Hogwarts Legacy

Bibliographic Information:

Title: Hogwarts Legacy

Developer: Avalanche Software

Publisher: Warner Brother Games

Copyright Date: February 2023

Platforms: Playstation, Xbox, PC, Nintendo Switch

Format: Video Game

Genre: Fantasy/ Single-player/ RPG

Awards:

Steam Award: Best Game on Steam Deck- 2023

Japan Game Award: Award for Excellence- 2023

Golden Trailer Award: Best Video Game Trailer-2023

With many nominations with awards pending

Rating: T for Teen (Hogwarts Legacy)

Game Summary:

Hogwarts Legacy is a role playing game where you are a student heading to Hogwarts for the first time as a fifth year. On your way to school you are attacked which leads to the discovery of a mysterious form of ancient magic that only you can see. What can this mean, what is the history of the ancient magic, and how do you fit into all of it?

Once you arrive at Hogwarts you are sorted into your house and the adventure begins. While completing your classes, you spend your free time discovering secrets of the castle, the land around it, as well as uncovering the mysterious ancient magic. Make friends, learn spells, connect with creatures, and live out your wizarding dreams in Hogwarts Legacy.

Creator Background:

Avalanche Software is located in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is the creative studio for Warner Brother Games. The Studio began as a small group of friends and has grown into something bigger and believes in the strength of working together.

Critical Evaluation:

This game is magical in more ways than I could have imagined. It was incredibly cathartic being someone who was raised by Harry Potter. I am not a very experienced video game player especially with games that involve any type of combat, even if it's with a wand. I played this game on my Nintendo Switch and it took me a while to get used to the buttons but that seems to be my lack of experience. The game itself is gorgeous, I've never seen more beautiful graphics. I've played this game so far for multiple hours and still have plenty of adventure left. The game includes a diverse and colorful cast of characters that add to the game and encourage curiosity. From what I understand this game only runs for the main character's fifth year, I hope they create a sequel to the game because when I finish it I will be very sad. To the right is my character!

Creative Use for Library Program:

Group Character Play- As Hogwarts Legacy is a single player game it can be a challenge for a group to play together. One way to bring teens together is to host a game night where they create a character as a group. Since the game is a role playing game, teens can decide together each session what the library character does and what decisions they make. Cut outs of this character can be hidden around the library and finding them becomes a game.

Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation:

One challenging issue with Hogwarts Legacy is that it exits within the Harry Potter universe written by J. K. Rowling who has some controversial and at times hateful ideas regarding the trans community. While J. K. Rowling was not involved with the creation of the game, purchasing the game supports her income. Harry Potter has touched so many lives, should her actions prohibit the enjoyment of the game or the universe? That is the question. However one ethical way to enjoy the game without supporting J.K. Rowling is to check out the game from your local library.

Speed Round Game Trailer:

Did you wish an owl dropped off your letter to Hogwarts and never recovered when it never came? Well now your letters here! You'll be starting as a fifth year a century before Harry Potter attends Hogwarts. With entirely new adventures you can choose which side of the Wizarding World you are on.

Reason For Inclusion:

I was one of those kids who cried when I never got my letter to Hogwarts. I don't think I ever got over it. With the opportunity to walk the halls of Hogwarts and create my own adventure (well at least virtually) how could I miss that! While the Harry Potter series has been long over, movies continue to be produced and the popularity of the franchise continues.

Check Out:

The Hogwarts Legacy soundtrack makes great studying music or creates a magical background sound!

References:

Avalanche. (n.d.). Accessed June 2024 from https://www.avalanchesoftware.com/homepage/

Hogwarts Legacy. (n.d.). Frequently Asked Questions. Accessed June 2024 from https://www.hogwartslegacy.com/en-gb/faq

Hogwarts Legacy. (2023, February). Hogwarts Legacy- Official Launch Trailer 4K [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/BtyBjOW8sGY?feature=shared

IMDb. (n.d). Hogwarts Legacy Awards. Accessed June 2024 from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13107970/awards/

WaterTower Music. (2023). Hogwarts Legacy-Music from the Video Game Soundtrack [Playlist]. Spotify. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5sX4mMcElL2H1UTQGEQIW2