The Biggest Risk for the Sequel Can Doom the Franchise to a Point of No Return

Hogwarts Legacy‘s enormous success set high expectations for a sequel. With over 30 million units sold, Warner Bros. has confirmed that Hogwarts Legacy 2 is not only in development but is a top priority. But this anticipated sequel comes with a twist that may make or break it.

Warner Bros. has also confirmed that the storyline will connect with the upcoming HBO Harry Potter series. This is a risky move. The first game was set a century before the events of Harry Potter. So will the sequel just abandon it and be a time skip? And what if the TV series flops?

Hogwarts Legacy 2 Might Not Be the Sequel You Expect It to Be

Warner Bros. has been eyeing a revival for the Harry Potter franchise for a while. And not just because Hogwarts Legacy sold over 30 million copies to date.

Warner Bros. has prioritized the sequel to the gameand intends for it to connect with the HBO series, which will be a “faithful adaptation” of J.K. Rowling’s novels.

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While the HBO series will revisit familiar characters and narratives, Hogwarts Legacy 2 could lose its unique storyline and appeal by focusing on synergy with the show. It could easily drive away fans of the first game who appreciated its standalone narrative.

One of the core issues is that the two projects represent different eras within the wizarding world. The first Hogwarts Legacy was set a century before the events of Harry Potter’s life, offering players a fresh perspective without relying on established canon.

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Tying the sequel closely to the show might limit this freedom, as it could necessitate a more modern setting that aligns with the Harry Potter series timeline. Forcing a connection could strip the game of its identity and charm.

What if fans have to watch the HBO show to fully understand Hogwarts Legacy 2? This would make the sequel less accessible to those who are not committed to following both forms of media.

The Sequel Should Stick To What Worked So Well

Another potential issue with connecting the game to the HBO series is the responses each medium could receive. Hogwarts Legacy was a massive success for many reasons, but it had a neutral playing field.

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A safer approach for the sequel would be to retain its historical context and avoid stepping directly into the well-trodden territory of the books. A unique setting that’s separate from what fans already know will ensure that the game series maintains its individuality while offering new stories and characters.

The upcoming HBO series will face scrutiny due to fans’ deep attachment to the original books and movies. Given that this series aims to be a faithful retelling of the books, failure to live up to fan expectations could negatively impact its reception.

If the show does not meet fans’ high standards, the negative reception might also affect Hogwarts Legacy 2, especially if the connection between the two is big. Warner Bros. may inadvertently tie the game’s success to factors beyond the control of the game developers.

It’s a high stakes decision for Warner Bros. For a series with the scope and legacy of Harry Potter, cross-media storytelling can be a powerful tool. But it is also a double-edged sword.

Hogwarts Legacy was a phenomenon in its own right. If mishandled, the sequel will be the only thing that fans remember, just ask Game of Thrones about that.