The Most Innovative UI Designs in Games

User interfaces (UI) in video games serve as the bridge between players and the virtual worlds they explore. While some games opt for minimalism, others push boundaries with bold, creative designs that enhance immersion and gameplay. Here are some of the most innovative UI designs in gaming history.

Dead Space (2008) – Diegetic UI Done Right

One of the most groundbreaking approaches to UI design came from Dead Space. Instead of cluttering the screen with health bars and ammo counters, the game integrated all vital information into the protagonist’s suit and weapons. The health meter was displayed as a glowing spine on Isaac’s back, while ammo counts appeared as holographic projections from weapons. This diegetic UI—where elements exist within the game world—kept players immersed without sacrificing functionality.

Persona 5 (2016) – Stylish, Dynamic Menus

Persona 5 turned menu navigation into an art form. Inspired by comic book aesthetics and jazz influences, its UI was a burst of vibrant colors, sharp transitions, and playful animations. Every menu selection felt snappy, with text that “burst” onto the screen and dynamic transitions that made even inventory management feel exciting. The UI wasn’t just functional—it was a core part of the game’s rebellious, stylish identity.

Return of the Obra Dinn (2018) – A Puzzle in Itself

Lucas Pope’s Return of the Obra Dinn featured a UI that was integral to its mystery-solving gameplay. Players used a magical pocket watch to examine frozen moments in time, with a monochromatic, dot-matrix-style display that evoked early computer interfaces. The UI forced players to piece together information manually, making deduction feel tactile and rewarding. It was a brilliant example of how UI can shape gameplay mechanics.

Hades (2020) – Fluid and Informative

Hades combined fast-paced action with a UI that never got in the way. Damage numbers, boon descriptions, and enemy health bars were presented clearly but dynamically, scaling and fading when necessary. The game also used subtle visual cues—like glowing outlines for critical attacks—to keep players informed without overwhelming them. Its UI was a masterclass in balancing readability and style.

Viewfinder (2023) – UI as a Gameplay Mechanic

Viewfinder took UI innovation to another level by making it part of the core puzzle-solving experience. Players could take photos and then place them in the world, altering reality. The UI seamlessly integrated with this mechanic, allowing players to manipulate perspectives in real time. It blurred the line between interface and gameplay, proving that UI can be more than just information—it can be the game itself.

Conclusion

Great UI design doesn’t just convey information—it enhances immersion, reinforces themes, and sometimes even becomes a gameplay feature. From Dead Space’s diegetic approach to Persona 5’s flashy menus, these games prove that UI is an art form in itself. As technology evolves, we can expect even more creative and boundary-pushing designs in the future.