory Saver: Chrome's Memory Saver feature automatically discards inactive tabs to free up system resources. Disabling this feature might prevent GBF from being unloaded from memory while in the background. You can find this setting in Chrome's settings under "Performance."
  • Battery Saver: Similar to Memory Saver, Battery Saver can throttle background processes to conserve battery life. Disabling this feature (if applicable) might improve GBF's background performance.
• Use a Dedicated Application:
  • Consider using the mobile app: While this might not be ideal for everyone, using the Granblue Fantasy mobile app can provide a more stable background experience, as mobile operating systems are generally better at managing background processes.
• Adjusting Chrome Flags (Use with Caution):
  • While the Windows Occlusion flag is gone, some other flags might influence background behavior. Explore Chrome's flags (type chrome://flags in the address bar) but be cautious, as experimental flags can sometimes cause instability.
• Optimize System Resources:
  • Close Unnecessary Programs: Ensure that your computer isn't overburdened with other resource-intensive applications. Closing unnecessary programs can free up memory and CPU resources, potentially improving GBF's background performance.
  • Update Graphics Drivers: Outdated graphics drivers can sometimes cause performance issues. Make sure your graphics drivers are up to date.

Choosing the Best Solution

The most effective workaround will depend on your individual system configuration and browsing habits. Experiment with the suggestions above to find the solution that works best for you. If you're heavily reliant on background activity, switching to a different browser might be the most reliable option.

By trying these strategies, you can potentially restore Granblue Fantasy's background functionality and enjoy a smoother, more seamless gaming experience.