The Art of Hades II with Supergiant Games' Jen Zee | Interview

In this exclusive video, Game Informer interviews Jen Zee, the renowned art director behind Supergiant Games' Bastion, Transistor, Pyre, and your favorite characters in Hades, about the making of Hades II. We discuss how art history inspired Jen when depicting Melinoë, why she loved revisiting her past work, the graphical differences between Hades and its successor, and fan art from Supergiant's community.
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#supergiantgames #hades2

[@user-sz2cv4bw5q]

so good to finally hear from the person that my generation is named after 🙏🙏🙏

[@infinitetranquilo]

I hate you lmao took me a minute to get the joke

[@immortalkombat9289]

Ace Attorney ahhh name

[@Moji55a]

My teacher fr2

[@Balloonbot]

Everybody has already forgotten about Mei Lenial 😢

[@Haelian]

Mel is SO much more detailed and it really shines in Hades 2. Great work Jen and the entire art team!

[@tunab666]

Haelian heree! My fav Hades streamer/player/creator haha shot out!

[@grahamkristensen9301]

I wonder how she feels knowing her art skills gave millions of people weapons grade bi-panic.

[@belindaluna2067]

I think she'd be fine with it. She has said she was onboard with the initial idea of depicting all the gods of the first Hades naked.

[@potatomo9609]

@@belindaluna2067oh what we have lost 😔

[@evemartinez8519]

As an illustrator, and animation student, Jen Zee and all Supergiant team are such a big inspiration to look up to.

[@FryCanon]

Love this. Jen Zee is iconic!! Have loved her art for over a decade!

[@FSmith-kv4fj]

I first encountered her art when she was making items and site art for Gaia Online. I'm happy she's come so far since then.

[@BucklingSwashes]

1:50 I honestly never would have guessed that they were using different tech than the first game. I assumed it was the exact same engine with minor changes at best. They did an incredible job of mimicking the look of the first game. I had noticed improvements, especially to things like lighting and the general smoothness of animations, but I didn't think we'd gotten such an actual upgrade.

[@freshFerdinand]

That's why Asphodel feels so different when Chronos sends you there, even though it looks exactly the same, even down to the enemies.

[@Bards.98]

I tried the first game again after playing the new one no stop, and it feels so unpolished compared to the new one, although when I played the first one I found it completely beautiful, the second one just raised the bar to Selene

[@dpurut]

@@Bards.98exactly!!

[@ElementalNimbus]

That news is honestly both super surprising to me as a huge fan of both Hades, and also not at all surprising as a fan of Supergiant Games since literally Bastion. They have never been a studio for lazy choices and it shines through game after game.

[@iditrirajan]

​@@freshFerdinand I thought it was solely because Hades 2 was more zoomed in

[@ACameronUK]

The art of their games is instantly recognisable and iconic - hooray ☺️

[@lynox8639]

Right? I fell in love with it way back from transistor and to see it evolved to such a heighten state is so amazing

[@PhilipAlexanderHassialis]

The art direction and especially the zone art design is so much better than Hades 1. Kudos to the art team, and ofc to Darren for dressing it all up magnificently. Also, *WHERE IS THE COMPLETE SCYLLA & THE SIRENS ALBUM DARREN? WHERE IS IT???*

[@stratovolcano7813]

I got punked by this title so hard because I've been waiting for a hades artbook since 2020 and I wanted this so bad to be a release video 🤧 heartbreak aside I'm soooo grateful to be able to listen to jen zees artistic process !!! Supergiant is one of my biggest inspirations and I've always been in love with jen zees art!

[@theconfuzzleddoge]

oooh I think it would be amazing to have an artbook for both games once hades 2 releases fully

[@pastelhermit6946]

I just need an art book to drop for these games they are so beautiful!!

[@paullittle835]

She's such a star! Not only a supremely talented character artist, but also, what a scholar!

