Using the narrative when designing the user interface for video games

Anthony Stonehouse
Dec 20, 2016 · 5 min read

Modern user interface design in games inherits an additional layer for consideration — the game’s narrative. The designer chooses whether the UI is visible to the player’s character (avatar) and linked to the story, based on how story-driven the game is. The player assumes an invisible role in the narrative, much like a narrator in a novel or film.

Diegetic elements

UI elements connected to the story and visible to the avatar are called diegetic. They exist within the game’s…

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