Gameplay has been revealed for Hogwarts Legacy, along with other details for the upcoming open-world role-playing game. Hogwarts Legacy will be published by Warner Bros. Games under its Portkey Games label. It is being developed by Avalanche Software.
The game will release on consoles and PC in holiday 2022. Perhaps, the publishers want to see if they can repeat the sales magic seen with the films, which released during the holidays. It will be set in the 1800s and not feature a new story from J.K. Rowling, but her team is involved with the game’s development.
Each experience offered under Portkey Games will take place in the wizarding world and will be authentic to it. J.K. Rowling is supportive of Portkey Games and has entrusted the design and creation of the games to Warner Bros. Games and the developers involved. Her team have also collaborated with Warner Bros. Games on all aspects of Hogwarts Legacy to ensure it remains a true part of the Wizarding World experience and is in line with the creativity and magic that fans expect.
The story showcased in the game is not a new story from J.K. Rowling.
Portkey Games was created to publish Wizarding World games, and more will be released down the road. The games will be true to the franchise and J.K. Rowling’s vision.
While Portkey Games are not direct adaptations of the books and films, the games are firmly rooted in the magical universe of the Wizarding World. While remaining true to J.K. Rowling’s original vision, Portkey game developers chart new territory by creating fresh ways for fans to immerse themselves in the Wizarding World.
The game is single player. It will focus on a new student at Hogwarts who is trying to solve a mystery while developing their magic and abilities. Hogwarts Castle will include puzzles, secret passages, and dungeons. There will be familiar and new locations for players to explore outside the castle, such as the Forbidden Forest and Hogsmeade Village.
Players will experience life as a student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the 1800s as they embark on a dangerous journey to uncover a hidden truth of the wizarding world. They will grow their magical abilities by mastering spells, brewing potions, taming magical beasts and more.
Players will be able to choose their house when creating their characters. They will be able to customize and develop their own combat style. Characters will be able to interact with some students who may become friends that will join in on adventures. They will also have skills and abilities that can be developed.
There are numerous means of travel that include broom flight and riding magical beasts. They will be able to race and take classes to improve their flying skills. Classes include Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, and Potion making.
Upgrades will lead to becoming a witch or wizard. At some point, players will discover the secret Room of Requirement, which allows further customizing of abilities. They can mix and match spells and use magical gear to complete challenges while developing their playstyle.
The game will not feature any microtransactions or in-game purchases. This will come as a relief to parents worried about the things their children might ask for or try to get on their own.
Source: Hogwarts Legacy