The upcoming expansion for the Harry Potter-themed video game is anticipated to launch later this year. This expansion follows the successful release of Hogwarts Legacy in February 2023, a game set prior to the events of J.K. Rowling’s novels that has become one of the best-selling titles in history. While Warner Bros. Discovery has not formally announced the expansion, reports indicate its potential release in 2024.
Initially, this expansion was expected to include a new storyline along with a definitive edition of the game that would combine all existing content. However, recent reports suggest that the planned content may not justify the proposed pricing. Moreover, despite Bloomberg indicating that plans for the expansion may have been scrapped, a sequel to Hogwarts Legacy is reportedly in development, with the original game having sold over 34 million copies.
Amidst a challenging year for Warner Bros. in the gaming sector, during which a Suicide Squad game was seen as a major failure, the company has also decided to halt development on a Wonder Woman game and close three of its studios. Nevertheless, strong franchises, including Harry Potter and others from DC Comics and Game of Thrones, continue to capture interest.
Hogwarts Legacy, which takes place a century before the events depicted in the Harry Potter novels, has been praised for its faithful representation of Rowling’s magical world, earning generally positive reviews. However, it faced criticism regarding its gameplay mechanics and technical performance. Additionally, Rowling’s controversial views on gender identity have led to calls for a boycott of the franchise.
The author herself, who has received numerous threats due to her views, recently challenged authorities regarding potential legal repercussions stemming from her statements. In the public eye, she has also faced comments from former Harry Potter actor David Tennant, who indicated that he feels his contribution to the franchise has been fulfilled and alluded to differences with the current producers of the upcoming HBO series adaptation.
