Why Hogwarts Legacy Shouldn't Rush into a Multiplayer Edition

Article Key Points

Despite the launch of highly anticipated games such as Star Wars Jedi: Survivor and Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Hogwarts Legacy has managed to surpass all expectations and reign as the top-selling game of 2023.

Although the game shows promise, there is still scope for enhancements. Avalanche has successfully built a solid groundwork for future iterations, showcasing impressive elements in its world, combat, and exploration mechanics. However, it would be prudent for Avalanche to steer clear of venturing into the multiplayer genre.

Considering the challenges faced by spin-offs of major franchise multiplayer games, as evidenced by the struggles of The Last of Us, it would be wise for Avalanche to concentrate on creating a single-player sequel instead and observe how the market evolves.

Hogwarts Legacy has exceeded all expectations with its remarkable performance. Despite the controversy surrounding its creator, the franchise remains immensely popular. Notably, Hogwarts Legacy continues to dominate as the best-selling game of 2023, even with the competition of highly anticipated releases like Star Wars Jedi: Survivor and Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

Although Hogwarts Legacy has achieved immense success, it is not without its flaws. Nevertheless, it provides a solid foundation for future installments. The world, combat, and exploration elements are all satisfying, and Avalanche has done an impressive job in laying the groundwork for the next game. It is only a matter of time before Hogwarts Legacy receives a sequel. While fans eagerly anticipate a multiplayer spin-off, Avalanche should delay its release given the current state of the multiplayer spin-off genre.

Why A Hogwarts Legacy Multiplayer Spin-off May Want to Wait

Big Multiplayer Spin-offs Aren't Doing Too Well Right Now

The rise of live-service gaming, exemplified by hits like Fortnite and Apex Legends, has become a major trend in the video game industry. This trend has prompted large publishers and developers to eagerly jump on the bandwagon. Although many gamers are not pleased with the shift towards live-service in their favorite franchises, it's understandable why games like Call of Duty are exploring this lucrative avenue. However, implementing live-service features doesn't guarantee immediate success.

In the past year, cracks in the live-service bubble have started to appear, as evidenced by the removal and closure of smaller-scale games like Knockout City and Rumbleverse. Despite these warning signs, PlayStation remains committed to entering the live-service market.

The announcement last year that The Last of Us would have a multiplayer spin-off, potentially with live-service elements, didn't go as planned. Leaks suggest that the multiplayer version is facing difficulties and Bungie's evaluation resulted in a major delay.

Despite the popularity of Hogwarts Legacy, its upcoming release on Nintendo Switch may not be enough to guarantee success as a live-service game. To play it safe, if a multiplayer spin-off is considered, it would be wiser to exclude live-service elements and create a smaller-scale multiplayer experience with a limited number of players, allowing a few friends to play together in the Wizarding World. Currently, the prospects for large franchise multiplayer spin-offs are uncertain, so Avalanche Software and Warner Bros. should wait and observe the market trends before making further decisions. Perhaps they could focus on developing a direct single-player sequel for Hogwarts Legacy instead.

Hogwarts Legacy offers players the opportunity to delve into a captivating open world, which includes iconic locations like Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, the Forbidden Forest, and the surrounding Overland area. As players embark on their magical journey, they can create their very own witch or wizard character, learn powerful spells, concoct potions, nurture magical plants, and care for enchanted creatures. By sorting into one of the prestigious Hogwarts houses and forming meaningful connections with other characters, players can unlock a variety of skills and shape the development of their characters. Set in an unexplored era of the wizarding world, this game presents an original and thrilling adventure where players unravel a hidden truth from the past. Brace yourself for exhilarating challenges like epic battles against trolls, Dark Wizards, goblins, and an ominous villain who poses a grave threat to the fate of the entire world.

Franchise: Harry Potter

Platform(s): PC, Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X

Release Date: February 10, 2023

Developer: Avalanche Software

Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive

Genre: Action, RPG

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

Game Length: 26 Hours

Metascore: 84

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about the potential for a multiplayer edition of Hogwarts Legacy. On the one hand, I can see the appeal of exploring the Wizarding World with friends and engaging in magical battles together. On the other hand, I worry that a multiplayer mode could detract from the immersive single-player experience that makes Hogwarts Legacy so special.

I think it's important for Avalanche Software to focus on delivering a high-quality single-player experience before rushing into a multiplayer edition. There are plenty of other multiplayer games out there, but Hogwarts Legacy has the potential to be something truly unique. I'd rather see the developers take their time and create a multiplayer mode that is truly innovative and fun, rather than just tacking it on as an afterthought.

Ultimately, I think the decision of whether or not to make a multiplayer edition of Hogwarts Legacy is a complex one. There are pros and cons to both sides of the argument. I hope that Avalanche Software will carefully consider all of the factors before making a decision.