[@DariaElGrellPozina]

I am SO OBSESSED with Jen Zee's art, ever since the Bastion, it has such a painterly quality, such a great balance between smoothness and details. If she ever makes an artbook whether of SuperGiant art or her own I would get it in a heartbeat. 💖

[@ISawABear]

I love how even as wild as some of their designs can be (especially when compared to ancient Greek statues) they still have pin point lots of references to the depictions of the gods that informs their models.

[@tristezaeternal]

Jen Zee is so talented like omg.... I wanna squeal at everything she created for both parts of Hades. And the passion of the community is only a fair tribute to such a great team as Supergiant

[@xmlthegreat]

She's so genuine, and from the way she communicates I get the feeling that everyone at Supergiant is just having fun in the creative process of making these beloved games.

[@Zories97]

Love this. I’m so excited for Hades 2 when it’s fully done and released.

[@BrettDalton]

Love all the art work, since I accidentally came across transistor, I've been a massive fan

[@andreeam.1888]

Hades 2 has been a FANTASTIC early access. So much polished content already, it is insane. Had a blast with it. So happy to hear Jen speak about their creative process ❤❤

[@topacio3696]

I want super giant to know that I would buy art books of both Hades games in a heartbeat

[@Schizm1]

She's AMAZING art director. Thank You for the interview!

[@henrywilliams5427]

I wish they would make art books to collect.

[@magiclife1998]

I soooo want an artbook with all the design processes.

[@Crocthunder]

Super iconic , I always leave seeing comm from artists also trying this art style out cause its rad

[@TehTeh911]

I really wish she talked about some of her ideas with the witch you meet in Thessaly, because some choices were made and even though its still placeholder art I want to knoooooow

[@maxjohnson808]

Literally just bought this game so very hyped to watch this interview. The art team at Supergiant under Jen Zee goes insanely hard with each game.

[@penkuro1864]

Been following Supergiantgames and especially Jen religiously since Bastion. She always gives and keeps on giving! I find the part she mentioned about putting blinders on other creative fan arts very interesting. Glad that she shared that part of her creative process.

[@smollmighto]

Amazing art and characters I really love all of them, and they're so loveable, sometimes I can't skip a dialogue or chamber just to not missing them

[@barax9462]

One of the 1st people in game industry that I memorised thier name,, After playing The Bastion, I was amzed with its art 🔥🔥🔥

[@Ironwill_Games]

I really hope there’s some sort of art book of this game (and the one before actually) cause the amount of creative art is just amazing! Well done.

[@TheM00ndawg]

literally can't wait to see what Narcisus looks like. loving the early access already.

[@ChrisLT]

Some of the best art in games.

[@iESCAP1SM]

Loving this! I have to admit that I miss the quirky little brightly coloured lines and dots used in the first game’s artwork. This is more refined and sticks to clear palettes, but the first game’s art had qualities I’d show our interns

[@Bogrin]

Loving the early release so far! Keep up the great work!

[@DogginsFroggins]

This woman is legendary imo and will go down as one of the best artistic minds in the games industries history, glad to hear her opinions, the team at Supergiant is amazing!

[@MyNamesHunter75]

Honestly supergiant is kinda my dream studio to work at more so because i just adore the art and games and the art is integral to their overall games

[@kraja15]

3:06 Oh - *mood* paintings. Well i clearly heard that wrong lmao

[@pinstripeowl]

This was great - its so good hearing influences on the art and i really have loved hades ii so fer

[@anna-kay-dweight]

Oh yes, when I started playing Hades II, I definitely felt the _smoothness_ and upgraded feel of the art and environment, despite it being a sequel. Everything is familiar, yet _new_ and _improved_. And the design of the camp in the Crossroads is so satisfying. I love returning there after each attempt. And bathing and fishing with friendly characters. :) Meeting familiar characters with their new looks is sooo good. New characters are also very inspiring (and can't wait for designs of robed figures!). Thank you Jen Zee and the team. Incredible job! 💚

[@thiagocosta3953]

the art of supergiant games is so, so good. every one of them is unique and gorgeous. thank you, Jen zee and the team!!

[@zahiar]

I learned about internal game design from her. So fascinating.

