When designing a video game, developers face an important question: how should the player receive information? Health bars, ammo counts, minimaps, quest markers — all of these are vital for gameplay. But the way they’re presented can dramatically affect immersion.

That’s where Diegetic UI and Non-Diegetic UI come into play. These two approaches shape how players interact with the game world and how believable that world feels.

What is Diegetic UI?

Diegetic UI refers to user interface elements that exist inside the game world and can be seen or experienced by the characters themselves.

Examples:

• The holographic display on Isaac’s suit in Dead Space (showing health and ammo).
• A car’s dashboard speedometer in a racing game.
• A smartwatch or visor interface used by the character.

Impact on Immersion:

Diegetic UI makes the player feel like they’re truly part of the game world. It removes the “screen layer” barrier and integrates gameplay feedback into the narrative environment.

What is Non-Diegetic UI?

Non-Diegetic UI refers to interface elements that exist outside the game world — players see them, but the characters do not.

Examples:

• Floating health bars in Street Fighter.
• Minimap in GTA V.
• Quest objectives displayed on-screen in RPGs.

Impact on Immersion:

Non-diegetic UI is more functional and direct. It gives players quick access to information without forcing it into the game’s narrative context.

Pros & Cons of Each Approach

Diegetic UI Advantages

• Enhances immersion by blending UI with world design.
• Feels more natural and believable.
• Great for story-driven, atmospheric games.

Diegetic UI Challenges

• Can be harder to design and maintain.
• Sometimes less readable (small holograms, dim displays).
• Not ideal for fast-paced, competitive games where clarity is critical.

Non-Diegetic UI Advantages

• Simple, clear, and easy to read.
• Works well in action-heavy and competitive genres.
• Flexible and customizable.

Non-Diegetic UI Challenges

• Breaks immersion by reminding players they’re “playing a game.”
• Can clutter the screen if not designed properly.

Which Works Better for Immersion?

It depends on the type of game and player expectations:

Diegetic UI works best for:

• Survival horror (Dead Space, Resident Evil).
• Story-driven adventures (Horizon Zero Dawn).
• VR/AR games, where immersion is critical.

Non-Diegetic UI works best for:

• Competitive esports (Valorant, League of Legends).
• Fast-paced action and shooters where clarity beats immersion.
• Casual mobile games, where simplicity matters.

The Future: Hybrid UI Systems

Most modern games are adopting hybrid systems, blending diegetic and non-diegetic UI.

For example:

• The Last of Us Part II uses diegetic elements (characters looking at maps, realistic ammo tracking) combined with minimal HUD overlays.
• Cyberpunk 2077 uses in-world holograms but also provides traditional minimaps and markers for clarity.

This balance offers the best of both worlds: immersion + usability.

Final Thoughts

There’s no single answer to whether Diegetic UI or Non-Diegetic UI is better. Instead, the decision depends on your game’s genre, target audience, and design goals.

• If immersion and realism are your priority → choose Diegetic UI.
• If clarity and competitive balance matter more → stick with Non-Diegetic UI.
• If you want both → adopt a Hybrid UI approach.

In the end, the best UI is the one players don’t think about — it simply works and enhances their experience.