Surprise, surprise, a Harry Potter RPG will one day become a reality. Following years of multiple rumors all but confirming the game's existence, an RPG set in the world of Harry Potter has finally been confirmed, and it's called Hogwarts Legacy. Alas, you'll have to wait a bit longer to play than originally expected, but hopefully, development will be wrapping up soon. Now that Hogwarts Legacy is out in the open, we've rounded up everything we know about the Harry Potter game, thanks to several years of rumors, and the official announcement.
When is the Hogwarts Legacy release window?
This new Harry Potter game was originally leaked in 2018, but wasn’t officially announced until 2020, when WB initially planned for a 2021 launch.
In January 2021, WB games pushed the release window back to 2022, giving the development studio more time. It’s likely the pandemic played a role in the game’s delay.
Sony is hosting a PlayStation State of Play event on Thursday, March 17, 2022, focusing solely on Hogwarts Legacy. We might get a release date announcement, along with more details about how it will play. Our guess is that it’ll launch in fall 2022 unless it gets delayed again.
Is there a Hogwarts Legacy trailer?
Yes! The game was finally revealed with a cinematic trailer during the September 2020 PlayStation 5 Showcase. You can check it out for yourself below.
From the trailer, we can see that despite taking place in the late 1800s, many Hogwarts traditions are still present. For example, owls still seem to play a large role at Hogwarts. As do the haunted decor items.
We can also see Hippogriffs in the trailer, as the narrator mentions the world outside Hogwarts. Perhaps you can travel the land using flying creatures like Hippogriffs.
We also get a look at a masked person in a few shots. Like all masked people, they appear rather fearsome. Perhaps this person is the game's villain?
What are the Hogwarts Legacy platforms?
The official website for Hogwarts Legacy confirms that the game will come to PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X. The next-gen versions that were leaked in the aforementioned Bloomberg report confirm that the game is in development for PS5 and Xbox Series X, and it sounds like the game will be exclusive to next-gen consoles.
There seem to be no plans for Nintendo Switch or Google Stadia versions of the game, which is unsurprising.
What studio is developing Hogwarts Legacy?
Hogwarts Legacy is being developed by Avalanche Software. This was revealed in a Eurogamer article back in 2018 and reaffirmed by Bloomberg's 2020 report. Avalanche Software was a former developer owned by Disney that was acquired by WB Games back in 2017.
The developer is best known for its work on the Disney Infinity games and the Tak series. Hogwarts Legacy could serve as the studio's next big break.
Is J.K. Rowling involved with Hogwarts Legacy?
The author of the Harry Potter book series, J.K. Rowling, is involved with many projects set within the series' world, including the ongoing expansion of the universe via Pottermore and the Fantastic Beasts films. In June 2020, Rowling made public comments criticizing transgender people, and this angered many fans of the series. Harry Potter actors like Daniel Radcliffe have even spoken out against Rowling's comments, and her involvement with the game appears to be a dealbreaker for some on Twitter.
Bloomberg's report does confirm that "she continues to play a role in most projects associated with the Harry Potter brand, and the game is no exception" but that "Rowling has very little direct involvement" in the game. Some developers at Avalanche Software are reportedly "rattled" by Rowling's comments.
What is the Hogwarts Legacy setting and story?
"Experience Hogwarts in the 1800s, the official website says. "Your character is a student who holds the key to an ancient secret that threatens to tear the wizarding world apart. You have received a late acceptance to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and soon discover that you are no ordinary student: you possess an unusual ability to perceive and master Ancient Magic."
Synopsis teases that "only you can decide if you will protect this secret for the good of all, or yield to the temptation of more sinister magic," so it appears that players can make choices in the game and decide to become evil if they want
For context, Dumbledore was born in 1881, so this is mostly a pre-Dumbledore era we are talking about. The leaked footage, a montage of which you can check out below, also gives an idea of the general look and feel of the game in addition to the official trailer.
Bloomberg's report teases that the game will "let players role-play as wizards and roam a vast, open-world re-creation of Hogwarts and its surrounding area" while also noting that "the video was authentic, but most of the rumors that have come out since are not."
The upcoming game does not appear to have a direct tie to the original Harry Potter book series but will flesh out the universe's history like the Fantastic Beasts movies.
What is Hogwarts Legacy gameplay like?
As we've mentioned, Hogwarts Legacy is an open-world action RPG set in the world of Harry Potter. "Now you can take control of the action and be at the center of your own adventure in the wizarding world," the website reveals. "Embark on a journey through familiar and new locations as you explore and discover fantastic beasts, customize your character and craft potions, master spell casting, upgrade talents, and become the wizard you want to be."
Hogwarts Legacy is in development for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
