Is Hogwarts Legacy 2 Shifting to a Multiplayer Live Service Model?

The upcoming sequel to Hogwarts Legacy is set to incorporate online multiplayer elements, as suggested by recent job listings at Warner Bros. Games. Although the studio has not officially announced the sequel, comments from executives indicate that a follow-up is in the works, potentially diversifying the game experience beyond the successful single-player format that has already sold over 40 million copies. The new listings, focusing on roles for software engineers and designers, hint at a shift towards an online multiplayer RPG, raising both excitement and concerns among fans.

Last updated: 10 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Warner Bros. Games is actively recruiting for key positions in the development of a new project that is widely believed to be the sequel to Hogwarts Legacy. The job postings specifically mention a focus on creating a “new online multiplayer RPG.” This indicates a significant evolution in gameplay, suggesting that players may soon have the opportunity to interact and collaborate in the magical world of Hogwarts. The studio is clearly looking to build upon the success of the original game, which has received widespread acclaim for its immersive single-player experience.

Key takeaways

• Hogwarts Legacy's sequel is expected to include online multiplayer features.
• Recent job listings at Warner Bros. point towards a shift in gameplay mechanics.
• The original game has sold over 40 million copies, indicating strong demand for sequels.

Timeline: how we got here

Since the launch of Hogwarts Legacy, which debuted on 10 February 2023, there have been several significant developments:

• February 2023: Hogwarts Legacy is released, receiving critical acclaim and commercial success.
• April 2023: Reports indicate that the game has sold over 40 million copies, surpassing other popular titles.
• September 2023: Job listings begin to appear at Warner Bros. Games, hinting at a sequel with online features.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The most significant new information comes from the job listings for various roles, including Senior Software Engineers and Advanced Designers. These listings are focused on developing scalable online multiplayer features, suggesting that the sequel will incorporate live service elements.

What was already established

Hogwarts Legacy was primarily a single-player experience set in the 1890s, allowing players to explore a richly detailed open world, engage in duels, and participate in various magical activities. However, it notably lacked any multiplayer functionalities, which fans now anticipate for the sequel.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

With the introduction of multiplayer elements, UK consumers may expect a different gameplay experience. Potential features could include cooperative play for quests, competitive duelling, or even collaborative challenges against magical beasts, expanding the game's appeal beyond single-player exploration.

Businesses and jobs

The demand for new roles in game development suggests a positive outlook for employment in the gaming sector, particularly in areas focused on online multiplayer dynamics. This could lead to innovations in the gaming landscape as studios seek to enhance user engagement.

Policy and regulation

As the gaming industry evolves, regulatory scrutiny may increase, especially regarding online interactions. Developers will need to ensure safe environments for players, particularly younger audiences, which could lead to new guidelines and best practices in the UK gaming market.

Numbers that matter

• 40 million: Total copies sold of Hogwarts Legacy, indicating its immense popularity.
• 30 million: Copies sold of Elden Ring, providing a benchmark for comparison in the gaming community.
• 10+ roles: Currently open at Warner Bros. Games related to the sequel’s development.

Definitions and jargon buster

• RPG: Role-Playing Game, a genre where players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting.
• Live service: A model where games are continuously updated with new content and features post-launch.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As job postings continue to surface, expect announcements regarding the game's direction and possible teaser content.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Development updates should clarify how multiplayer elements will function and whether they will enhance or detract from the single-player experience enjoyed in the original game.

Signals to watch

• Official announcements from Warner Bros. Games regarding gameplay mechanics.
• Reactions from the gaming community to multiplayer announcements.
• Updates on the recruitment of key development roles.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay informed on official announcements from Warner Bros. Games.
• Engage with community discussions regarding multiplayer features.

Don’t

• Assume all features from the original game will carry over unchanged.
• Overlook the potential for both cooperative and competitive gameplay experiences.

Checklist

• Monitor job listings at Warner Bros. for insights into development progress.
• Follow gaming news outlets for updates on announcements and gameplay reveals.
• Consider how multiplayer functions may change your gameplay expectations.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the shift towards multiplayer elements may excite many, there are inherent risks. Warner Bros.' past experiences with multiplayer games have been mixed, raising concerns about the quality and execution of these features. It's also unclear how the community will accept these changes, especially those who preferred the solitary exploration of the original game.

Bottom line

The anticipated sequel to Hogwarts Legacy promises to expand on its predecessor's success by integrating online multiplayer features. While this evolution may open new avenues for gameplay, potential players should remain cautious about how these changes will impact their experiences in the wizarding world.

FAQs

Will Hogwarts Legacy 2 be a multiplayer game?

Yes, recent job listings suggest that Hogwarts Legacy 2 will incorporate online multiplayer elements, though details on how they will function remain unclear.

When is Hogwarts Legacy 2 expected to be released?

As of now, an official release date for Hogwarts Legacy 2 has not been announced, but updates are anticipated in the coming months.

What features can we expect in the sequel?

While specifics are still emerging, it’s expected that the sequel will include cooperative gameplay, competitive duelling, and possibly activities like Quidditch.