Hades 3 Not Planned Yet: Supergiant Games Focuses on Hades 2 Launch
The acclaimed roguelike game Hades 2 recently exited early access, signaling a major milestone for developer Supergiant Games. However, despite anticipation from fans, the studio director, Amir Rao, has confirmed that there are currently no plans or discussions underway for a Hades 3. This article explores the studio’s development philosophy, the emphasis on player feedback, and what this means for the future of the Hades franchise.
The Development Philosophy Behind Supergiant Games
Supergiant Games has long maintained a development culture centered on focusing on the present project rather than prematurely planning future titles. As Amir Rao explained in a recent interview with content creator Haelian, the team deliberately avoids discussions about sequels or future works while actively developing their current game.
Rao stated:
“When we’re working on our games, we’re not talking about the next game. The culture is really about focusing on what we have, and if we have a really good idea or thought, it should go into the game we’re making… we should put that energy towards the game that is actually the game that’s coming out.”
This focus has helped the studio fine-tune games that respond intimately to player feedback and evolving game dynamics.
Why Hades 3 Is Not “Preordained”
The notion of a predetermined sequel, such as Hades 3, is something Supergiant Games firmly rejects. There is no hidden plan that the team is waiting to unveil. Instead, their approach is organic and responsive to the reception of the current game, in this case, Hades 2.
Early Access has been instrumental in gathering real-time player responses on gameplay elements such as humor, character engagement, game mechanics, and weapon usage. Rao emphasized how invaluable these insights have been:
- Player Engagement: Are key characters and storylines resonating with the audience?
- Game Balance: Are specific abilities or weapons overpowering or underused?
- Feedback-Driven Changes: Adjustments based on what players pick or ignore in the game.
This iterative process was crucial for both the original Hades and its sequel, helping to refine the roguelike experience ensuring it aligns with player expectations.
Real-World Example: Impact of Early Access in Game Development
In the broader video game industry, Early Access has become a pivotal stage in development. For example, Valheim, an indie survival game, accumulated over 7 million sales during its Early Access phase, allowing the developers to refine the game based on extensive community feedback before its full release in February 2022 (Source: Steam Stats).
Similarly, Supergiant’s method leverages this model to enhance quality and player satisfaction without rushing into future installments.
Post-Launch Plans and What the Future Holds
Following the official 1.0 launch of Hades 2, Supergiant’s immediate focus is on monitoring the reception and ensuring that the release remains stable and polished. This includes tracking any immediate fixes or updates needed based on player experiences.
As Rao notes:
“What we’re doing next is just focused on 1.0 and seeing what people are saying about it, including monitoring for anything that needs fixing. Then there will be a break where we’ll process everything and decide what the future holds.”
This careful approach confirms that while the franchise’s future is open, it is not pre-committed or rushed. The studio plans to “return to shadows for a while and plan our next move,” highlighting a strategic pause emphasizing quality and creativity over speed.
Significance for Fans and Industry
This stance underscores a growing trend among successful indie studios prioritizing player engagement and iterative polish. It reflects findings from a 2023 Gamasutra study reporting that games receiving iterative updates during early access phases achieve 25% higher user retention at full launch compared to those that don’t.
For fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter, this means patience will be rewarded with high-quality gaming experiences built thoughtfully and collaboratively.
Key Takeaways
- Supergiant Games is currently focused on Hades 2’s official launch and immediate post-launch support.
- There are no confirmed plans for Hades 3, and the studio emphasizes natural development processes over preordained sequels.
- Early Access feedback plays a crucial role in shaping game quality and design choices.
- The future direction will be decided after reflecting on Hades 2’s full release reception and studio introspection.
Conclusion
Supergiant Games’ grounded approach to development rejects the idea of sequels being predetermined, instead favoring responsive, player-driven evolution. As Hades 2 now enters its full release phase, the studio’s focus remains steadfast on ensuring an exceptional experience. While the future of the franchise remains uncertain, the commitment to quality and community engagement sets a promising tone for whatever lies ahead.
