Do hard magic systems encourage powerscaling?
I think the current hard magic vs soft magic discourse is blaming magic systems for problems that are actually writing problems.
A lot of the criticism aimed at hard magic systems, especially around “power scaling brain” and fantasy becoming too focused on mechanics , is identifying a real phenomenon. Some fantasy readers do approach stories like battle forums or wikis now, obsessing over rankings, loopholes, and whether systems are “balanced.”
But I also think people overcorrect when they argue soft magic is automatically better or more literary.
Hard magic doesn’t prevent theme, atmosphere, or character work. Brandon Sanderson’s (yes that debate is what prompted this post) systems are extremely structured, but books like The Stormlight Archive still explore trauma, ideology and power in interesting ways.
And also I feel like critics of soft magic aren’t entirely wrong. If magic has no visible limits, stakes can absolutely start to feel vague or unearned. Poorly written soft systems can drift into deus ex machina territory very quickly, when what can and can't happen isn't really well defined.
But neither of those problems are caused by the type of system itself.
Soft magic can still create incredible tension and emotional stakes by utilising mystery and awe. The reader not completely understanding what is happening can be very effective when done right. I love tons of books with soft magic. I'm even writing one right now. because I understand that every tool has its situations! And hard magic can still support deep themes and atmosphere. The Stormlight Archive does this very well. Tolkien and Sanderson are clearly trying to achieve very different things, and both approaches clearly resonate with readers.
I think the more useful question is: what is the magic actually doing for the story?
Curious where people here fall on this. Also these are my views in brief. I have more detailed thoughts on this topic because it keeps coming up again and again, and I feel like it links into "database consumption" a bit. And no, I don't hate romantasy.