Summary
WhenHogwarts Legacylaunched in 2023, it fulfilled a fantasy manyHarry Potterand fantasy fans alike had been holding onto for years: the chance to attend Hogwarts as a student, explore the castle and its sprawling grounds, and become the witch or wizard they’ve always dreamed of being in the Wizarding World. It didn’t just fulfill the dreams of fans, though, as it also fulfilled the dreams of its developer, Avalanche Software, as it went on to become one of thebest-selling video games of all time, having sold over 30 million copies as of October of last year.
Given the massive success ofHogwarts Legacy, it’s only natural that it would continue to chart its path forward for a sequel. The main fork in that path, however, has long been whetherHogwarts Legacyshould continue to be the story-driven, single-player experience the first game was or adopt a live-service model, as many games have done over the last decade. As it turns out, whereverHogwarts Legacygoes from here, it seems like fans may get the best of both worlds, regardless of their preference for live-service games or otherwise.
Hogwarts Legacy’s Future Is Straightforward But Still Open to Live-Service
Hogwarts Legacy 2 Will Reportedly Be a Single-Player, Story-Driven Sequel
Hogwarts Legacyfans who feared the sequel would venture into live-service territory may be able to put those fears to rest as Jason Schreier, a highly reliable industry insider with direct ties to Warner Bros., recently stated thatHogwarts Legacy 2would not be a live-service game. In a recentinterview with Kinda Funny Games, Schreier disclosed thatHogwarts Legacy 2would not be a live-service game in any way, and that any comments that suggested that was merely a way for Warner Bros. to appeal to the interests of shareholders.
WhereverHogwarts Legacygoes from here, it seems like fans may get the best of both worlds, regardless of their preference for live-service games or otherwise.
Fortunately for those who have learned not to trust the live-service model, this meansHogwarts Legacy 2will most likely be thesingle-player, story-drivensequel they always wanted, which could mean a world, gameplay, and story that are of higher quality than they might have been under a live-service model. There is still a chance thatHogwarts Legacy 2could have microtransactions, but a full live-service model seems like it’s out of the question for the next entry in theHogwarts Legacyfranchise.
Warner Bros. Is Still Not Closed Off to the Idea of a Live-Service Hogwarts Legacy
That being said, Schreier also intimated in the interview that Warner Bros. is still not closed off to the idea of alive-serviceHogwarts Legacygamein the future. SinceHogwarts Legacyis only a couple of years old now, it might be too soon to introduce a live-service sequel, lest Avalanche and Warner Bros. risk killing their latest prize possession before it has a chance to really become something great. Even so, the fact that Warner Bros. hasn’t completely shut the door on the idea thatHogwarts Legacycould someday be a live-service game means that fans of such games, and those who would prefer a live-serviceHogwarts Legacy, might actually get one someday.
For now, many fans can rest easily knowing thatHogwarts Legacy 2is most likely going to stay true to the rich, single-player experience rooted in exploration and storytelling that made the original game so beloved. But with Warner Bros. still leaving the door open for a live-service installment down the line, it’s clear thatHogwarts Legacy’s futurecould take multiple forms. Whether players want to relive the classic Hogwarts journey or engage in a more evolving experience later on, the path ahead is full of possibilities.
