Hogwarts Legacy launched to enormous success, becoming the best-selling game of 2023 and earning itself a number of impressive accolades. Naturally, players would assume that more content was on its way, but that never really transpired. Instead, fans were left a little in the dark about what to expect, just getting a few smaller updates like a photo mode and, of course, the last-gen and Nintendo Switch versions. Luckily, rumors have been circling about the future of Hogwarts Legacy, and to some, it seems bright.
Most notably, it was reported that Hogwarts Legacy would finally get DLC, and a fairly sizable one at that. To many, that may have seemed like a positive move, although, in reality, it may end up being a negative thing. While there are plenty of things this DLC could introduce, it's hard not to shake the feeling that it is too little, too late. Hogwarts Legacy frankly deserves more than just DLC at this point, what it really needs is a full-blown sequel.
Hogwarts Legacy's Rumored DLC Explained
It's Meant To Add 15 Hours Of New Story Content
The Hogwarts Legacy rumored DLC is currently being described as more of a "Definitive" version of the base game. It is allegedly adding 15 hours of new story content, but what that entails is yet to be officially announced. Of course, there are plenty of obvious stories the DLC could explore. Additionally, it will add a host of new features and additional gameplay mechanics, including new activities and side quests for players to complete.
The rumor initially came from Insider Gaming, which alleged that sources had informed them the existence of the DLC was intended to "bolster Warner Bros.’s diminishing gaming revenue following the weak performance of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League." It's not hard to understand that reasoning as Suicide Squad's player base has all but vanished, even despite the semi-regular updates and new Seasonal content. Considering just how successful Hogwarts Legacy was, it would be foolish for Warner Bros. not to attempt to capitalize on it.
However, it's worth noting that Hogwarts Legacy was released all the way back in February 2023 and, since its launch, has had few meaningful updates nor any indication that there will be DLC. In fact, upon releasing the base game, the developers stated that there were no plans for Hogwarts Legacy DLC. That makes this rumor all the more shocking and potentially a bad thing for fans of the game. While its existence is still yet to even be confirmed, it could have been a reactionary move from Warner Bros. that ends up hurting the brand in the long term.
Why Devs Should Focus On A Sequel Instead Of DLC
It Makes The Wait For The Next Game Longer
There are definitely cases in which adding DLC to a game can help not only reinvigorate interest in that game and thus generate more sales, but also allow the developer to add in new content or flesh out existing ideas in a way that it couldn't with the base game. In the best scenarios, DLCs act as their own experiences, offering something akin to the base game but with vast improvements, new ideas, and enjoyable content. A good example of this is the Frozen Wilds DLC for Horizon Zero Dawn, which fixed a lot of the base game's issues.
Hogwarts Legacy has a confirmed sequel, and while nothing else is yet known, it might be the perfect time to switch the focus to a new school.
However, DLC - in the context of narrative-driven single-player experiences like Hogwarts Legacy - feels like it may be a thing of the past, especially when people take into account just how long it takes to make modern triple-A games. Considering games are taking so long now that Sony barely announces anything in fear of overhyping its own games and having that hype die before the game even drops, devoting development time to DLC seems like a mistake. It pushes the sequel's release date significantly further away, which, in turn, puts a lot of pressure on the DLC to perform well.
If the DLC flops like the poorly received
Starfield: Shattered Space
, then fans are left with a disappointing experience and the knowledge that they have to wait even longer before the sequel comes out.
However, if the DLC flops like the poorly received Starfield: Shattered Space, then fans are left with a disappointing experience and the knowledge that they have to wait even longer for the sequel. It's a lose-lose situation that feels like it's becoming more common, especially with people becoming more aware of development costs and time. That's not to say that developers should never try to make DLC, as there have genuinely been some incredible DLC. However, developers should know when DLC is necessary, and when it is best to throw in the towel and move on to the next project.
The Definitive Edition Is A Distraction
Hogwarts Legacy Should Be Treated As A Foundation For The Sequel To Expand On
Taking that into account, while many players are excited about Hogwarts Legacy: Definitive Edition, it's possible this DLC drop could be more harmful to the long-term success of Hogwarts Legacy. If the Definitive Edition ends up being real, then, it seems like, at some point post-launch, plans were quickly changed, and a decision was made to pivot to making DLC rather than progress to a sequel. That means Avalanche may have potentially never wanted to make DLC in the first place, which isn't a great indication of how the Definitive Edition may turn out.
While the
Definitive Edition
has the potential to fix many of
Hogwarts Legacy's
worst aspects, the first game should really be seen as a stepping stone from which the developers can create a far superior sequel.
Even if it is the case that Avalanche always secretly had plans to make DLC and has dedicated potentially two years to its development - both of The Witcher 3's major expansions were released within roughly one year of the base game's launch date - then that means the sequel has been pushed back by a significant margin. This would be a genuine shame as, while the Definitive Edition has the potential to fix many of Hogwarts Legacy's worst aspects, the first game should really be seen as a stepping stone from which the developers can create a far superior sequel.
It could, as aforementioned, be harmful, as those who aren't interested in DLC will end up having to wait longer for a sequel to come out. While the Definitive Edition could generate new interest in the first game - although it was already the best-selling game of 2023 - and serve as a temporary distraction, any hype for a sequel would ultimately wane due to it being pushed back. This is also assuming that the DLC sells well, which it may not, especially as gamers haven't been receptive to other re-releases, no matter how much new content they add.
With the announcement of Hogwarts Legacy 2, the developers have a chance to add some of the most iconic spells missing from the first game.
It is also very uncommon for a modern game to get a Definitive Edition so soon after it has launched, especially when Avalanche is not acting as if it didn't have the resources or funding to realize its vision the first time around. The whole situation is frankly a little strange, but, of course, it remains to be seen whether it's real in the first place. However, should Hogwarts Legacy: Definitive Edition prove to be the real deal, then fans may need to be prepared to wait a lot longer for the much-anticipated sequel to drop.
Platform(s)PC , Switch , PS4 , PS5 , Xbox One , Xbox Series S , Xbox Series X
Released February 10, 2023
Developer(s) Avalanche Software
Publisher(s) Warner Bros. Interactive
Engine Unreal Engine 4
ESRB T For Teen Due To Blood, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Use of Alcohol
How Long To Beat 26 Hours
X|S Optimized yes
Metascore 84
PS Plus Availability N/A
Steam Deck Compatibility Yes, Hogwarts Legacy is Verified on Steam Deck
OpenCritic Rating Mighty
Cross Save you can freely use your saved data between each console as long as you are connected to the internet and signed into the same account where the saved data was created
Cross-Platform Play Hogwarts Legacy doesn't have crossplay or crossplatform support
Editor’s Note: Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling has been accused of transphobia by those in the LGBTQ+ community. Although not directly involved in the development of Hogwarts Legacy, Rowling does stand to earn royalties from the game. We would like to reiterate our support for trans rights and that trans identities are valid. Support services are listed below for trans people impacted by discussions of transphobia.
Custom Image by: Tom Wilson
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