In previous SMAPI, the game option worked properly with several mods loaded.
But after I switched to newer SMAPI, it did not pause even with the default mod only.
So I tested some different cases with mods and SMAPI version, SMAPI 0.39.2 is the newest one which the game option can work normally.

I found this issue is still remain in 0.40.1.1. Does any currently developers read this issue?

Also not working for me on SMAPI-0.40.1.1-2.zip. Was working with the first 1.1 compatible .40.1 you put out.

This is resolved in the latest release (0.40.1.1-3). We dont have any need to override the update calls anymore, so just removing that path solves it.

Sorry I took so long to get to it. Like Zoryn said, this API isn't really in active development anymore, only recently checked it out to add 1.1 compatibility.

Hi there,
While you are correct, the solution would actually be to update the entire Update and Draw methods, but I don't believe this API is still in development as I myself do not have time and ClxS has been making a new API (that I believe is compatible with SMAPI Mods).
Apologies.

Hello,
I tried to compile the source code, and do some version comparison and several trial and error.
I found this condition line in "Inheritance\SGame.cs" is no effect now.
if ((paused /*|| !this.IsActive*/) && (options == null || options.pauseWhenOutOfFocus || paused))

But it will pause properly if change the line to below:
if (options.pauseWhenOutOfFocus && !IsActive)

I hope this could help.