How Great UI/UX Can Boost Your Game
Gamers Judge Books by Their Covers (And Games by Their Menus)
You’ve spent months, maybe years, building your game. The mechanics are flawless. The story? Chef’s kiss.
But the first thing players see isn’t your epic storyline or groundbreaking gameplay—it’s your menu.
Let me be blunt: If that menu is clunky, your players might quit before they even start. Great UI/UX design isn’t just a “nice-to-have” for games—it’s essential. It’s the difference between a game that players love and one they refund in 15 minutes.
The Menu Is the Gateway to Your World
Have you ever opened a game, stared at the menu, and thought, “Am I piloting a spaceship or trying to find the settings?” Exactly. A clean, intuitive menu lets players dive into your game without feeling like they need a PhD in UI design.
Pro Tip:
Stick to what matters—options players actually need, clearly labeled. No one needs a 12-tab menu for a platformer.
In the image above, you’ll notice two fantastic games showcasing different UI approaches. On the left, Borderlands has a unique style, but the UI suffers from low contrast and feels a bit cluttered. On the right, The Witcher demonstrates an excellent UI design — with high contrast, readable fonts, and well-structured options, making navigation effortless.
HUD: The Silent MVP
Your HUD (Heads-Up Display) is a constant companion. If it’s intrusive or hard to read, it’ll frustrate your players faster than a boss fight with 12 stages. Keep it clean, keep it clear, and make sure it doesn’t distract from gameplay.
Monetization Without Frustration
In-game stores. Microtransactions. These can feel predatory—unless the design is frictionless. A good UI gently guides players to spend money without them feeling tricked. Think of it like offering dessert at the end of a meal, not sneaking it onto their bill.
Accessibility Expands Your Player Base
Not everyone sees colors the same way or uses a controller the same way. By prioritizing accessibility, you’re opening your game to a broader audience. More players mean more buzz, and more buzz means more sales.
The HUD above is designed to feel like an extension of the character’s combat suit, presenting diagnostics and environmental data seamlessly as players explore and engage in combat
Conclusion
UI/UX isn’t just about making your game look good—it’s about making it feel good to play. Want players to stay longer, spend more, and rave about your game? Start with great design.