Creating Splash Screens and HUD Graphics

Splash screens are usually pretty simple. For an introduction screen, all you need is an image with a cool logo. Graphics programs have plenty of tools to create text-based logos. Also, you might need splash screens for different states of the game, such as when a level is loading, after a level is finished, and when the game is over. Again, this can be pretty simple, and all you might need is a logo. The heads-up display, or the HUD, is often another place that needs some graphics. It might need something minimal, such as icons to signify health and ammo, or it might need an entire interface with lots of buttons, as in common strategy or simulation games.