After years of potential leaks and rumors, yesterday Warner Brothers announced a new single player open world RPG set in the Harry Potter world called Hogwarts Legacy. This new game is being released under a new Portkey Games label.
Portkey Games, from Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, is the games label dedicated to creating new Wizarding World mobile and videogame experiences that place the player at the centre of their own adventure, inspired by J.K. Rowling’s original stories.
The announcement trailer for the game was released in 4k and looks absolutely amazing (though we couldn’t help but notice some low framerates, maybe it’s a good thing the new Nvidia 30 series cards are being released…).
While information is still limited, we can say that so far it looks fantastic! There are some Hogwarts Legacy screenshots and wallpapers online already, as well as people digging through the trailer looking for the fantastic beasts that will potentially be available in the game.
One reddit user even put together a comprehensive compilation of information and resources available for the game so far!
Here’s what the official site has to say about the game:
Hogwarts Legacy is an immersive, open-world action RPG set in the world first introduced in the Harry Potter books. Now you can take control of the action and be at the center of your own adventure in the wizarding world. 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.
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. 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. Only you can decide if you will protect this secret for the good of all, or yield to the temptation of more sinister magic.
Discover the feeling of living at Hogwarts as you make allies, battle Dark wizards, and ultimately decide the fate of the wizarding world. Your legacy is what you make of it.
You can join/follow the official resources for the game as well to stay up to date, as well as fansites such as Muggle Studies:
You can also check out this big list of FAQs from the official Discord server:
Q: What kind of game is Hogwarts Legacy?
A: Hogwarts Legacy is an immersive, open-world, action role-playing-game set in the 1800s wizarding world, which puts players at the centre of their own adventure
Q: Who is publishing Hogwarts Legacy?
A: Warner Bros. Games is publishing Hogwarts Legacy under the Portkey Games label. The game is being developed by Avalanche.
Q: When does Hogwarts Legacy release?
A: Hogwarts Legacy will release in 2021.
Q: What platforms will Hogwarts Legacy be on?
A: Hogwarts Legacy will be available for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 4 Pro, the Xbox One family of devices, including Xbox Series X and Xbox One X, and PC.
Q: What is J.K. Rowling’s involvement with the game? Is this a new story from J.K. Rowling?
A: J.K. Rowling was not involved in the creation of the game, however, her extraordinary body of writing is the foundation of all projects in the Wizarding World.
This is not a new story from J.K. Rowling.
Q: How does Hogwarts Legacy fit into the Harry Potter Wizarding World?
A: While Portkey Games are not direct adaptations of the books and films, the games are firmly rooted in the Harry Potter universe. While remaining true to J.K. Rowling’s original work, Portkey game developers chart new territory by creating fresh ways for fans to immerse themselves in the wizarding world.
Q: Is Hogwarts Legacy an original story?
A: Hogwarts Legacy is an open-world, single-player, action role-playing videogame (RPG) set in the 1800s wizarding world. The story has players experiencing life as a student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry like never before, as they live the unwritten and embark on a dangerous journey to uncover a hidden truth of the wizarding world.
Q: What is the original story of Hogwarts Legacy?
A: 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 and taming fantastic beasts.
Q: How do you play Hogwarts Legacy?
A: Hogwarts Legacy is filled with immersive magic, putting players at the center of their adventure to become the witch or wizard they choose to be. They will grow their character’s abilities as they master powerful spells, hone combat skills and select companions to help them face off against deadly enemies. Players will also encounter missions and scenarios that will challenge their morality and determine what they stand for.
Q: Can players choose and switch their Hogwarts house in Hogwarts Legacy?
A: Players can choose their Hogwarts house at the start of Hogwarts Legacy. We’ll have more details to share at a later time.
Q: Will you see Harry Potter, Hermione Granger or Ron Weasley in the game?
A: No, Hogwarts Legacy is set in the 1800s, before the time period of J.K. Rowling’s original stories.
Q: Will Hogwarts Legacy adhere to Wizarding World lore?
A: Yes. While Hogwarts Legacy is not a direct adaptation of the books and films, the games are anchored in Wizarding World lore. Avalanche is creating a unique gaming experience that is inspired by J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, in which players will find new and unexpected locations, characters and story elements.
Q: Does the game take place only in Hogwarts Castle?
A: Hogwarts Legacy takes players beyond Hogwarts to new and familiar locations including the Forbidden Forest and Hogsmeade Village.
Q: What is Portkey Games?
A: Portkey Games, from Warner Bros. Games, is the games label dedicated to creating new Wizarding World mobile and videogame experiences that place the player at the center of their own adventure, inspired by J.K. Rowling’s original stories. Portkey Games offers players the opportunity to make their own narrative choices and engage with the Wizarding World setting to discover new and unique experiences. The label was created to bring gamers and fans new gaming experiences that allow them to delve into the Wizarding World in immersive ways where they can create their own magical stories.
Q: What does Portkey mean, and why have you chosen it for this label?
A: In the Harry Potter series, a Portkey is an object, enchanted to instantly transport anyone touching it to a specific location. Most of the time, a Portkey is an everyday object that would not draw the attention of a Muggle. For Portkey Games, it symbolizes how games under this label will transport fans to their own adventures inspired by the Wizarding World.
Q: What type of games will be developed under Portkey Games?
A: Portkey Games will enable developers to create a variety of new and immersive gaming experiences that are all inspired by J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World. These experiences have not been written by J.K. Rowling and will not be direct adaptations of the books or films. These are games that have been created for the fans, by game-makers who themselves are fans of and have been inspired by the Wizarding World.
Q: Are Portkey Games created with J.K. Rowling’s approval?
A: Each experience offered under Portkey Games will take place in the Wizarding World and will be authentic to the Wizarding World. J.K. Rowling is supportive of Portkey Games and has entrusted the design and creation of the games to WB Games and the developers involved.
