The world ofHarry Potterhas become one of the most beloved fictional places of the generation. With pop culture icons the likes ofStar Warsand comic-book superheroes,Harry Potterstands out thanks to a well-crafted universe, adventurous tales, loveable characters, and a child-like approach to magical fun.
While the book and movie adaptations ofHarry Potterare seemingly undeniably enjoyed and considered modern classics, the video games of the wizarding world have been a bit more up and down.MostHarry Pottergames have been mediocre, with a few exceptions. It’s time for a greatHarry Pottergame.
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Newdetails have emerged for aHarry PotterRPGthat could be released soon for next-gen consoles. The leaks indicate that the title may beHogwarts: A Dark Legacy,but nothing is known until there is an official reveal. A huge announcement this Summer, for the upcomingHarry PotterRPG epic, would be magical.
Why a Summer Reveal is the Perfect Timing
As a result of thecancellation of E3 2020due 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 someamazing E3 momentsthroughout 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 whereHarry Pottercould 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 likeAnimal Crossing: New Horizonshave found successthanks partially to everyone being cooped inside and the game being so whimsical and good-hearted.Harry Potteris 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 thespin-off stories ofHarry Potterwould 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 ofHarry Potterwould make for a splendid setting for a massive adventure game. Some believe that the yet to be announcedHarry PotterRPGshould leave Hogwarts. As fantastic as theHarry Potterstories 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.
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It is hard to find a book series that finds the type of success thatHarry Potterhas. 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 amazingHarry Pottervideo 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 newHarry Pottergame isHogwarts: A Dark Legacy,indicating that the game would indeed take place in Hogwarts. But other information about thesetting ofHarry Potter RPGhas 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. TheHarry Potter RPGcould easily borrow ideas from games likePersonaorFire 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 thatHogwarts: A Dark Legacywill be like theSkyrimof 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 ofHarry Potterexperience. 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 comesvideo game come that is better than the movieit is based on. It would be a stretch to hope that a newHarry Pottergame 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. AHarry Potter RPGcould 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.
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