Summary
Hogwarts Legacybrought a brand-new wizard-focused RPG to life that allowed players to experience life in the titular school from theHarry Potterfranchise. Avalanche Software’s venture into the world ofHarry Potterwasn’t perfect, butHogwarts Legacystill managed to be the highest-selling title of 2023. Despite a few issues, the game excelled at making the grounds and building of Hogwarts feel alive, which has ignited a lot of speculation about a potential sequel in the future.
So far, neither Warner Bros. nor Avalanche Software have officially confirmed the existence ofaHogwarts Legacysequel, but the impressive sales numbers make it seem highly likely. From the four Houses to magical creatures, like Hippogriffs,Hogwarts Legacyfeatures a lot of the aspects that make theHarry Potterfranchise so unique. However, there are still things missing from the game that could have made Hogwarts feel more realized overall. The absence of Quidditch was a big downside of the game, but the lack of a well-written gamekeeper also leaves a hole in the fabric of Hogwarts.
Hogwarts Legacy’s Sequel Would Be Wise to Introduce a Gamekeeper
An Iconic Role in the Franchise is Sorely Missed
AlthoughHogwarts Legacytakes place around 100 years before the events ofHarry Potter, the lack of a gamekeeper can really be felt within the game.Hagrid is one of the most notable charactersand confidants to Harry throughout his journey, and the wide array of creatures that he cares for make him a fan favorite in the story.
To Hagrid, his pets are more than just animals. Each pet is treated like a family member, and it’s a charming aspect ofhow Hogwarts works as a school. Having someone on the grounds to take care of the various magical animals that inhabit the land ultimately makes the school feel like a safer place. Whether it’s Fluffy, a giant three-headed dog or a Norwegian Ridgeback dragon named Norbert, Hagrid’s reverence for animals is a great quality that aHogwarts Legacyfollow-up should embrace.
There are plenty offeatures fromHarry PotterthatHogwarts Legacyusesas inspiration, but the game dropped the ball in terms of a character as charming and warm as Hagrid. Of course, there are plenty of magical creatures that players can run into while exploring, but a sequel showcasing someone on the grounds to serve as a guardian would serve as a meaningful nod to the original franchise.
Hogwarts Legacy Only Offers a Glimpse at its Gamekeeper
To be fair,Hogwarts Legacyisn’t completely missing a gamekeeper. However, he is barely ever seen and lacks any meaningful role in the story. He can be seen tending to Hogwarts' grounds, but that is the extent of his place in the narrative. Pretty much all that is known about the character is that he was clearly the gamekeeper atHogwarts in the 1890s. Not even his name is mentioned. This is an unfortunate choice from Avalanche Software, as it robs players of getting the chance to have a bond with the gamekeeper that is similar to Harry and Hagrid’s friendship.
If a sequel is eventually announced,the nextHogwarts Legacywill hopefully expand on this gamekeeper and his role at the school, or even introduce a new one. Hagrid was part of the beating heart ofHarry Potter, and the absence of a character similar to him is quickly felt when playing the game. Of course,Hogwarts Legacyis set in its own period at the school, so the story is going to be different in some aspects. However, adding a few characters that create compelling parallels to the source material could help both worlds feel more connected.
