Leaked footage of an unannounced Harry Potter open-world role-playing game hit the web in October, causing a flurry of excitement from HP fans of all ages. The footage came in the form of a trailer which was allegedly shown to a reddit user as part of a market research survey, and while many were sceptical, other sources have now confirmed the legitimacy of the video and the development of the game.
Here’s all you need to know about the new Harry Potter RPG, from possible names to the latest release date rumours and gameplay news.
What will the Harry Potter RPG be called?
The Harry Potter RPG game is yet to be formally announced, so the only people who really know the name are the people working on it. Well, the developers and BBC journalist Lizo Mzimba, if a tweet is to be believed.
Am told this is from a yet to be announced RPG currently titled Harry Potter Magic Awakened, although other titles including Magic Forever are also in the mix. Other Potter games are also thought to be on the way @TomPhillipsEG @ComicBook #HarryPotterMagicAwakened #HarryPotter https://t.co/bgXliE0Hme
— lizo mzimba (@lizo_mzimba)
October 2, 2018
The BBC entertainment correspondent claims that the upcoming open-world Harry Potter game could be called Harry Potter: Magic Awakened, though other titles including Magic Forever are also being considered internally. This could just be hearsay, but considering the prominent position of the journalist, we imagine that his sources are fairly accurate.
With the leaked footage now in the wild, it’s possible that Warner Bros. will announce something – even if it is just the name – at some point in the near future.
When will the new Harry Potter game be released?
Of course, the biggest question that Harry Potter fans will be asking is “when will it be released?” and sadly, we’ve got no release date – or even a window – in sight just yet.
Though the leaked video features pretty polished gameplay mechanics, Eurogamer’s sources claim that it’s still “at least a year away from launch” – and that was back in 2018.
Word is that Warner Bros. was planning to show the game off during E3 2020 – but with the show cancelled over coronavirus, we’re not sure how that will affect the announcement schedule.
Watch the leaked trailer
The source of the news about the upcoming Harry Potter comes from a leaked gameplay trailer posted to reddit by user VapeThisBro. The poster claims that he was shown the video as part of a market research session, and while people were initially sceptical about the authenticity of the video, several other sources have come forward and confirmed that the project is real and is in development at the moment.
Though the original upload was removed from YouTube due to a copyright claim from Warner Bros., mirrors of the video are still readily available online.
What would a Harry Potter RPG’s gameplay be like?
While we know nothing official about gameplay, the leaked trailer gives us a good idea of what to expect. The trailer features sweeping vistas of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, though quite some time before Harry Potter’s arrival; sometime in the 1800’s, according to leaked details. The trailer features a range of characters, creatures and spells not only from the main Harry Potter franchise, but the spin-off series too.
The game looks to be an open-world third-person RPG where you explore Hogwarts and the surrounding grounds, crafting potions, mastering spells and discovering magical beasts. Don’t expect it to be as lesson-oriented as previous Harry Potter games, as the game also includes deep combat mechanics that’ll come in use against armies of dark wizards and goblins.
You play as an unnamed fifth year student who has only recently joined the school, and together with Professor Elezar Fig, you’re tasked with tracking and identifying remnants of an ancient power.
The inclusion of a character creator indicates that this will be a unique story in the Harry Potter universe, and accompanying texts claim you’ll be able to explore locations old and new. You’ll be able to choose from one of eight classes, and your actions will give you a good (or bad) rating, allowing you to make your personal mark.
You can watch the at the link above if you haven’t already, and for those that want to know more, take a look at the apparent blurb for the upcoming Harry Potter game:
“Set in the 19th Century (1800’s) Wizarding World, this 3rd person open-world action RPG game centers around your character with unique abilities who has eared (sic) a late acceptance to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. You are a newly arrived 5th year student to Hogwarts that demonstrates a latent gift for magic with a unique ability to track and identify remnants of a pottant (sic) ancient power.
Upon arrival, strange events begin to materialize In the Forbidden Forrest and trouble begins o (sic) brew within the castle walls. Together with Professor Elezar Fig, you embark on a journey through both familiar and never before seen locations to bring to light the truth behind these mysterious occurrences.
On your quest you will craft potions, master new spells, and discover fantastical beasts. You will battle Dark Wizards, Goblins, and other supernatural enemies and uncover the truth about your destiny – the Fate of the Wizarding World lies in your hands.
Features:
- Journey to Hogwarts to become one of 8 different Wizard types
- Experience Hogwarts, make new friends, uncover new secrets, and change the fate of the Wizarding world.
- Experience a new magic system that creates countless possibilities to master magic.
- Freely explore the Wizarding World for the first time, Choose your house and friends at Hogwarts, and decide to pursue a path of good or evil.
- Create your own witch or wizard, and experience a (sic) all new story separate from the books or films.”