[@BrettDalton]

In that opening sequence is a track we haven't heard yet that I remeber.... Can't wait to hear it all

[@Evan_Campbell]

nah. it's not from the game. the editor spent way too much time trying to find tracks in a digital library that felt like they matched the tone of the ones in the game. i bet a comment like this made it all worth it though.

[@krjal3038]

Fantastic interview. That's the type of behind-the-scenes info I love to hear about in game dev.

[@poszy6]

Have not played the game but in love with the art

[@bantyone5299]

Awesome video. I love'd getting to see Hades 1 development through No Clip and I am grateful Game Informer is also covering Hades 2 dev!

[@ceno10101]

I feel her name is a stage name. Hades 3 will be art directed by Jen Alpha.

[@leicean]

I’ve played the early access and omg this game is just as fun and amazing story-wise but the art ties it all together and I’m obsessed!!!!

[@bigmanfrank5708]

This looks so cool love the characters design look forward to playing this game love creativity

[@Spaszer1]

I loved this video! thank you very much

[@gameinformer]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@RoyalMudcrab]

I've had a small crush on Jen since Developing Hell and I had hoped she'd do an interview on Hades II. It's been great so far.

[@Vub.]

Cant wait to play this. First one was hooked

[@seandever5761]

The art is beautiful thank you so much for this game!

[@davidbush8894]

Jen Zee is a legend. Supergiant games have so much style it’s unreal.

[@kurrohii3957]

They need to release an art book!

[@NickelCanvas]

Great interview!

[@gameinformer]

Thank you!

[@JayPeaFenn]

One of the greats 💪

[@petersiedlart]

awesome art!

[@brainpattern]

I agree that Hades 2 is even better. Can't wait for the game to be out in full, but it's been a blast to play in early access so far.

[@princessthyemis]

i love her artwork so much!!! And Joanne Tran, who is the enviroment artist if I got their name right--SPECTACULAR WORK!!!!!

[@Chief_Ten_Bears]

That chuggy guitar in the intro was NICE

[@user-ew7cu3bh1w]

Jen Zee is such a cool name❤

[@shut7565]

It's funny how you guys scrolled through Hades twitter and then there's that one Lore Olympus fan art LMAO at 15:47

[@Bards.98]

I totally agree with the looks the same feels different

[@Bards.98]

The second game hasn't even came out yet and i am already excited to see what will they do with Hades lll and Marika

[@bruceleeroy4258]

hades 3 where you play as zag and mel in co-op with dlc where you can play as Red from transister and Kid from bastion $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ btw I fuckin love Pyre its like medieval NBA JAM and i wish people would show it more love

[@mis.-ty7ej]

I don't even play hades, I am here for the great arts and hot characters!

[@LeonardoSilva-kc1id]

❤❤

[@Himegw]

Wow, this is awsome. After playing the 2 the 1st hades seems like a beta verson. I love 2. Congrats ❤❤❤

[@MikeyJ1572]

can't believe that that's an actual person's actual name

[@everlastin8732]

Kinda wanna see that mood painting ngl

[@idk-vk2fp]

WHEN ARE WE GETTING HADES ART BOOKKKKKK

[@karlhendrikse]

No way that there is an actual person called jen zee that's hilarious

[@marielcarey4288]

Omg I just noticed 😭

[@bryanlee1014]

14:38 😳

[@TsasmineBaldwin]

9:54 that's kronos, not chronos

[@JDEdwards2331]

I need to go back and listen but did she say Hades 1 was in 2D? My brain refuses to accept that lol.

[@ir-dan8524]

The engine is in 2D, which limits lighting and perspective features, but all the gameplay art is pre-rendered sprites that use 3D models. Technically the game could've been made without these models but it saved a lot of time/repetition with the 8-directional movement.

[@JDEdwards2331]

@@ir-dan8524 you're awesome. Thank you.

[@belindaluna2067]

This was why you could only pet one of Cerberus' heads.

