Output System
The output system serves several key functions in games:
Provides feedback so players can make progress in the game: This is an essential function, enabling players to see, hear, or feel the game’s response to their inputs. A well-designed output system ensures that players can easily understand how the game operates. The design should prioritize functionality over visual appeal, although both are important.
Strongly influences how difficult the game is: The amount and quality of information provided by the output system significantly affect the game’s difficulty. While the quantity of information is important, the quality is equally critical. Even a brief hint or small piece of information can considerably reduce the level of difficulty.
Evokes emotions: Games are intended to evoke emotional responses, especially when players enter a state of flow. These emotions may be positive, such as joy, or negative, such as fear or sadness, depending on the game’s story, theme, setting, and other design elements. Graphical user interfaces, post-processing effects, sound effects, music, and similar elements can be employed to achieve this emotional engagement.
The output system should never criticize players for their actions. Instead, it should guide them by indicating what actions to take in order to avoid repeating mistakes.
The following tips are explained in this chapter:
Design Menu Navigation to Be Accessible
Explore methods for designing menus that are easy for players to navigate.
Create a Graphical User Interface That Is Simple and Clean
Learn how to design a GUI that minimizes the effort and time players need to obtain relevant feedback.
Determine Whether a Diegetic or Non-Diegetic User Interface Is More Suitable
Examine the benefits and drawbacks of both diegetic and non-diegetic interfaces, along with examples of the types of information each can communicate.
Provide Both Visual and Audio Feedback for Any Critical Information
Evaluate which types of information should be communicated to players through both visual and auditory output channels, and understand the rationale behind this approach.
Make Interactive Objects in the Game World Easy to Identify
Investigate methods to assist players in quickly recognizing interactive objects within the game environment.
Make Important Information More Prominent
Examine how various forms of contrast—such as contrast in color, size, direction, or space—can improve the readability and visibility of graphical user interface elements.
Make the HUD Cursor Dynamic
Understand how implementing a dynamic heads-up display cursor can enhance player experience by providing real-time feedback based on context.
Utilize Graphical Elements to Communicate Information to Players
Refer to a list of graphical elements that can be integrated into your GUI for effective communication.
Use Text Effectively to Communicate Information to Players
Discover which types of information can be conveyed through text and what forms of text—such as subtitles and closed captions—can be utilized.
Ensure That Text Is Easy to Read
Learn strategies to improve the presentation and legibility of textual information.
Incorporate Sound Effects to Convey Information to Players
Explore what information can be conveyed using sound effects and how to implement them effectively.
Use Graphical Elements Instead of Requiring Mastery of Hardware Inputs
Understand how to reduce reliance on hardware mastery by providing interactive graphical elements.
Provide Clear and Appropriate Feedback When Players Enter Text
Learn how to inform players whether the text they input is valid or requires correction.
Provide Suitable Feedback When Executing Destructive Actions
Study how to handle potentially irreversible actions through the use of dialogue boxes and warning prompts.
Allow Players to Customize the Output Interface
Explore the advantages of enabling output interface customization and review the options you can offer for user personalization.