Summary
AssumingHogwarts Legacygets a sequel, which seems likely given its breakout success, it will be interesting to see what direction Avalanche Software takes with its setting. The 1800s period is certainly interesting, and it may yet serve as a worthwhile backdrop for new stories, but the nextHogwarts Legacycould also be an indirect sequel, visiting new locations and eras, and thus opening the door to unique narrative and gameplay scenarios.
One of the best decisions Avalanche made when developingHogwarts Legacywas the 1800s setting, which removes it completely from the events of theHarry PotterandFantastic Beastsseries. This helps the game strike a good balance between nostalgic appeal and stand-alone quality, staking itself in the lore ofHarry Potterwithout being tethered to its plot. The setting also poses some limitations, however, as certain plot elements are predetermined by the established lore. Hogwarts couldn’t be destroyed inHogwarts Legacy, for instance, since the school obviously remains intact in the franchise’s other entries. With thesequel toHogwarts Legacybeing in a tough spot when it comes to its setting, Avalanche Software should think about visiting another time period.
The Best Eras for the Next Hogwarts Legacy
The Founding of Hogwarts & Other Magical Schools
The late 1800s setting poses a few awkward challenges. It’s too close to the events of theFantastic Beastfilms to make truly significant changes or additions to the series' lore, while being too far from established characters and plots to be overly referential. That said, it might be a good idea to set the nextHogwarts Legacyin the far past, as players could interact with legendary figures like Merlin, Nicholas Flamel, and the founders of Hogwarts.
This would sidestep the issues related toreincorporatingHogwarts Legacy’s protagonistwhile giving players a unique look at theHarry Potterworld. Moreover, this extra breathing room, temporally speaking, would let the narrative introduce weightier stakes, and the player-character could even play a role in the establishment of Hogwarts or the relationships between its four founders.
Hogwarts In the Far Future
To completely break free from the restrictions imposed by preexistingHarry Potterlore, the sequel toHogwarts Legacycould leap far ahead, skipping past the events of theHarry Potterseries and perhaps even going into the far future. Setting the nextHogwarts Legacyin the futurewould come with a number of benefits beyond simply being detached from narrative restrictions, however.
While the idea of incorporating futuristic or science-fiction elements into aHarry Potterstory may sound ludicrous at first, it might not be the worst idea.Hogwarts Legacyis great, but the series could easily become stale if it just presents players with the same sort of setting in each follow-up game. By showing how magic intersects with technology and the modern world, a futuristic game in the series could offer perspectives, commentary, and aesthetics that are whollyunique to theHarry Potterfranchise, making it a bold and inventive addition.
The Harry Potter Era
While it’s arguably the safest option for Avalanche, setting the nextHogwarts Legacyduring or around the events of theHarry Potterseries could pose some unique opportunities. Players could experience the events of the classic books and films from a unique perspective, interacting with the main characters as an outsider, perhaps even growing alongside them as they progress through each school year. Plus, by allowing the player to embody someone other than the main hero, the game could focus more on theexperience of being a Hogwarts student.
TheHogwarts Legacyfranchise has a unique opportunity to differentiate itself from otherHarry Pottermedia in a number of ways, including the setting. Avalanche Software enjoyed major success with the first game, so hopefully it will take some bigger risks in a sequel.
