Dynamic User Interfaces in horror games
Mohsin Islam · Theseus (Ammattikorkeakoulujen) · 2026
The objective of this thesis is to find out if exaggerated, dynamic UI animations can aid in enhancing player attention in horror games. The thesis tries to create necessary associations between dynamic UI animations in horror games and player attention. A review of related literature is conducted to understand atten tion in video games and user interface in horror games. Content analysis of hor ror as a game genre and the use of dynamic user interfaces in video games are utilized to give broader understanding of each concept. A pilot study utilizing a simple game prototype was conducted with five partici pants to understand the effects of dynamic user interface animation on player at tention in horror games. Eye tracking methods were employed as tests were done with a wearable eye tracking device to gather quantitative data on gaze fix ations, and software to analyze the data post tests. Online surveys with open ended questions were provided to obtain qualitative answers, which helps to un derstand the player and the views about abstract concepts of horror and immer sion. The eye tracking tests showed that dynamic user interface animations on aver age performed better for player attention over static user interfaces, although the differences were marginal for the scope of this test. Surveys revealed that dy namic user interface has almost no effect on immersion in horror game prototype and the dynamic user interface was received positively due to the utility. Dynamic user interface animations are not mandatory to retain player attention in horror games and should be used based on the needs of the game design. Fur ther research with a larger scope is needed to understand this concept better.