Hogwarts Legacy, from Avalanche Software, is the latest video game title in the Harry Potter franchise currently in development and looks to be published by Portkey Games, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, and Cossona. While details about the title are certainly being kept close to the vest, there's definitely a range of successful games it could draw inspiration from.
Each of these video game experiences offers up a unique lesson that Hogwarts Legacy can certainly take on board. There have been countless Harry Potter titles over the years to varying degrees of success, but this will be the first open-world game set within the universe. There's therefore a lot of pressure on the studio to get it right, resulting in these much-needed tips from other projects.
Red Dead Redemption II (2018)
The Red Dead Redemption franchise is a fantastic example of immersing the audience in an open-world universe. Through the character customization, the side stories, and the way in which the setting is designed, there's perhaps no greater title for giving players the experience of being a real gunslinger.
This is really the core of the success behind both titles, but especially the sequel. Red Dead Redemption is well known for its detailed storytelling at a microscopic level. Hogwarts Legacy will have to capitalize on that lesson, properly building a world that feels authentic.
Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery (2018)
Hogwarts Mystery was actually a mobile title set within the Wizarding World and one that demonstrated that Warner Bros. was looking to experiment with the franchise further. While it's not a perfect title, it certainly proved to be successful amongst fans.
The lesson here is to take risks with the narrative. Hogwarts Mystery is after all set during Harry's era of the school's history, yet is still allowed a great deal of creative freedom. The ongoing storytelling, organized in chapters, is definitely something Hogwarts Legacy could copy.
Batman: Arkham City (2011)
Sometimes it's difficult to create an immersive world when fans already have an idea of the setting in their head. Pre-established franchises can definitely struggle with re-capturing the magic that audiences may have previously felt from elsewhere.
Hogwarts Legacy may come across this issue with the Wizarding World, but Batman: Arkham City is a perfect example of how a well-known location like Gotham, can be portrayed in a unique way. For many this is the definitive version of the comic book city, combining elements from the source material and Rocksteady's own designs.
LEGO Harry Potter Collection (2016)
Despite being a title aimed at a slightly older audience, Hogwarts Legacy definitely shouldn't lose some of the fun of the franchise. The trailer for the game was quite serious, but the complete collection of LEGO games are a great example of how best to play in this magical universe.
The LEGO games are known for bringing their sense of humor to huge intellectual properties and they managed to put their own take on the Wizarding World in these toy-based titles. The comedic way in which some of the magic is used and the colorful way that this franchise has been captured can certainly be an influence on Hogwarts Legacy.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (2019)
For many, Jedi: Fallen Order was a return to prominence for Star Wars video gaming. Introducing the brand new character of Cal Kestis, EA dived into a story that perfectly fitted within a familiar era of the galaxy far far away, while once again taking creative risks with their storytelling.
The title is a brilliant example of how an original character can be developed in such a way that they feel completely at home in an established universe. Hogwarts Legacy will be introducing plenty of new players, all of which have to work within the Harry Potter world.
Pottermore (2012)
While not a full-on video game, in 2012 Pottermore was launched; a fresh way to interact with the Harry Potter story. As part of the website's launch, a number of mini-games were brought in, where players could read through each chapter of Harry's story while actually experiencing the events first-hand.
Brewing potions, finding artifacts, choosing a wand, and getting sorted in a house were all a part of the larger experience. It was a site that allowed fans to really feel a part of Hogwarts which is something the upcoming console title will have to replicate in some way.
Middle-Earth: Shadow Of War (2017)
One of the unique aspects of Hogwarts Legacy is that the title will be going to a period of time that has not been documented before. It's not in the books, or the movies and hasn't been seen in a video game previously. The Middle-Earth franchise is another series that faced similar issues.
Introducing a new character in a new era of the Lord Of The Rings series, the game could have certainly encountered some narrative issues; especially since they strayed from the source material. Yet it prevailed, teaching a valuable lesson to Hogwarts Legacy. What's more, the nemesis system would definitely work within the upcoming HP title.
Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)
While it may have been critically panned, the video game adaptation of Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 did bring a few new ideas into the gameplay mechanics of the series. The dueling, for instance, was the best it had ever been.
What's more, the use of apparition was surely something difficult to bring into the title, yet really worked for what was needed. Looking at the combat system as a whole, there are some valuable concepts that Warner Bros. might want to utilize again.
God Of War (2018)
The mythology of Hogwarts and the Wizarding World looks to be further explored in the upcoming title. There's something quite stunning about diving into the ancient history of an established universe. No game perhaps does this better than God Of War.
Playing off the previous titles, exploring ancient Greek mythology, and soon to step into the realms of the Norse gods, God Of War is the prime example of how fans can interact with magical creatures, notable artifacts, and other such legendary elements which marry into the story beats.
Spider-Man PS4 (2018)
Hogwarts Legacy is going to need to be the complete package to impress fans. A great representation of the setting, an essence that feels like the source material, great use of the narrative within the open-world universe, and interesting visual designs.
Spider-Man PS4 achieves all of those things in its own right and can be considered to be the complete package. It's a game-changer within the world of comic book video games and definitely a shining beacon of what could be achieved in the Harry Potter universe.