When players think of unforgettable game moments, visuals and mechanics often take the spotlight. Yet a video game UI with panels can be just as defining, providing clarity while enriching the atmosphere. From minimalist displays to customizable systems, certain games have set remarkable standards worth celebrating.
Key Takeaways:
Panels are more than decorative frames; they are the foundation of how information reaches the player. By looking deeper into what video game UIs, we can better appreciate the artistry and function behind some of gaming’s most effective designs.
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A video game UI, especially the ones with panels, refers to the collection of visual elements on screen that guide players and let them interact with the game. The “panels” act as organized windows where information and controls are grouped, usually layered over gameplay as a HUD (Heads-Up Display) or presented in dedicated menus.
Common elements found in panel-based UIs include:
By arranging these components into panels, designers create interfaces that are easy to navigate, visually consistent, and supportive of immersion. In short, panels are the framework that makes complex gameplay systems accessible without overwhelming the player.
Understanding the role of UI panels gives us a solid foundation, but the best lessons come from real examples. Let’s explore how several well-known games use panels to improve clarity, style, and player engagement.
Dead Space took a bold step away from the conventional floating HUD by embedding the health bar directly into Isaac’s spine. This diegetic approach keeps players fully immersed in the environment, with the health status always visible without breaking the tension of the survival horror setting.
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Hollow Knight proves that less can be more. Its clean, minimalist UI perfectly matches the game’s atmospheric 2D world. The subtle animations of health and soul meters blend seamlessly with the hand-drawn art style, delivering clarity while letting exploration and combat remain center stage.
Persona 5 is a masterclass in flair. Its menus are vibrant, dynamic, and bursting with personality. Every transition, cursor move, and pop-up makes the game feel alive. Beyond looking cool, the interface remains intuitive and responsive, proving how a video game UI with panels can become a true part of the game’s identity.
Journey strips away most traditional HUD elements, guiding players instead with environmental cues and subtle panel overlays. This restrained approach keeps focus on exploration and emotion, while still offering just enough structure for smooth navigation through its vast and wordless landscapes.
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Few games showcase panel-based design better than The Witcher 3. Its extensive inventory, quest logs, and map panels are deeply layered yet easy to navigate. The clean typography and structured layout give players quick access to complex systems without feeling lost or overloaded.
Control takes a futuristic approach by integrating HUD components that react to player input and the surrounding environment. From energy bars that ripple to quest markers that pulse, the system shows how a well-designed video game UI with panels can balance functionality and immersion, delivering information cinematically.
World of Warcraft has long been celebrated for its adaptable UI. Players can customize health bars, action panels, and minimaps to suit their preferences, whether minimal or information-heavy. This modular system has set a standard for MMORPGs, proving how panel-based UIs can evolve alongside player preferences.
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In the end, panel-based UIs are proof that design details matter. From sleek minimalism to complex systems, each approach we’ve explored enhances the connection between player and game. As developers continue to innovate, panels will remain a trusted framework for delivering clarity, immersion, and style in equal measure.
Great design is about balancing style with function, whether in gaming or typography. StringLabs Creative takes this approach to heart by developing fonts that are both expressive and legible. With striking and immersive typefaces, your video games UI can blend beauty with usability seamlessly.
