You might not recall the 2018 trailer that shocked the world with its depiction of an open-world Harry Potter concept, but good news if you do. It appears that video was authentic and indicative of the spirit behind a game that could be coming out next year.
For a property that hasn’t put out a new mainline book or film in some time, Harry Potter remains popular among fans for its whimsical world and compelling charm.
And if you’ve always wondered what it might be like to be a student at Hogwarts yourself in an open world setting, it looks like you’ll be getting that opportunity.
Bloomberg reports that the game shown off in 2018 is not only real but planned for next year on current and next-gen consoles if things remain on track.
What would have potentially derailed the project? Apparently Warner’s gaming unit is up for sale and, typically long-term projects like these are under intense scrutiny during those times. According to Bloomberg, potential suitors for Warner’s gaming unit include big names like EA, Take-Two Interactive, and Activision Blizzard.
CNBC reported that many franchises are tied to Warner Bros. Interactive, including Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, and The Lego Movie. A deal involving so many large franchises could involve complex licensing agreements.
Another issue that has dampened enthusiasm for the project is Rowling’s penchant for causing controversy among her fans. With recent comments made about transgender people widely held as bigoted, Rowling’s personal stance and the wider Harry Potter franchise are both under increasing strain.
MuggleNet’s Felicia Grady said Rowling’s comments and their impact on the upcoming game have diminished excitement for the title. She writes that “based on what I’ve seen from fans, I do believe that Rowling’s comments have had some effect on the level of excitement they have for the Harry Potter RPG or other upcoming content. We’ve seen comments from fans who no longer wish to support Rowling or the brand financially.”
The original cast, and Warner Bros. themselves, have issued statements distancing themselves from Rowling’s comments and have advocated for an inclusive approach moving forward. It will be interesting to see if these controversies have any kind of marked impact on one of the world’s most beloved literary franchises.
What do you think of the plans to bring out an open-world Harry Potter video game? Is that something you would be interested in buying? Let us know your thoughts on this project in the comments section below.
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Sources:
https://www.polygon.com/2020/6/29/21306845/harry-potter-video-game-report-xbox-series-x-ps5-2021
https://www.cnbc.com/2020/06/12/att-seeks-sale-for-warner-gaming-unit-could-fetch-4-billion.html
