There’s no question that the Wizarding World as it’s presented inHogwarts Legacyis brimming with potential, which will hopefully be fully realized with future entries in the series. Given the success of the first game, it’s virtuallyunimaginable that there won’t be aHogwarts Legacy 2, but its existence shouldn’t preclude other, more experimental video games in theHarry Potterworld.
Naturally, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is among the most essential elements of theHarry Pottermythos—perhaps the most essential element, depending on what one is coming to the series for. The school’s importance to the franchise is the main reason whyHogwarts Legacyaims to provide a fantasy set within it rather than without it, and while there’s a good deal of potential in the idea of a sort of magical school simulation game series, there’s just as much potential in the idea of a game set outside the realm of teenage life. Indeed, futureWizarding Worldgames could be even better suited to a non-Hogwarts story.
An Auror Spin-Off In the World of Hogwarts Legacy Could Work Wonders
Aurors Are the Wizarding World’s Version of Law Enforcement
There might be someloose ends forHogwarts Legacy 2to tie up, and there’s certainly a lot of room for improvement from the first game, but maybe a better option could be to present something wholly new within theHarry Potteruniverse. After all, Hogwarts students don’t simply vanish upon graduation: they get jobs and find their place in magic society.
One such job, and arguably the most exciting one, is that of an Auror, or a magic law enforcer. Aurors are often described by fans as “magic cops,” but they are a lot more akin to an FBI or MI6 agent, traveling throughout magical civilization and stopping dark wizards from accomplishing their evil deeds. It’s not hard to imagine how a spin-off starring this sort of character couldexpand the world ofHogwarts Legacy, as players could set off on appropriately high-stakes missions without the inherent restrictions that the Hogwarts setting presents. Put plainly, a game that allows players to assume the role of an Auror could let them engage with all sorts ofWizarding Worldlocales, characters, and concepts, not just those that involve Hogwarts.
An Auror Spin-Off May Be a Better Fit for Hogwarts Legacy’s Action-RPG Gameplay
Of the many criticisms ofHogwarts Legacy, issues with the setting and story premise seem to be relatively common. After all, it’s rather strange that the game presents itself asletting players be a Hogwarts studentwhen most of its gameplay actually takes place beyond the school’s walls. Moreover, the combat-and exploration-centric structure of the game is closer to a typical action-RPG likeThe WitcherorAssassin’s Creed Originsthan a school-based one likePersonaorBully.
But such a design philosophy would be a natural fit for a game where players assume the role of an Auror. Exploring ancient ruins, fighting all manner of dark wizards, and investigating grand mysteries are all activities more appropriate for a magical FBI or MI6 agent than for a 16-year-old student. Plus, playing as an Auror would be a nice way tobuild on the abilities offered inHogwarts Legacy, as filling the role of an elite magical operative would naturally open the door to more advanced spells and other magical powers.
Many of the elements that players want Avalanche Software toimprove upon fromHogwarts Legacy—more RPG mechanics, a social system, and better school-life features—could effectively be side-stepped with this kind of spin-off, as it could be more believably action-oriented and not take place in a school. This theoretical game would probably never replace a proper sequel toHogwarts Legacy, but it could be a great way to diversify the modern spate ofHarry Pottervideo games.