[@ir-dan8524]

@@belindaluna2067 You can only pet one because the rest don't like it

[@iditrirajan]

​@@ir-dan8524that's canonical justification to cover engine's shortcoming. Many games do this. Hades have too

[@Saida-qy3ee]

♥♥♥♥♥♥

[@amanofnoreputation2164]

"What color would their underwear be? (The raspy voice is non negotiable when submitting questions to the director.) What's their favourite food for breakfast?"

[@amanofnoreputation2164]

Hades: Ody-illissy Hades 2: Illi-odessy

[@marielcarey4288]

13:59 heheheheh

[@Pumpkininater]

W

[@muddyboots7753]

I tip I want to give to these new upcoming studios - never take on investors, or partners. Do things on your own terms. If you need funding, go to your actual fans. They won't hesitate to support. Investors are the leeches to every good thing.

[@ragros12]

Ah I was hoping for a little more depth on the creative reasoning for transitioning away from the pre-rendered sprites for character models. I can only assume that due to the increased capabilities of the new engine they did it because they could, not because it would serve any artistic purpose. If anything they are detracting from the appeal by removing the final layer of controlled polish which was previously given to the sprites...

[@blackholesun4942]

05:47 lol 08:30 the painting is more simple. Hecate design too full imo 10:42 why does selene ride a horse? 14:45 a bit unfortunate 😢

[@KeyT3ch]

Gen Z?

[@97wojak]

Is her name pronounced Gen Z?

[@user-ed5wc1op9o]

I expected some early artwork to be shared. Disappointing.

[@mutialtanovv1718]

I gotta say, everything looks the same as the last Hades, BUT I think the character illustrations are so bad, so so bad, they dont look divine at all in my opinion. kinda sad, because I went back to hades 1, and just the illustrations there are so much more divine, and detailed, and just...better.

[@eonamiella2124]

I'll agree the art is a bit of a mixed bag this time around, mostly for the returning characters but I do find Aphrodite's to be a massive upgrade. Probably my favorite of the new ones, I love the new face and how she has weapons. Artemis though, she looked way better in the first, she looks too different here imo

[@Faceu7745]

She's the real piece of art...

[@ju7644]

their work is impressive and great. nemesis' design kinda pissed me off tho

[@MateriaGirl]

Ngl. The art is decidedly worse this time around. The character poses are stagnant and they aren't representative of their personalities. Hades is renowned for how dynamic and full of life the portraits are. The Hades 2 versions are standing still, in normal positions, with nothing indicating who they are. Hermes is just... Standing there. In the first game he was visibly on his way somewhere, at a crazy angle. The new design doesn't even have visual indicators that it's him. And the dynamic, colorful lighting effects are largely missing now, too. It's an obvious downgrade and I don't get it.

[@dunadan1995]

The game’s still in early access, plenty of characters’ art isn’t finished yet with some even being placeholders or a coarse doodle. If other characters are gonna have sprites closer in terms of detailing to what Melinoe has, it’s gonna be a massive upgrade over Hades 1 imo. Also, it’s a completely different aesthetic and a different context from the first game, it’s more melancholic and slower by design, hence the different posing and impressions on characters’ faces.

[@MateriaGirl]

@@dunadan1995 they drew fully finished art as placeholders? That's fucking stupid. This isn't placeholder art.

[@dunadan1995]

@@MateriaGirl no, the art for Narcissus, Charon and Selene(dismounted in the Crossroads) are literally placeholders - as in the people in cloaks, the same placeholders that were in Hades 1’s early access. And arts for Hades, Icarus, Cerce and Medea are rough sketches of their complete future art. Some of the other art is less detailed than usual too - new Artemis sprite looks scruffy, and plenty of NPC’s with extensive dialogue don’t have more than one sprite yet, which is bound to change - all the people important to the plot had more than one sprite in Hades 1 to make them seem more expressive(Meg, Than, Hades, Dusa, Nyx, Persephone). And if you remember the early access for the first game - arts for plenty of characters changed for the full release from how they were in Early Access too - more details and polish was added for the full release.

[@mrshmuga9]

⁠@@dunadan1995 Sure on one hand it’s an early access “game”… but they’re charging money for it NOW so it’s still fair to criticize its current state. Especially when a lot of buzz around the game was “yeah, it’s technically early access but it’s basically completely done”. You’d think with how successful the first one was, they wouldn’t need to do a paid early access again.

