The recent 15-minute gameplay overview for Hogwarts Legacy might have showcased much of what we're able to do in the game, but there's one thing that it seemed to avoid - the iconic Wizarding World sport, Quidditch. So, can you play Quidditch in Hogwarts Legacy, and is it simply the case that the developers want us to enjoy some surprises? Or is the sport a little too complex for this open-world RPG game?
First of all, the idea of a sport like Quidditch doesn't seem all that complex, especially when you look at what the developers have already been able to achieve with Hogwarts Legacy. The open-world RPG game has a lot going on and looks very impressive, to say the least. You'll attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where, as a Fifth Year, you'll learn how to cast spells, perform combative duels, brew potions, grow magical planets, tame fantastic beasts, and so much more.
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You'll also make friends throughout your time at the school, each of whom has their own unique backstory and character traits, which hopefully suggests that the AI for all non-playable characters in Hogwarts Legacy will be just as impressive as everything else on offer. Throughout your journey, you'll also watch the seasons change, and with it, the weather. And your exploration won't just be limited to the school - there's a whole world out there for you to enjoy, to the Forbidden Forest and beyond.
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But for the purpose of this topic, let's go back to the school. We would be hard-pressed to believe that you can't, at the very least, explore the Quidditch Pitch in this game. After all, it is said that you can explore Hogwarts in its entirety, and omitting the iconic pitch, or even having it forbidden from entry, would feel completely inconsistent with everything we know about the game so far. If we're going by the overview video alone, then it's reasonable to assume that you can go pretty much anywhere in the school - within reason, of course.
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We don't expect to just be able to wander into the classroom while it's in session, nor do we expect to pay a visit to the Chamber of Secrets so that we can play hooky without overcoming some sort of challenge. But, at the very least, the Quidditch Pitch does need to feature on the Hogwarts grounds. Without it, players will definitely feel cheated. Not only that, but we can't quite imagine a game set in the Wizarding World that doesn't allow you to at least spectate at a match - even if it's only in a cut scene.
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There is, however, some good news. The overview does confirm - by words and by footage - that players will be able to use their broomsticks to get about, whether it's at Hogwarts or in the outside world. You will of course need to learn how to use one, but knowing that this is going to be a huge part of the game sends chills down our spines. It also really lends to the possibility that Quidditch will indeed feature in the game, even if it's only as one of your classes, and that you never end up taking part in an actual match.
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While building a video game is undoubtedly an enormously difficult task, Quidditch doesn't seem all that complex. Using Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup as a reference point doesn't seem fair, considering it was released way back in 2003, but it's the only Quidditch game we have to go by. With all that said, it is possible that Portkey Games - the developers behind all things Harry Potter game-related - are working on, or intend to begin work on, a Quidditch game that's separate to Hogwarts Legacy.
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Or maybe we're in for a huge surprise with Hogwarts Legacy, and by this time next year, we'll all be racing to catch a Golden Snitch. But even if Quidditch is included, the fact that the game won't feature online multiplayer may leave the sport feeling like a Squib. Either way, at least we'll definitely be able to fly, whether it's by broom or Hippogriff.
Related: Major Hogwarts Legacy Reveal Could Be Coming Soon
Hogwarts Legacy will be released sometime during Q4, 2022.
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