User Interface is something developers should always place a great deal of thought into when creating their game. There are different ways a developer can present their UI with each having their own pros and cons. A diegetic UI for example can be used to create a more believable experience for the player that is not only immersive but serves to enhance the narrative. It may be difficult to find ways to convey things like health to a player but something as simple as having your spaceship look more war torn after a heated battle is more conducive with the narrative as opposed to a floating health bar in bottom left corner of the screen.
Example 1: Dead Space[]
The developers of Dead Space used a diegetic UI to better enhance the survival horror narrative of their game. They went through great lengths to make sure all relevant information such as health, ammo, inventory, and navigation assistance were all presented in game directly on or around the main character. This not only added to the immersion but also supplemented the narrative by keeping the player constantly in the world they created. If a player wanted to look at their items they needed to do so in game and in real time. This created more tension and forced the player to make sure they were absolutely safe because doing so and continue to tell the story Dead Space was presenting to the player which was one of isolation and continuous fear.
Eample 2: XIII[]
In XIII, the game utilizes a comic book aesthetic, with heavy cel shaded outlines and flat colors. In addition to the aesthetic, the interface uses pop up panels and dynamic text boxes to show events and interactions occurring in another location. This "cheesy 80s comic book style" of presentation plays into the spy thriller narrative that the game has.
