HUDs and Screen Space

Within games exists a Heads Up Display (HUD) - as an important part of games, the developer must weave the style, shape and amount of HUD shown to fit in thematically with the game. Below is a collection of images where I have taken screenshots from a game, identified and then blocked out core elements of the UI, and removed the screenshot itself. I'm sure you can recognise the games from just looking at the HUD alone - a testament to the unique style and feel that the HUD has.

However, it is interesting that, when layered on top of another, each HUD conforms to a top 5th and bottom 5th of the screen. This is effective in terms of screen space, as it both gives the player more to see of the world, a less boxed in feel and an intuitive look of HUDs from game to game.