"General" game GUI (not mobile)

Looking at the general layout of a lot(but not all) of computer games across the FPS/RPG/strategy genres the format usually follows a rough pattern;

Menu = top left,

Chat/log = lower left,

Action bar = lower center,

minimap = top right.

The RHS usual reserved for additional panels or feedback from selected item(eg, weapon select).

My question is who, why and when did this become the norm? ..has it just "always been this way" without thought, rhyme or reason or is there a genuine UX background to this?

**case studies/papers would be good if you know any legitimate research.