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Hogwarts Legacy has the opportunity to supersede Harry Potter canon in a way no game has before. The Harry Potter universe has had an interesting journey over the last few years, with new material and other media (games included) adding new details to the history and characters of the universe. Hogwarts Legacy will allow players to experience the iconic castle and grounds in an 1800s setting, and because of this it can offer its own stories and history which could significantly differ from Harry Potter's existing canon.
With the ongoing controversy surrounding J.K Rowling and the Harry Potter universe, Hogwarts Legacy might have a more important role to play in the continuation of the Wizarding World - bringing fans a safe place to engage with a universe they've come to love. Players will be able to attend Hogwarts classes, fly on broomsticks, and even care for magical creatures, as shown in the official Hogwarts Legacy gameplay showcase on YouTube below:
Hogwarts Legacy can use this freedom to create many of its own canonical elements that separate it from Harry Potter as a whole - something that could allow Harry Potter fans a less-problematic outlet for their fandom.
J.K. Rowling's Transphobic Remarks Damage Hogwarts Legacy & Harry Potter
Since her transphobic remarks, J.K. Rowling and the Harry Potter franchise have taken on a different light for some, and Hogwarts Legacy's developer has stated that Rowling's commentary is something its game will separate itself from. Rowling's unapologetic attitude has left many with concerns over their loyalty to the franchise and whether Rowling will make money off of Hogwarts Legacy. These real-world concerns make it a more complicated fandom.
Because Rowling created the Harry Potter universe and brand, she will undoubtedly profit from Hogwarts Legacy. However, Avalanche has been clear that Rowling is not responsible for any story in Hogwarts Legacy nor is she connected to the project. The official website for Hogwarts Legacy includes a Frequently Asked Questions page, which states:
J.K. Rowling is not involved in the creation of the game, but as creator of the wizarding world and one of the world’s greatest storytellers, her extraordinary body of writing is the foundation of all projects in the Wizarding World. This is not a new story from J.K. Rowling, however we have collaborated closely with her team on all aspects of the game to ensure it remains in line with the magical experiences fans expect.
Hogwarts Legacy has promised a new story in the Harry Potter universe that is separate from the author, and this gives fans of the Wizarding World a potential opportunity to engage with the game in a way they might no longer feel able to do with Harry Potter at large.
Hogwarts Legacy Stands Apart From J.K. Rowling's Work
Hogwarts Legacy could be the Harry Potter game that represents a new era in the franchise. The story takes place a good century before the events of Harry Potter, giving it a chance to move away from old tropes and bring new life to the series. Given the time period, this means beloved Harry Potter characters like Snape, Hagrid, or McGonagall aren't likely to appear, but this opens up freedom to the developer to tell its own stories in the universe. It might also allow fans to fall in love with Hogwarts as a separate entity - and something apart from Rowling.
The many Hogwarts Legacy gameplay videos released ahead of the game's launch tease a detailed world with considerable potential, though its success may hinge on how well it overcomes a variety of obstacles. It needs to restore Harry Potter fans' faith in the franchise while separating itself from previous blunders. In this way, Hogwarts Legacy could be one of the most important Harry Potter games ever released, and it appears like the development team knows this.
"We know our fans fell in love with the Wizarding World, and we believe they fell in love with it for the right reasons," Game Director Alan Tew said in a recent IGN interview. "We know that's a diverse audience. For us, it's making sure that the audience, who always dreamed of having this game, had the opportunity to feel welcomed back. That they have a home here and that it's a good place to tell their story."
With Hogwarts Legacy's release only a few days away, it will be up for players to decide how well the game has sidestepped J. K. Rowling's controversy and established its own version of the Harry Potter universe. A fresh take might just be the new light the Wizarding World needs to reach a new generation of fans, and if it can do so in an inclusive and comforting way then Hogwarts Legacy could be the most important new release in Harry Potter canon.
Source: Hogwarts Legacy/YouTube, Hogwarts Legacy FAQ, IGN
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.
In the USA:
Trans Lifeline: (877) 565-8860
The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386
In Canada:
Trans Lifeline: (877) 330-6366
Youth Line: 1-800-268-9688
In the UK:
Switchboard: 01273 204050
Mermaids: 0808 801 0400
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Hogwarts Legacy
- Released:
- 2022-02-10
- Developer:
- Avalanche Software
- Genre:
- Adventure, Action RPG, Open-World
- Platform:
- Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows, Steam
- Publisher:
- Warner Bros. Games
- ESRB:
- T
- Franchise:
- Harry Potter
- Mode:
- Single-Player
- Platforms:
- Xbox One
- Release Date :
- February 2023
- Rating:
- T
