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Hogwarts Legacy 2023
Hogwarts Legacy is an action role-playing video game set within the Wizarding World universe. It was developed by Avalanche Software and published by Warner Bros. Games under its Portkey Games label. The game takes place approximately a century before the events of the Harry Potter novels, allowing players to explore a time when familiar characters had not yet appeared. Players assume control of a student attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, engaging in classes, mastering spells, and investigating the castle and its surrounding areas.
The project was announced officially in 2020 and required an estimated $150 million to produce. It is part of the broader Wizarding World franchise, yet its storyline avoids overlap with established characters. The development team focused on making the game feel authentic to the Harry Potter novels while also introducing new locations and experiences for players. Following Warner Bros.' acquisition of Avalanche Software in 2017, this title marked the studio’s first major release outside of Disney Interactive Studios since 2005.
Hogwarts Legacy generated significant interest and debate prior to its release. Controversies arose due to views held by J. K. Rowling regarding transgender issues and allegations involving antisemitic themes, prompting public calls for a boycott. Despite this, it drew high attention during its early-access phase, becoming the most-watched single-player game on Twitch at that time.
The game was initially released on 10 February 2023 for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S. A version for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One launched on 5 May 2023, followed by a Nintendo Switch release on 14 November 2023. An additional Switch version was made available on 5 June 2025 with 2 included.
Reviews of the game were largely positive, with critics commending its combat mechanics, world design, character development, and fidelity to source material. Some noted shortcomings related to technical issues at launch and a lack of innovation in the open-world format. In the first two weeks after release, it sold over 12 million units and earned revenue. It eventually became one of the top-selling titles, selling 40 million copies globally and reaching significant financial milestones.
The game appeared on multiple year-end best-of lists and received nominations for awards including those from BAFTA Games Awards, D.I.C.E. Awards, and Grammy Awards.
Trailer
Plays from YouTube only after you click.
Crew
- Director
- Alan Tew
- Music
- Mark Watters, J. Scott Rakozy, Peter Murray
Details
- Developer
- Avalanche Software
- Publisher
- Warner Bros. Games
- Platforms
- PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
- Modes
- Single-player
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 4
- Series
- Wizarding World
