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In video gaming, the HUD (head-up display) or Status Bar is the method by which information is visually relayed to the player as part of a game's user interface.

The HUD is frequently used to simultaneously display several pieces of information including the main character's health, items, and an indication of game progression (such as score or level).

(Wikipedia)

I assume menus aren't part of the HUD.

What's the difference?

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    Depends on the game and what type of menu it is. IMO you need to cite a game and a specific menu, or this belongs on GameDev.SE, otherwise the answer is yes, no, both and/or neither.
    – Mazura
    Commented Nov 25, 2016 at 3:52
  • As pure terminology, this isn't a gaming question. Yes, they're both used in games, but they're very widely used outside of gaming.
    – Frank
    Commented Dec 3, 2016 at 15:54
  • @Frank For example, the monitor vs. everything behind the wheel in a car.
    – bb216b3acfd8f72cbc8f899d4d6963
    Commented Dec 3, 2016 at 16:01
  • HUDs would be visible during actual gameplay too. UI would be something like the title screen or pause menu.
    – bb216b3acfd8f72cbc8f899d4d6963
    Commented Dec 3, 2016 at 16:01
  • @haykam And neither of those are unique to gaming. In the context of gaming, we might have something here, if there's a specific example or issue. As a straight up terminology question, though? Nope. Not our baliwack.
    – Frank
    Commented Dec 3, 2016 at 16:04

2 Answers 2

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UI (User Interface)

UI refers to the methods (keyboard control, mouse control) and interfaces (inventory screen, map screen) through which a user interacts with a game.

HUD (Head-Up Display)

In video gaming, the HUD (head-up display) or Status Bar is the method by which information is visually relayed to the player as part of a game's user interface.

Verdict

Looking at these definitions, the HUD is actually a part of the UI as it can have an effect on how the player interacts with the game.

For example, the Overwatch HUD which displays when an ultimate is ready to use:

enter image description here

Summary

When looking at the definitions and examples of how the HUD can impact the UI, it seems as though there is no right or wrong answer, as the phrases and the uses they hold in game, support each other.

Neither word should be used over the other, as they work together.

(I apologize if this answer is hard to understand, I tried to explain it as best as I could)

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    You should post a screenshot that displays full HUD, you can then analyze different parts.
    – user598527
    Commented Dec 1, 2016 at 19:33
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HUD is short for heads-up display, which is a method of displaying (usually graphical) information in a way that overlays normal vision. For example, icons or other info can be displayed on the window in front of a pilot in an aircraft. This allows a pilot to be notified of important information while not taking their eyes off the terrain or opponents while flying.

In video games, HUD usually refers to the graphical information around the edges (or if translucent across the entire screen) of the 'main' playing window. So in first person shooters the symbol for the weapon you are carrying, the ammo it is loaded with, and your health levels are usually part of the HUD.

UI, or user interface refers to all the methods for interacting with a system (or game), both system to user (vision, sound, tactile) and user to system (mouse/keyboard/other controls). Joysticks, mice, microphones, switches, buttons, keyboards, pedals, lights, speaker sounds, and anything displayed on a computer monitor are all part of the UI. As James Smith says in his answer, a HUD is a (sub)part of the total UI.

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