Why Some Game UI Designs Become Industry Standards

The Power of Intuitive Design

The most successful game UI designs often become industry standards because they prioritize intuitive navigation. When players can effortlessly understand menus, health bars, or inventory systems, they spend less time deciphering controls and more time immersed in gameplay. Titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Overwatch set benchmarks by minimizing clutter while maximizing functionality. Their clean, responsive interfaces feel natural, reducing the learning curve and making them widely adopted across the industry.

Consistency Breeds Familiarity

Players appreciate familiarity—when a UI feels recognizable, it creates a sense of comfort and reduces friction. For example, the radial menu popularized by Grand Theft Auto V has been replicated in countless open-world games because it allows quick, fluid weapon or ability selection without disrupting gameplay. Similarly, the heads-up display (HUD) placement in first-person shooters, such as Call of Duty, has become a template because it keeps critical information (ammo, health, objectives) visible without obstructing the player’s view.

Innovation That Solves Problems

Some UI designs become standards because they solve persistent problems in elegant ways. Dark Souls’ minimalist approach—integrating lore into item descriptions rather than lengthy tutorials—reshaped how RPGs handle exposition. Likewise, Fortnite’s quick-building menu revolutionized battle royale games by enabling seamless construction during combat. When a UI innovation effectively addresses a common frustration, other developers take notice and iterate on it, solidifying its place as a best practice.

The Influence of Player Expectations

As gaming evolves, so do player expectations. Once a UI design proves successful, players begin to expect similar experiences in other games. For instance, the quest marker system in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim became an industry staple because it eliminated aimless wandering without sacrificing exploration. When a large audience grows accustomed to a particular UI feature, deviating from it risks alienating players—making adoption of proven designs a safer, more appealing choice for developers.

Conclusion: A Balance of Creativity and Convention

While innovation drives the industry forward, the most enduring UI designs strike a balance between creativity and convention. They meet players where they are, offering intuitive, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing interfaces that enhance—rather than hinder—the gaming experience. As new titles continue to refine these standards, the best UI designs will always be those that feel invisible until they’re needed, seamlessly blending into the worlds they help bring to life.