ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

HUD (video gaming)

HUD stands for heads-up display, and it's the way the game shows you important information while you play it. Imagine your favorite video game like a treasure hunt. In order to find the treasure, you need to know where you are, what you are looking for, and how much time you have. The HUD is like a map that tells you all these things, and it's always on your screen so you don't have to stop playing to check it.

Think of it like a pilot's dashboard in an airplane. The pilot needs to know how high they are, how fast they are going, and what direction they are heading, all while flying the plane. That's a lot of information to keep track of! In a video game, the HUD gives you similar information in an easy-to-understand way.

The HUD usually includes things like your health bar, which tells you how much damage you can take before you die. It might also show your inventory, so you can see how many weapons or items you have. It could display a mini-map, which shows where you are and where you need to go. Some games have a HUD that displays your score, how many points you've earned or how close you are to your goal.

So, next time you're playing a video game, take a look at the HUD. It's always there on the screen, helping you find your way and stay alive. And if you understand it, you'll be a better gamer!