Hogwarts Legacy was a critical and commercial success, one that Warner Bros. Games will likely to try and replicate in the future. For the longest time, fans have wanted a solid Harry Potter RPG, and Hogwarts Legacy delivered that in spades. However, while a sequel seems likely at some point, it could be a very different game.
Recently, WB Discovery president David Zaslav said that the current goal of the company is to turn more of its most popular IP into multiplatform live-service games, as well as free-to-play titles. This, according to Zaslav, would drive engagement for longer periods of time, as live-service games are typically supported for years, and it would drive more revenue. As many gamers know, live-service games, free-to-play titles, and mobile titles are often filled with microtransactions. Not always, but often enough that microtransactions are synonymous with live-service titles. Fans can already sort of see this happen with mobile title Mortal Kombat: Onslaught, as well as the design of Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League. This suggests Warner Bros. Might be interested in doing the same with Hogwarts Legacy, and while there would certainly be some benefits, the pros might be outweighed by the cons.
Hogwarts Legacy Snubbed by The Game Awards 2023
The Game Awards 2023 snubs Hogwarts Legacy, the open world Harry Potter action-RPG from Avalanche Software.
Why Hogwarts Legacy 2 Could Have Live-Service Elements
One reason why Hogwarts Legacy was so praised is because it felt like a complete experience out of the box, with Hogwarts even changing to fit the in-game seasons (as one example). One issue with many live-service games is that they feel like things are left out to be monetized later, even though that's not typically the case. It's an area where what something feels like and what decisions are made later do not always line up. And for Hogwarts Legacy specifically, there are a bunch of in-game systems that could easily be monetized and potentially could be in the sequel. Hogwarts Legacy's herbology is a prime example, as the seeds, the pots, and even growth time would be ripe areas for microtransactions.
On top of that, things like custom wands, custom robes, custom hats, and so forth could be continuously added to the game via packs that require real-world money to purchase. It would also not be surprising to see if there were entry passes required to take part in events, nor would it be surprising if things like season passes or battle passes (like Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League) were added to the game. Truth be told, Hogwarts Legacy feels like AAA live-service game without any form of monetization, and the sheer number of systems and possibilities that could be monetized is daunting given Zaslav's recent statements.
It's worth noting that, unless Hogwarts Legacy 2 introduced some new multiplayer elements, it's unlikely there would be any "pay-to-win" elements associated with the game. It's not impossible if Hogwarts Legacy 2 introduced Quidditch, but the likelier approach is that the monetization approach would be purely cosmetic or come down to pure convenience. It's a common argument that microtransactions like these are fine since no one has to buy them, but FOMO, love for an IP, and great designs can push folks to impulse buy when they don't want to or really shouldn't. As such, it's a concerning approach from Warner Bros. Games, even though Hogwarts Legacy 2 is not yet confirmed.
It should be noted that a recent leak claims that Hogwarts Legacy 2 is in development, which should be good news for fans of the franchise. But, as of this moment, it's uncertain how or if the title will actually introduce live-service elements.
Hogwarts Legacy
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 84 /100 Critics Rec: 88%
- Released
- February 10, 2023
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Blood, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Use of Alcohol
- Developer(s)
- Avalanche Software
- Publisher(s)
- Warner Bros. Games
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 4
- Cross-Platform Play
- Hogwarts Legacy doesn't have crossplay or crossplatform support
- Cross Save
- you can freely use your saved data between each console as long as you are connected to the internet and signed into the same account where the saved data was created
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 can 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 World
The wizarding world awaits you. Freely roam Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, the Forbidden Forest, and the surrounding Overland area.
Be the Witch or Wizard You Want to be
Learn 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 Adventure
Experience 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.
- Franchise
- Harry Potter
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC
- Metascore
- 84
