BACHELOR THESIS

I chose this topic for my bachelor thesis because of my strong personal interest in Age of Empires and the fascinating role of tech trees in game design. In my Opinion Tech trees are an essential yet often overlooked aspect of strategy games, offering depth and versatility in gameplay. Despite their significance, there is little academic research on the subject, which further motivated me to explore this area in detail.

In my thesis, I first established the relevance of the topic and defined key parameters for my investigation by formulating a research question and hypotheses. To ensure a solid foundation, I provided theoretical insights into the purpose and mechanics of tech trees, as well as an overview of Age of Empires 2. I then selected an appropriate research method and conducted a Qualitative Content Analysis. The final chapters present a detailed evaluation of my findings, leading to a comprehensive conclusion.

You can view the key insights in a short presentation in the gallery below or download my complete bachelor thesis via the link provided.

Working on this thesis gave me a deeper appreciation for the complexity of game mechanics and the intricate role of tech trees in strategy games. Analyzing a single game element in such depth was both fascinating and challenging, as the many interwoven factors made it difficult to draw definitive conclusions.

This research not only broadened my understanding of Age of Empires 2 but also sharpened my analytical and problem-solving skills. It reinforced my interest in game design and provided me with valuable insights into how game mechanics shape player experience.