A Magical Adventure Beyond Hogwarts: Gamble or Game-changer?

Article Key Points

While Hogwarts Legacy has earned acclaim for its remarkable portrayal of the renowned school for magic, it might be advantageous to venture into fresh landscapes outside of Hogwarts for forthcoming games in the Wizarding World series.

Although Hogwarts is an integral part of the franchise's storyline and characters, other magical schools such as Ilvermorny, Castelobruxo, Uagadou, and Mahoutokoro provide interesting cultural, geographic, and historical settings that could offer a unique and captivating gaming experience.

Additionally, the next Wizarding World game has the opportunity to innovate by centering on adult characters and conflicts, delving into darker and more mature themes that resonate with a wider audience and tell more profound stories. Gaming as a medium allows for the exploration of the fantastical world beyond the limitations of scholarly pursuits.

Hogwarts Legacy has received high praise for various reasons, one of them being its impressive and creative portrayal of the iconic wizarding school. However, there are untold mysteries in the lands beyond Hogwarts that could make for an intriguing new setting in the next game.

Despite the abundance of rich locations in the Wizarding World, it seems that all stories in the franchise ultimately lead back to Hogwarts. Even the Fantastic Beasts films, which have a lesser focus on the school, still find themselves returning to its familiar grounds. This is understandable considering the significance of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter books and movies, and its integral role in shaping the narrative and characters of the entire franchise. Nevertheless, as Warner Bros. contemplates modifying elements of Hogwarts Legacy for future Wizarding World titles, venturing into a new setting away from Hogwarts could be a refreshing idea.

Where Future Wizarding World Games Could Go

None of the other magical schools in the Wizarding World lore, such as Durmstrang Institute and Beauxbatons Academy of Magic, have received the same level of attention as Hogwarts.

The Wizarding World's allure lies in its emphasis on academia. While wizards, dragons, and magical creatures are not unfamiliar concepts to avid readers and movie-goers, the Harry Potter series took the bold step of enveloping them in a more recognizable, low-fantasy context, making it relatable, endearing, and unparalleled. However, the Hogwarts setting has been extensively explored, and a new video game would present the ideal opportunity to introduce an element of novelty.

Other Magical Schools

Instead of solely focusing on improving various aspects of Hogwarts life, it may be more beneficial to completely move away from Hogwarts and concentrate on one of the many other magical schools mentioned in the Wizarding World media. For example, Ilvermorny, the prominent institution of magical education in North America, could provide a fresh narrative perspective, enabling players to venture into a different continent. Alternatively, settings such as Castelobruxo, Uagadou, and Mahoutokoro offer the opportunity to explore South America, Africa, and Asia respectively.

A potential future game could be set in either Beauxbatons or Durmstrang in Europe, although these options may be less intriguing due to their similarities to Hogwarts. Nonetheless, each of these schools offers a unique cultural, geographical, and historical setting, which would create a more distinct and original gaming experience.

Wizarding World video games possess a special advantage, as Hogwarts Legacy has received better feedback compared to the current Fantastic Beasts films. This makes gaming a potential future direction for the franchise. Instead of playing it safe by revisiting Hogwarts once again, the next game could provide a comprehensive depiction of the other schools, thus forging new territory for the broader Wizarding World franchise.

Wizarding World Graduates

An intriguing possibility for the next Wizarding World game could be a shift away from the traditional focus on magical schools. Instead, the game could delve into the captivating realm that exists beyond academia, offering players a tantalizing glimpse into the enchanting world that lies outside the realm of learning. By centering the narrative around adult characters and their conflicts, the game could take on a darker and more mature tone, resonating with a wider audience and uncovering richer stories. This unexplored territory within the franchise, particularly in the realm of video game adaptations, presents an exciting opportunity that warrants further exploration.

Gaming has immense potential to delve into extraordinary and magical settings, providing a platform to explore new realms. The world of Hogwarts in Hogwarts Legacy is a remarkable testimony to this potential. However, there are still countless unexplored horizons that demand our attention.

Harry Potter: Hogwarts Legacy

Franchise: Harry Potter

Platforms: PC, Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X

Release Date: February 10, 2023

Developer: Avalanche Software

Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive

Genres: Action, RPG

ESRB Rating: T for Teen (Blood, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Use of Alcohol)

Estimated Gameplay Time: 26 Hours

Metascore: 84

Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic fan of the Wizarding World, I am excited about the prospect of exploring new magical schools and settings beyond Hogwarts in future games. The Harry Potter series has captivated audiences with its magical and enchanting world, and expanding the gaming experience beyond Hogwarts would allow players to delve deeper into the rich lore and diverse cultures of the Wizarding World.

Venturing into new magical schools like Ilvermorny, Castelobruxo, Uagadou, and Mahoutokoro would provide unique and captivating gaming experiences. Each school has its own distinct cultural, geographic, and historical background, which could offer players a fresh and immersive environment to explore. Additionally, introducing adult characters and darker, more mature themes could resonate with a wider audience and allow for more profound storytelling.