Summary
Hogwarts Legacywas a magical, and unknown step into the wizarding world during the late 19th century. It largely succeeds in bringing something fresh tofans of theHarry PotterIP. It’s easily the best gaming adaptation of JK Rowling’s property, and does well to bring its own flavor while also leaning on conventions that have been in the series since the beginning.
The project was published by Warner Bros Games, and though its strong sales would imply doing something similar with the sequel toHogwarts Legacywould be smart, recent comments from the president of WB Discovery suggest there’s a possibility of the rumored follow-up adopting more live service features. This could be its downfall, but if done right, a successor toHogwarts Legacythat brings regular content could be something special.
“Our focus is on transforming our biggest franchises from largely console and PC based with three-four year release schedules to include more always-on gameplay through live services, multiplatform, and free-to-play extensions with the goal to have more players spending more time on more platforms.” - David Zaslav, WB Discovery president
At Hogwarts, the Times are Always Changing
Hogwarts is a school that doesn’t sit still for too long. As is evident from Harry Potter’s time at the castle alone, each year brings with it huge dangers, incredible opportunities, and shocking twists and turns to keep each semester exciting. Be it the Tri-Wizard Tournament inThe Goblet of Fireorthe Quidditch seasonsthat guarantee drama, the academic year delivers surprises regularly.Hogwarts Legacykeeps that tradition alive with a story vastly different from the muggle schooling experience. However, when the credits roll, it’s hard to get excited for a repeat playthrough, as the journey will always be somewhat similar.
InHogwarts Legacy,players can select one of four houses, but though this brings some changes to side content, the story remains largely unchanged.
Implementing a live service element where updates and expansions couldbroaden the horizons ofHogwarts Legacymight bring the school experience closer to the real world. One of the biggest criticisms levied at the 2023 game was that the role-playing element of being a student was minimal, since there was no punishment or even reason to attend classes more than once. Bringing new quests, characters, classes, and storylines to correspond with the new school year would do well to makeHogwarts Legacy 2a game with more stopping power than the ~30 hours it takes to finish the main campaign.
A Live Service Hogwarts Legacy Could Add Endless Immersion
Hogwarts Legacyis undoubtedly an RPG, but far from the most immersive that has released in 2023.Baldur’s Gate 3,Starfield, andDiablo 4allow for far more player agency, and compared to those, the Avalanche-developed title can feel far more rigid. The budding Wizarding World franchise will likely never reach that level of role-playing potential, and that’s okay, but more live service features in the sequel toHogwarts Legacycould bridge the gap, even just a little. Bringing more cosmetic items, gameplay additions, and even whole new storylines akin toFinal Fantasy 14’s expansions could do well to immerse fans more than ever.
Finding ways to makeHogwarts Legacymore immersive and ever-lastingcould give people a source of escapism for hundreds of hours, and something they can dip into regularly to see what has changed. The difference in seasons could bring new weather conditions to be overcome, and activities that can only be accessed in that specific time. Games likeDestiny 2andFinal Fantasy 14have shown that storytelling doesn’t have to suffer when implementing live service features, and as each year is different at Hogwarts, the switch to the format could be a huge boost to an already great game.
Hogwarts Legacy
WHERE TO PLAY
Hogwarts Legacy is an immersive, open-world action RPG set in the world first introduced in the Harry Potter books. For the first time, experience Hogwarts in the 1800s. Your character is a student who holds the key to an ancient secret that threatens to tear the wizarding world apart. Now you may take control of the action and be at the center of your own adventure in the wizarding world. Your legacy is what you make of it.Explore an Open WorldThe wizarding world awaits you. Freely roam Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, the Forbidden Forest, and the surrounding Overland area.Be the Witch or Wizard You Want to beLearn spells, brew potions, grow plants, and tend to magical beasts along your journey. Get sorted into your house, forge relationships, and master skills to become the witch or wizard you want to be Experience a New Wizarding World AdventureExperience the wizarding world in an unexplored era to uncover a hidden truth from its past. Battle against trolls, Dark Wizards, goblins, and more as you face a dangerous villain threatening the fate of the wizarding world.
