Re: HUDs and Screen Space

Within games exists a Heads Up Display (HUD) - as an important part of games, the developer must weave the style, shape and amount of HUD shown to fit in thematically with the game. Below is a collection of images where I have taken screenshots from a game, identified and then blocked out core elements of the User Interface (UI), and removed the screenshot itself. I'm sure you can recognise the games from just looking at the HUD alone - a testament to the unique style and feel that the HUD has.

However, it is interesting that, when layered on top of another, each HUD conforms to a top 5th and bottom 5th of the screen. This is effective in terms of screen space, as it both gives the player more to see of the world, a less boxed in feel and an intuitive look of HUDs from game to game.