This is actually a bug I was able to fix by uninstalling and re-installing the game. But, I thought I'd make a post anyway, just in case the bug happens again, and anyone has a quicker suggestion on fixing it.

I had a bug where the heads up display, the text box, was not appearing correctly anymore (see screenshot attached). And so I couldn't switch between the different information options (battle, conversation, etc.).

Note that I have WizFast and Cosmic Forge installed. I didn't use Cosmic Forge for much, only editing one item, which I then undid. And the bug didn't show up until after I'd already used both WizFast and Cosmic Forge for a long time without issue. I don't know what triggered the bug, I can't recall doing anything specific. The bug was affecting all my saved games, as well as new games.

Even though I was able to get rid of the bug, if anyone has any ideas on what triggered it or a simpler way to fix it other than re-installing Wizardry 8, I would appreciate it. Thanks.

I believe this is not a bug.

See the arrows on the left of the screen, right by the radar? Notice that one of them is pointing to the left in this screenshot? Try clicking that one; it should toggle the text display window.

(Also, those appear to be bats, not bugs.)

Ah thanks, you're right :) The middle arrow toggles the center display. Thank you.