The screen should not be cluttered, and be consistent from one screen to the next. Like other programs, a game is merely a series of choices, but ones which determine whether a user wins or loses. The layout must show the information vital to the user in determining which action to choose next.

For example, the relevant information in "Half-Life", such as points recently accrued, aliens killed, current weapon, etc, is easily visible.
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Displaying a high score is important, as it encourages a user to better that score, but it may not have to be visible at all times.

Some games (those with more controls) will usually require a more complex on-screen layout than others. Scrollbars or toolbars may slow repsonse time, but thise depends on the subjective speed of the game.