[@dunadan1995]

​@@mrshmuga9 Nobody forces you to play the early access version though. The cost of the game is lowered compared to the full release for a reason and the reason is that the game is unfinished and the devs need feedback. Hence the 3 long-ass patches that they've released since the intial EA version came out that have like half of the changes based on audience feedback. Please wait for the full release if you can't deal with the fact that the game isn't really finished just yet. That being said, they didn't release the first Hades in early access because they couldn't release the game in a complete state either, they EA'd it to get as much feedback and balance the game as much as humanly possible so that it'd become the best version of what it could be - which is what happened, and which is why Hades was so well recieved when it actually launched. Also, why'd you put "game" in quotations? The actual *gameplay* itself is pretty much done, what we don't have yet is one biom, one weapon, some visuals and the story beats(also some Gods are rumored to be added later as well, but that's just speculation). The EA version of the first Hades had 4 weapons with no aspects, initially looked like actual ass with pretty much all of the in-game art changing by the time it released and also ended the run after beating Hydra in the second biome. Hades 2 is a goddamn goldmine of content by comparison with its 5 weapons, 6 biomes including the final boss, keepsakes, aspects for existing weapons, the Fear mechanic(aka the Heat mechanic that wasn't introduced until launch in the first game) etc. In terms of gameplay Hades 2 already has pretty much everything that was beloved in Hades 1, they're just testing out all of the new stuff. I've personally played this game for 50 hours already and enjoyed it immensely.

[@smoogles.5534]

cool but wasted because the game has these bizarre diversity characters for no reason but just to force them in, instead of something genuinely creative we could of got from her. oh well.

[@smoogles.5534]

@@marciasouzabavaro2877 It's blatantly obvious that the recent changes in the gaming industry are being forcefully driven by a DEI agenda. This isn't about personal preference; it's a clear-cut fact. There's a bizarre wave of people who, without question, label any critique of these changes as 'hate.' But let's call it what it is: a purely agenda-driven move that does nothing to enhance the game. It panders to a microscopic minority, and despite the billions of dollars invested in these initiatives, they repeatedly fail because what they're pushing isn't in line with the natural interests of the broader gaming community. This isn't progress; it's a distraction from what gamers actually want. Funny enough, a few media outlets posted the same kind of article at the same time. They synchronized their watches courtesy of BlackRock and Vanguard ESG directives. It's not a coincidence; it's a coordinated effort to push this agenda from the top down. And nothing screams 'god-like being' like being in a wheelchair, right? It's laughable. The absurdity of these forced representations, which are supposed to be empowering, only serve to highlight the disconnect between these so-called progressives and the actual interests of the gaming community.

[@LimaJayaSRC]

The only good thing Gen Z has done 😂😂😂

[@AnonYmous69271]

You mean the horrible, ugly art where they race swapped characters?

[@joshuasgameplays9850]

They’re called the Greek gods because they were worshiped by the Greeks, not because they themselves were ethnically Greek. Also who the hell cares it’s a fucking video game.

[@Corndoggo]

+they aren't 1 to 1 exact replicas of the Greek gods, they are inspired by them to create characters for a story the Hades team came up with.

[@bluevortexpng1211]

do you want to bitch and moan about ares, athena, dionysus, and patroclus from the first game as well? just for having a darker skin tone in their designs? or is it just hestia you're mad about because she isn't conventionally attractive enough

[@dunadan1995]

Race swapped who exactly? The burnt face of Hestia, the literal goddess of fire? Or maybe a very specifically Ancient Egypt inspired Chronos? Or maybe having literal Greek gods with some tan is completely unreasonable and anything other than completely white rendition is offensive to your refined tastes? What, you’re gonna complain that making Hephaestus crippled is woke too? Look at more anime girl №36942 Hestia art and GTFO.

[@iditrirajan]

​@@dunadan1995except they did. They did complained about the fact that Hephastus is crippled because of the "wokes"