While the book and movie adaptations of Harry Potter are seemingly undeniably enjoyed and considered modern classics, the video games of the wizarding world have been a bit more up and down. Most Harry Potter games have been mediocre, with a few exceptions. It’s time for a great Harry Potter game.
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New details have emerged for a Harry Potter RPG that could be released soon for next-gen consoles. The leaks indicate that the title may be Hogwarts: A Dark Legacy, but nothing is known until there is an official reveal. A huge announcement this Summer, for the upcoming Harry Potter RPG epic, would be magical.
Why a Summer Reveal is the Perfect Timing
As a result of the cancellation of E3 2020 due to the Coronavirus, video game reveals have lost a bit of their typical summer luster. Video game developers have scrambled to set up their own live streams for E3-like announcements, but the magic of E3, or lack thereof, has made it so that this year’s gaming reveals are a bit discombobulated. There have been some amazing E3 moments throughout its history, but without the gigantic gaming show this year, it’s fair to wonder where the excitement will come from this time around. That’s where Harry Potter could come in to add some wonder into the equation.
With 2020 being one of the more unique and heavy-on-the-heart type years in recent memory, a special announcement, one that takes gamers to another world, could certainly be something that would help. Games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons have found success thanks partially to everyone being cooped inside and the game being so whimsical and good-hearted. Harry Potter is one of the most adored franchises, tapping into that and the excitement surrounding it could save the Summer for gamers in many ways.
Why Harry Potter Deserves a Magical Game to Match the Movies and Books
The Wizarding World and Hogwarts is a perfect setup for video games. Thus far, many of the games that have launched fall right in line with simply retelling the stories of the books. However, even many of the spin-off stories of Harry Potter would make for a great game. Stories surrounding the founding wizards, the Order of the Phoenix, or even a deep Quidditch simulator throughout the ages would be fun.
But regardless of the plot, just the world of Harry Potter would make for a splendid setting for a massive adventure game. Some believe that the yet to be announced Harry Potter RPG should leave Hogwarts. As fantastic as the Harry Potter stories are, the fact that most of them have a smaller scale inside Hogwarts means that there is room for more creativity and growth in the franchise.
RELATED: Rumor: Harry Potter RPG Release Window Leaked
It is hard to find a book series that finds the type of success that Harry Potter has. It’s very rare to see movies that are based on a book series to be loved just as much, if not more, than the books. As the defining fiction series of the generation, an amazing Harry Potter video game would be the trifecta of success that it deserves.
Harry Potter RPG Leaks and Gameplay Features
As previously mentioned, the leaked name for the new Harry Potter game is Hogwarts: A Dark Legacy, indicating that the game would indeed take place in Hogwarts. But other information about the setting of Harry Potter RPG has been rumored.
The game may take place in the 1800s, specifically the Victorian era. It would be based on going to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as a student, but during an entirely different period than what fans have come accustomed to for Harry, Hermoine, and Ron. As far as world history is concerned, a lot of major events took place from the 1830s to the end of the 19th century, including major steps in both gender and racial equality and major wars. It’s entirely possible that real-world events could coincide with the plot of the game.
Some believe that the game will have a lot of educational ramifications, with an emphasis on school-life and the students learning. The Harry Potter RPG could easily borrow ideas from games like Persona or Fire Emblem Three Houses. A parallel could be made with the books, as each player’s progression could be tied to time spent in Hogwarts, growing older, and mastering the wizarding arts.
There is also the hope that Hogwarts: A Dark Legacy will be like the Skyrim of the wizarding world, as being trapped in Hogwarts could be less freeing and fun as a video game. However, if the game had a gigantic scale with a world to traverse, it could open the doors to a new type of Harry Potter experience. Being able to use Hogwarts as a hub, one where new skills can be learned, social interaction can be had with students, and plotlines and lore are woven, while a ginormous world outside is ready to be explored for adventurous and challenges could be the perfect recipe.
Every so often there comes video game come that is better than the movie it is based on. It would be a stretch to hope that a new Harry Potter game would be even better than the masterful movies and books, but a defining game to go alongside those other mediums would be splendid. The way to do that would be by opening the doors creatively and finding unique ways to tell stories in and outside of Hogwarts, with gameplay mechanics that match that magic.
There are some large video game reveals on the way, including from Sony for the PS5, the Xbox Series X showcase at some point, and more. The Summer Games fest is also soon approaching, as many developers and publishers are attempting to find ways to get the message out about their game in lieu of E3. A Harry Potter RPG could be announced at any of those events and easily steal the show, just as the movies and books have stolen the hearts of countless fans.
The Harry Potter RPG is rumored to be in development now.
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