Gods and Game Loops : A Deep Dive Into The Mechanics and Progression of the Hades Series

Sammanfattning

This thesis investigates the design changes between Hades and Hades II by Supergiant Games, examining the design goals these changes serve. Through formal analysis of both titles, the study presents detailed comparative descriptions of player mechanics and progression systems. It further evaluates how these changes influence the overall gameplay experience. The research was conducted as a game design inquiry to deepen the authors’ understanding of design processes in critically acclaimed games and to bridge academic theory with industry practice. This analysis has identified that Hades II gameplay experience builds on top of that of Hades. The games share the core loop but the systems are deeper, much more intricate and interconnected. Hades could lock the player into a specific playstyle, while Hades II offers more tactical, rebalanced and slowed gameplay, which emphasizes the variety of accessible playstyles. Moreover, the study offers an analysis of changes in the progression in both games and their influence on the experience, highlighting the refined goal structures in Hades II.