The Value of Diegetic Menus in Video Games: Lessons from Helldivers 2

On the surface, diegetic menus in video games might seem like a costly endeavor with questionable value. Why spend months and multiple disciplines to create in-world menus when a decent UI can be built in a day by one designer?

Helldivers 2 offers a compelling middle ground, achieving many of the benefits of diegetic menus without excessive costs.

How Diegetic Menus Work in Helldivers 2

1. Player's Ship: Players can walk around their own ship before starting any mission.

2. Menu Spots: Various spots on the ship allow access to different menus.

3. Mission Start: To begin a mission, players go to a specific spot on the ship (the escape pod).

From booting up the game to starting and returning from missions, everything happens inside the ship.

Advantages Over Traditional Menus

1. Segmented Menus: Menus are geographically segmented, preventing players from feeling overwhelmed and making it easier to learn the menus.

2. Enhanced Immersion: Menus are presented as screens within the game world, increasing immersion.

3. Continuous Engagement: Instead of a UI screen at the end of missions, players return to the ship in complete control of their character, reducing the chance of dropping off and encouraging continuous play.

The Costs and Value Add

Of course, there are costs involved in creating these diegetic elements, such as building the ship and developing segmented UI menus. The war table in particular involves an extra diegetic step as it is navigated in-world. However, the added value for Helldivers 2 is undeniable.

When to Consider Diegetic Menus

If your game’s menus are:

1. Complicated or Overwhelming

2. Interrupting Gameplay Flow

3. Common Jumping Off Points for Players

Then consider the value proposition of adding diegetic menus to enhance your game's overall experience.

Thanks for reading, and keep on keeping on!