New gameplay footage of Hogwarts Legacy revealed at the March PlayStation State of Play shows a canon-rich open-world Harry Potter setting for players to explore. While past video games based on the Harry Potter novels and films have been widely underwhelming for such a popular series, Hogwarts Legacy may manage to blend canon concepts from the Wizarding World with new story content and characters, giving a unique and exciting adventure through Hogwarts. Despite much of the game’s content remaining a mystery, the new updates show promise for an authentic Harry Potter experience.
The Harry Potter game franchise includes numerous linear home console RPG titles closely resembling the eight films, with players carrying out tasks as Harry Potter instead of an original character. Earlier installments were more light-hearted and focused on puzzle solving, but the later titles became increasingly dark and gritty with gameplay resembling an action-shooter instead of a magical RPG. According to what is known about Hogwarts Legacy, it seems the game brings the two concepts together, allowing players to create a unique character that explores the area within and around Hogwarts, while also engaging in rapid-fire combat against antagonist characters.
The gameplay footage shared on the PlayStation YouTube channel offers a look at how the canon content from the Harry Potter books has been translated into Hogwarts Legacy. Players will be sorted into one of the four Hogwarts houses, attend numerous classes, and engage in social interactions with classmates as they make friends and navigate rivalries. Hogwarts Legacy has included important locations like the house common rooms and dormitories, the prefect’s baths, the Hogwarts kitchens, and the Great Hall. The decorations and layouts of these areas seem to more closely resemble the book descriptions and include locations skipped in the Harry Potter movies, with adjustments made to accommodate the 19th-century setting.
Hogwarts Legacy Features An Older Character Starting Late At Hogwarts
One of the big changes revealed during the trailer is the age of the main character starting at Hogwarts. In the Harry Potter novels, students start their first year at the School of Witchcraft and Wizardy when they reach their eleventh birthday. However, it is revealed the main character of Hogwarts Legacy has gotten “a late start,” according to the gameplay footage, entering the school as a fifth year. While this may seem odd to fans of the Harry Potter series, starting as a fifteen-year-old is likely a way for the developers to gear Hogwarts Legacy gameplay at an older audience. The adaption also makes the inclusion of a darker storyline and potentially violent combat more acceptable, as it wouldn’t work well with a first-year main character.
Additionally, players will only see a few returning characters in Hogwarts Legacy. Because the game is set long before Harry Potter or his parent’s generation are born, Hogwarts Legacy will introduce a new cast of NPCs and professors for players to interact with. Currently, it has been confirmed that ghosts like Nearly Headless Nick will return, as well as the History of Magic teacher Professor Binns and ancestors of the Weasley family. Players will have the chance to meet and build relationships with new Professors for Potions, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, and likely many more, as well as a new Hogwarts Headmaster. While there is still much to learn about the changes and alterations to the canon planned for Hogwarts Legacy, it appears the changes made so far will help build a unique and exciting story in the widely-loved, magical world.
Editor’s Note: Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling has been accused of transphobia by those in the LGBTQ+ community. Although not directly involved in the development of Hogwarts Legacy, Rowling does stand to earn royalties from the game. We would like to reiterate our support for trans rights and that trans identities are valid. Support services are listed below for trans people impacted by discussions of transphobia.
In the USA:
- Trans Lifeline: (877) 565-8860
- The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386
In Canada:
- Trans Lifeline: (877) 330-6366
- Youth Line: 1-800-268-9688
In the UK:
- Switchboard: 01273 204050
- Mermaids: 0808 801 0400
