State of Play: Hogwarts Legacy Debuts Official Gameplay

Wands at the ready, Warner Bros. offers a stunning first glimpse of Hogwarts Legacy in action.

During PlayStation's recent State of Play, Warner Bros. Games showed off nearly 20 minutes of gameplay for Hogwarts Legacy. The video showcase gave players their first real look at what they'll be able to do in the game, from casting spells to zipping around on broomsticks. The video showcase gave viewers a look into the game's mechanics, including character customization, adventures, locations, and some of the characters they will encounter as a Hogwarts student.

The gameplay footage shows off some of the game's spell-casting mechanics, as well as a look at the game's vast open world. Players will be able to explore locations such as Hogsmeade Village and the Forbidden Forest. The video also gave a glimpse of the game's combat system, which appears to be a mix of real-time and turn-based gameplay.

The story of the unwritten

The game will allow players to create their own character and experience life at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. For the first time players will experience Hogwarts in the 1800s. Much of the Harry Potter lore fans are used to will be present, but you'll be forging an all new story.

"For the first time players will experience Hogwarts in the 1800s."

Developer Avalanche Software, opted for this timeline so your character's adventure will be as original as possible, and not overshadowed by bigger names in the series. As a fifth-year student you'll have the ability to wield ancient magic, uncover secrets and undertake a perilous quest to discover forgotten truths about the wizarding world.

Forge your own path

You'll start your journey from the very beginning, getting selected to a house, dabbling with magic exploring the grounds and beyond. You get to take on the role of a witch or wizard you want to be. Along your journey, learn spells, brew potions, cultivate plants, and care for magical creatures.

"You get to take on the role of a witch or wizard you want to be."

Prepare your house for battle by recruiting followers, and mastering spells to become the witch or wizard you desire. You'll also encounter many of the iconic Harry Potter characters as you explore the castle, including some that are new to the series.

An open world experience

Hogwarts Legacy is looking jam-packed with immersive magical environments that puts players in the middle of their own story. With so much to explore, it's no wonder that Avalanche opted for an open-world game design. The game is set to take players on adventures across Hogwarts School and beyond. Not only can players can freely roam the expansive Hogwarts grounds, Hogsmeade, the Forbidden Forest, and the surrounding Overland area are explorable.

"Not only can players can freely roam the expansive Hogwarts grounds, Hogsmeade, the Forbidden Forest, and the surrounding Overland area are explorable."

As Game Director Alan Tew, explains, "We wanted you to have new locations to discover; to see what lies around and beyond the Black Lake, to meet new witches and wizards in the dwellings that dot the landscape beyond Hogsmeade and learn what other undiscovered chambers lie within Hogwarts or scattered across the Scottish Highlands.” Along with these expansive environments, the world will feature dynamic seasons, along with day and night cycles.

Developer diaries

The development has been entrusted to Avalanche Software, who also showcased a "Behind the Scenes" video featuring commentary by the creative minds making the game. It offered even more sneak peeks at the game, from character customization to potion-making and broomstick flying.

Overall, the footage looks stunning and should get Harry Potter fans excited for the game's release.

"Overall, the footage looks stunning and should get Harry Potter fans excited for the game's release."

Scheduled for release holiday 2022, Hogwarts Legacy will be published by Warner Bros. Games under the "Portkey Games" label. The game will be available for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One consoles, Nintendo Switch system and PC.