How HUDs Train You to Ignore Video Games

I used to think HUDs were just a harmless convenience. That games wouldn't work without them. But after turning them off in a few games, I've started to realise something strange... The HUD was playing the game more than I was.

Without the HUD, I got lost, I missed things and I died more.
But I also started to pay attention again, became more immersed in my games and enjoyed them more than ever before. And after trying this in The Witcher 3, Dying Light, Ghost of Yōtei, Elden Ring, Dead Space, and Cyberpunk 2077, it made me realise that HUDs don’t just give us information. They completely shape how we experience and interact with a game’s world.

Sooo this video is essentially me figuring out when HUDs help, when they hurt, and why some games feel completely different the moment you turn them off... but also, why you should maybe turn it off too.

00:00 The Moment I Stopped Playing on Autopilot
04:17 When the HUD Kills the Fear
07:20 Why Turning the HUD Off Feels So Daunting
07:55 Games That Don't Need a HUD
10:16 When the HUD Actually Makes Sense
11:59 Trusting the Player Changes Everything

The Music in this video was made by my super talented brother‪ ‪@arondeemusic‬ This video wouldn't be possible without him. Thanks noob

#videoessay #immersion #thewitcher3 #cyberpunk2077 #dyinglightthebeast #eldenring #gaming #hud