It seems like from the momentHogwarts Legacywas launched in February 2023, all players have been thinking about is when the sequel will drop and how it will improve upon the game’s very solid foundation. While theories and desired features have been thrown around online, fans have been waiting for Warner Bros. to confirm that a sequel is indeed on its way.
Luckily, Warner Bros. announced thatHogwarts Legacy 2is importantto it and its strategy going forward. This is not particularly surprising considering the first game’s enormous success, but it’s definitely good news for fans. However, one concerning detail that has arisen is thatWarner Bros. wants to connect the upcomingHogwarts Legacy 2to the HBO Harry Potter show, and that could result in a rushed final product.
Hogwarts Legacy 2 Shouldn’t Be A Promotional Tie-In For The Harry Potter Show
It Could End Up Being Rushed In Development
It makes complete sense why Warner Bros. wants to tie the much-anticipatedHogwarts Legacysequel with the upcomingHarry PotterHBO show, which has already generated controversy due to how much involvement J.K. Rowling has with it. Not only wasHogwarts Legacythebest-selling game of 2023, but it continues to be a success, with rumors of aDefinitive Editionstirring up even more excitement for it. Additionally, other production companies have found great, albeit waning, success with connected universes. Naturally, Warner Bros. wants a slice of that pie.
RushingHogwarts Legacy 2just to create a connected universe could end up losing Warner Bros. even more money.
However, not only does thisnonsensicalHogwarts Legacy 2crossoverfeel redundant, as theHarry Potteruniverse has been connected from the get-go, with characters appearing inHogwarts Legacythat are directly related to those in the books, but it could end up being harmful overall. It’s clear that Warner Bros. is in hot water with its various properties, especially as theSuicide Squadgame lost $200 million, andMultiVersushas also proven to be a commercial failure. However,rushingHogwarts Legacy 2just to create a connected universe could end up losing them even more money.
Hogwarts Legacy 2 Needs A Lot Of Development Time To Be Perfect
It Has The Potential To Be Incredible
The originalHogwarts Legacywas in production for around five yearsand was Avalanche Software’s first open-world RPG. It needed a long time in the oven to ensure that it met the expectations of theHarry Potterfanbase as well as catering to casual gamers as well. Luckily, itreviewed incredibly well, proving that the effort was well spent. Since its launch in February 2023, Avalanche has been relatively quiet, releasing a few minor updates, but little else. However, rumors began circulating about aDefinitive EditionofHogwarts Legacy, one that is adding around 15 hours of new story content.
Of course, like with all rumors, it needs to be taken with a grain of salt as it hasn’t been confirmed officially by Avalance Software or Warner Bros. However, it comes from reliable sources and has been corroborated by multiple websites, which speaks to its likely authenticity.
Importantly, thisDefinitive Editionis allegedly being developed with the assistance of Rocksteady, the developers ofSuicide Squad: Kill the Justice Leagueand theArkhamgames. Naturally, this will give Avalanche more resources and assistance, which will shorten development time. Regardless,Hogwarts Legacy: Definitive Edition will still take up key resources and personnel away from the core Avalanche Software team, which will undoubtedly delay any meaningful production of the sequel.
10 Things The Hogwarts Legacy Definitive Edition Should Include
The rumored Hogwarts Legacy Definitive Edition needs to include a number of new features ranging from immersive additions to whole new storylines.
Even if Rocksteady is the primary developer of theDefinitive Edition, which seems highly unlikely, Avalanche would still have some level of involvement as it’s an expansion for its game. This would also take away from time that could be spent onHogwarts Legacy’ssequel. So, with so much time being potentially spent on the creation of this DLC,it’s hard to see howHogwarts Legacy 2could be made in time for theHarry PotterHBO show that launches in 2026.
Hogwarts Legacy 2 Shouldn’t Become The Next Cyberpunk 2077
If It’s Rushed Too Early It Could Release Broken
There is a rather funny video on YouTube posted to the officialHogwarts Legacychannel which showcases some of the bugs the team encountered while developing the game. It’s a humorous insight into video game production and the kinds of things that are promptly fixed before launch day. However, it now feels like a potential warning about what could happen withHogwarts Legacy 2if Warner Bros. wants it rushed out in time for theHarry PotterHBO show.
What absolutely no one wants is for the game to be rushedand end up like anotherCyberpunk 2077disaster. While it’s possible that Avalanche has been working tirelessly on the sequel since the first game launched and that the rumors of theDefinitive Editionare unfounded, it still seems like a relatively short turnaround considering the development time for the first game. Naturally, Avalanche has learned a lot of lessons and will likely build off a lot of the foundations set byHogwarts Legacy, much like howTears of the Kingdomwas built off ofBreath of the Wild.
Warner Bros. hasn’t officially confirmed thatHogwarts Legacy 2is intended to be released in 2026. TheVarietyreport detailing how the game and show will be linked explains that storylines inHogwarts Legacy 2will connect to those in theHarry Pottershow. However, in order for players to understand these connections, the two will likely have to be released simultaneously. It also makes sense considering Warner Bros.’s new push for moreHarry Pottercontent.
However, there is still a good chance that Warner Bros., now under pressure due to astring of failed video games, will pushHogwarts Legacy 2out too early and ruin the brand’s reputation even further. One can only hope that this isn’t the case and that Warner Bros. givesHogwarts Legacy 2the time it needs to breathe and develop into a far better game than its predecessor. However, as much as everyone would likeHogwarts Legacy 2to succeed, Warner Bros.’s track record for pushing games out before they’re ready is only increasing.
Source:Hogwarts Legacy/YouTube,Variety
Editor’s Note: Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling has been accused of transphobia by those in the LGBTQ+ community. Although not directly involved in the development of Hogwarts Legacy, Rowling does stand to earn royalties from the game. We would like to reiterate our support for trans rights and that trans identities are valid. Support services are listed below for trans people impacted by discussions of transphobia.
