Few games have had to endure as much pre-release controversy asHogwarts Legacy. From missing features to delays to outrage triggered by J.K. Rowling,Hogwarts Legacy’s road to launch has been one peppered with obstacles. Judging by the pre-order sales numbers the game has achieved, it seems this has not hindered it too much, as it is still on track for a successful launch on PC.
Despite it not being released until February this year, it already sits as one of the bestselling games on Steam, illustrating how much hype remains behind the game. Avalanche Software is almost past the finish line and it has endured the worst thus far. With a successful launch, it could rivalbig 2023 titles likeStarfieldandSpider-Man 2.
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Hogwarts Legacy Faces Delays
Hogwarts Legacyis far from the onlyHarry Pottergame. However, it looks like it could be the most immersive. Fans of the series have always been longing for a game that allows them to wander the halls of Hogwarts and experience life as a magical student. Hence, althoughHogwarts Legacywas only officially announced in 2020, many gamers feel like they have been waiting much longer for it.
Unfortunately,Hogwarts Legacyhas been pushed from 2022 into 2023. This is disappointing, as it had previously been lined up to launch just in time for the holiday season. For some gamers stuck on older platforms, the disappointment continues. Avalanche Software has also revealed that only the PC and current-gen versions of the game will launch first. Gamers on the last-gen consoles will have to wait until April while Switch gamers will only get to play in July. The announcement caused quite a swell of upset from fans, with somegamers canceling their pre-orders ofHogwarts Legacy. Nevertheless, as pre-order sales on PC reveal, this hasn’t been enough to completely kill the game’s hype, as it continues to top the Steam sales chart before its launch, beating colossal franchises such asCall of DutyandDestiny.
Hogwarts Legacy and J.K. Rowling
AlthoughHogwarts Legacyis based on an IP created by J.K. Rowling, the developers have been cautious to distance themselves from the author. This is mainly due to the transphobic views Rowling holds and the comments she has publicly made. For a long time, the two have managed to remain fairly separated, although this ended in late 2022 whenRowling decided to make comments aboutHogwarts Legacy. Her comments have caused her to become associated with the game once again, leading to more calls for the game to be boycotted.
This puts gamers in a difficult position. Although they may not want to show any support for Rowling and her views, they may wish to support the developers who have put a lot of hard work into the game and do not align themselves with Rowling. Despite Rowling becoming a millstone around the game’s neck, it has not been permanently buried, and signs indicate that it is in for a big launch. This isn’t due to support for Rowling, but rather it is because developers have successfully convinced gamers thatHogwarts Legacyis a game worth playing.
These aren’t the only problems the game has faced. Some gamers have brought into question whether theantagonistic role of the goblins inHogwarts Legacydoesn’t propagate antisemitic tropes, and others are upset that Quidditch will not be making an appearance, although broomstick racing will be present. Nevertheless, it appears that theHarry PotterIP is just too big to fail, and the eagerness for an immersive Wizarding World game is too widespread.
Hogwarts Legacylaunches on February 10 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X, with PS4 and Xbox One version coming on April 4 and the Switch version launching on July 25.
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