After the massive success of Hogwarts Legacy last year, it makes complete sense that Warner Bros. would want to forge ahead with a sequel. While there has not been an official reveal event of any kind, Avalanche has made it no secret that Hogwarts Legacy 2 is currently in development. Not much is known about what that experience will look like, but fans are very excited to get their hands on it. However, the direction the studio may be taking Hogwarts Legacy 2 could impact that excitement considerably.
Right now, Warner Bros. is hard at work building the next chapter of the Harry Potter franchise. After the faltering of the Fantastic Beasts trilogy, the studio has greenlit a fully-fledged reboot in the form of a TV show for HBO. That decision has proven controversial after the immense popularity of the film franchise, yet the studio is forging ahead, and now it sounds like the Hogwarts Legacy series may aim to connect to it. That could not only hurt the sequel depending upon the show’s reception, but it may also go against what made the game feel so special in the first place.
Related
Hogwarts Legacy’s Formula Could Work For More Than One Wizarding School
Hogwarts Legacy laid strong foundations for a formula that could be used in a variety of different Wizarding World settings, including other schools.
Hogwarts Legacy 2’s Rumored Ties to the HBO Series May Hurt It in the Long Run
Hogwarts Legacy Was Forging Its Own Trail
While Harry Potter has been everywhere since its inception, Hogwarts Legacy seemed to mostly be forging its own trail. The game was set almost a century before the events of Harry Potter, the world was filled to the brim with characters fans have never met, and the actual world they were given to explore was unlike anything they had seen before. It may have had strong ties and references to the franchise’s extensive lore, but it felt like a brand-new adventure that anyone could jump into.
That separation really helped make Hogwarts Legacy feel special as it appealed to both newcomers and diehard fans alike. Additionally, it allowed Avalanche immense breathing room to tell the story that it wanted to tell with the characters it wanted to explore. However, it sounds like the studio may not get that same opportunity with the hotly-anticipated sequel as Warner Bros. apparently wants to connect some of its storylines with the upcoming show. It remains to be seen if that limits the game’s potential, but there is a strong chance that the shift could prevent the sequel from feeling like its own thing. And if the HBO show does not do well, then those ties may be meaningless.
Harry Potter’s HBO Series is Already a Risky Endeavor
As of now, the Harry Potter HBO series also feels extremely risky. Of course, the franchise is very popular, so there is a strong chance that the series will become a massive hit upon release. However, completely rebooting the series only 15 years after a massively successful film franchise has raised some concerns. Additionally, J. K. Rowling’s controversial comments and the faltering of the Fantastic Beasts trilogy have put a shadow over the brand for many.
If the Harry Potter HBO series hits all the right notes, then Hogwarts Legacy 2 will likely benefit immensely from its ties to the series. Players who loved the show may be more inclined to check out the game and vice versa. But, if the show ends up falling flat with audiences, then those ties may impact the reception of the game considerably. So, Avalanche might want to tread carefully as development of the next chapter ramps up.
The future of the Harry Potter brand is an interesting one right now, as the reboot looms on the horizon and the future of its video game world has never been brighter. Fans are likely very excited to see just what Warner Bros. plans to do with Hogwarts and its massive cast of characters. But, if the studio is not careful in these next couple of years, then those dreams may quickly be dashed.
Leave a Reply