Video game music enthusiasts and fans of the critically acclaimed Hades franchise have a spectacular treat awaiting them this June. Supergiant Games has announced that their highly anticipated orchestral concert, “Ballads of the Underworld,” will be streaming live and completely free for audiences worldwide. The one-night-only event takes place on June 27 at London’s prestigious Royal Festival Hall, bringing together the creative minds behind one of gaming’s most beloved soundtracks for an unforgettable musical experience.
The concert represents a remarkable celebration of the music that has captivated millions of players since Hades first launched in early access in 2018. Composer and audio director Darren Korb, whose distinctive blend of rock, folk, and Mediterranean influences has become synonymous with the Hades experience, will take center stage alongside the talented vocalists who brought the underworld’s characters to life. For those unable to attend in person, Supergiant Games has partnered with Twitch to broadcast the entire performance at no cost—a gesture the studio describes as a thank you to their dedicated player community.
A Free Global Stream for Fans Everywhere
Understanding that not every fan can travel to London for the event, Supergiant Games has made accessibility a priority. The free live stream will be available on the studio’s official Twitch channel at twitch.tv/supergiantgames, beginning at 5:30 AM PDT (8:30 AM EST / 1:30 PM BST) on Saturday, June 27. This decision reflects the indie studio’s ongoing commitment to connecting with their global fanbase, a philosophy that has earned them tremendous loyalty since their founding in 2009. The partnership with Twitch also demonstrates the growing recognition of video game music as a legitimate art form worthy of concert hall presentation and worldwide broadcast.
The choice of the Royal Festival Hall as the venue adds significant prestige to the event. Located on London’s South Bank, the hall is one of the world’s premier concert venues, having hosted legendary performers across classical, jazz, and contemporary music since its opening in 1951. Its selection for a video game music concert speaks volumes about how far the medium has come in terms of cultural recognition and artistic respect.
The Music That Defined the Underworld
“Ballads of the Underworld” promises to feature beloved tracks from both Hades and its sequel, Hades II, which launched in early access in 2024 to immediate critical and commercial success. Fans can expect to hear iconic songs like “Good Riddance,” the hauntingly beautiful duet performed during encounters with the nymph Eurydice, and “Coral Crown,” the energetic battle anthem of Scylla and the Sirens. These tracks have transcended their in-game context, with “Good Riddance” in particular becoming a viral sensation and a staple of gaming music playlists across streaming platforms.
Darren Korb’s work on the Hades series earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Game Awards nominations and wins for Best Score and Best Audio Design. His unique approach—personally performing most instruments and working intimately with vocalists—creates a cohesive sound that feels both epic and deeply personal. The opportunity to hear these compositions performed by a full orchestra adds an entirely new dimension to music that was originally crafted in a home studio setting, promising arrangements that will reveal new depths in already familiar melodies.
An All-Star Vocal Ensemble Takes the Stage
The concert’s vocal lineup reads like a who’s who of Supergiant Games talent. Ashley Barrett, whose collaboration with Korb dates back to the studio’s debut title Bastion in 2011, will once again lend her distinctive voice to the performance. Barrett’s contributions to Supergiant’s catalog have made her one of the most recognizable voices in indie gaming, with songs like “Build That Wall” and “Setting Sail, Coming Home” becoming defining pieces of video game music history.
Joining Barrett will be Judy Alice Lee, who voices Melinoë, the protagonist of Hades II; Erin Yvette, known for her dual roles as Scylla and Dora; and Colin Ryan, the voice of Apollo. The London Mozart Players, a renowned chamber orchestra with over 75 years of history, will provide orchestral accompaniment under the baton of Austin Wintory. Wintory himself is a celebrated game composer, best known for his Grammy-nominated score for Journey, making his participation particularly fitting for an event celebrating the artistic achievements of video game music.
Expert Opinion: Events like “Ballads of the Underworld” represent a significant milestone in the legitimization of video game music as a serious artistic medium. The combination of a prestigious venue, world-class performers, and free global streaming could establish a new template for how game studios engage with their communities while showcasing the cultural value of their work. This concert may well inspire other independent developers to pursue similar ambitious musical celebrations, further bridging the gap between gaming and traditional performing arts.