Game UI/UX Design: Dos and Don'ts of Creating Engaging and Natural Interfaces

The impact a game interface can have on a great player experience versus a letdown

The Power of UI/UX to Change the Game in Game Design
Think about releasing a highly anticipated game only for players to quit after a few minutes—not because the graphics are subpar or the narrative is bad, but because the interface is clunky and confusing.

This is more common than you know. UI (User Interface) and UX (User Experience) in game development are just as crucial as game mechanics. Proper UI/UX ensures players remain engaged, immersed, and cheerful.

So, how do you create an interface that enhances rather than detracts from the experience? Let's look at game UI/UX best practices that can allow developers to create games that are intuitive, seamless, and fun.

1. Keep It Simple: The Power of Minimalism The error that game UI design typically commits is overwhelming the player with too many things at once. Players need to have an immediate idea how to navigate menus, access inventory, and engage with the game environment without getting confused.

✅ Use short, descriptive names for buttons and actions.
✅ Keep screen elements minimal to avoid clutter.
✅ Be consistent with the layout to avoid the need for players to relearn controls.

🎯 Example: Consider mobile apps such as Clash Royale. It has simple UI that doesn't take newbies a moment to adapt while the navigation is kept streamlined for returning players.

1. Simple Controls: Putting the Player First Ever used a game that controls are not normal or not quite responding fast? That's an example of bad UX. Gamers ought to have a handle on things they're doing but shouldn't put much thinking about it.

✅ Put buttons in a reasonable order (e.g., jump and attack buttons on smartphone need to be thumb-friendly).
✅ Use iconic images to give feedback about what action is occurring.
✅ Provide customizable controls for different player preference.

🎯 Example: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has great controls with seamless climbing, jumping, and world interaction, thereby facilitating immersion.

1. Provide Clear Feedback: Tell Players What's Happening Consider clicking a button in a game, but nothing happens. Is it broken? Did you click the wrong key? Feedback is necessary so that players are aware of actions and outcomes.

✅ Use animations (button clicks should have small effects).
✅ Add audio cues for actions like selecting menu items.
✅ Show visual indicators (like blinking HP bars when low on health).

🎯 Example: Dark Souls games use sound effects and enemy animations to indicate attack patterns, helping players react in time.

1. Readable Text & Icons: Clarity is King If players have to squint to read a game’s UI, you’ve lost them. Text should be legible on all screen sizes—from mobile phones to large monitors.

✅ Use high-contrast text for better readability.
✅ Choose readable fonts (avoid overly decorative styles).
✅ Make icons distinguishable so that they can be easily differentiated.

🎯 Example: Stardew Valley uses simple, pixel-friendly fonts and clear menus to ensure readability on devices.

1. Smooth Navigation: Make Menus Seamless Menus and settings must be readily accessible to the players. Poor navigation will ruin immersion and annoy players.

✅ Use hierarchical menus with clear comprehension.
✅ Make core features (inventory, settings, map) readily accessible.
✅ Provide power users with hotkeys and shortcuts.

🎯 Example: The Witcher 3 provides a well-structured menu system that consolidates inventory, quests, and character information in a simple-to-use and organized way.

1. Flexibility: UI/UX for Multiple Devices With gaming expanding across PC, console, mobile, and cloud platforms, UI/UX needs to be adapted to different screen sizes and control methods.

✅ Scalable buttons and text.
✅ Natural touch controls on mobile.
✅ Gamepads and keyboard optimization.

🎯 Example: Genshin Impact offers a seamless experience on mobile, PC, and console with scaling UI and adaptive controls.

Final Thoughts: Excellent UI/UX Enriches Games
A good UI/UX doesn't just make a game pretty—it makes it feel correct. A muddled interface chases players away, but an intuitive, immersive design keeps them coming back for more.

By keeping things simple, intuitive, and adaptable, developers can create experiences that immerse players, enhance gameplay, and boost retention.

What’s the worst game UI you’ve ever encountered? Drop your thoughts in the comments!