The student project was done to conceptualize the port of PC game Death Stranding to the mobile platform. The new control scheme prioritizes ease of use on the mobile platform, considering mobile users' interaction habits, the nature of finger-based interactions, and the limitations of mobile screens. At the same time, the overall design aims to keep the original minimalistic artstyle.
Timeframe | Role | Category | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
2023.11 - 2023.12 | UI/UX | Gaming | Mobile |
In-Game Menu
Given the smaller mobile screen, the original wheel style of items is discarded and replaced with a larger, icon-oriented item list style. This adjustment ensures items are sizable for easy finger selection, addressing readability challenges on mobile screens.
Considering that PC players can effortlessly switch categories using number keys for the in-game menu, a sidebar is added for mobile users to maintain the same convenience. As players often need to open the in-game menu for actions like consuming medicine or switching weapons, the sidebar ensures a paused gaming process before all actions are completed, avoiding the inconvenience of closing and reopening the menu in another category.
PC Screenshot from Death Stranding
HUD
In the original platform, the absence of HUD elements for the map, cargo, and order systems enhances simplicity and immersion. However, since mobile users lack the convenience of a keyboard and rely solely on fingers for interaction, the entrance of these secondary systems is brought forward to the screen. This modification guarantees users the same ease of use for these systems in the mobile experience.
In the original platform, the item collection prompt, initially displayed peripherally, is relocated to the side to prevent information overload in the limited screen space, allowing players to collect items without obstructing their vision.
PC Screenshot from Death Stranding
Battle
Player health, endurance, and weapon status are assigned a static display area to optimize visibility during combat.
PC Screenshot from Death Stranding
