Footage revealed of new Hogwarts video game — and the internet can’t get enough

Gameplay footage has been released for “Hogwarts Legacy,” a new open-world video game set in the world of the “Harry Potter” series.

First announced in 2020, “Hogwarts Legacy” is among the most highly anticipated video games of the year and is set to be released during the holiday season. It will be available for PlayStation5, PlayStation4, PlayStation4 Pro, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC.

Until the March 17 State of Play show streamed by PlayStation, little was known about the gameplay. More than 1.5 million people have already watched the nearly 23-minute clip, which shows off all the game has to offer.

Viewers get glimpses into the Hogwarts castle, including the Great Hall, common rooms, classrooms and other iconic locations you’ll know from the “Harry Potter” books and films.

You won’t see Harry Potter himself, however. The game is set in the 1800s, meaning Harry, his friends, family and professors will not be featured.

Instead, gamers will control a fifth-year student who is new to Hogwarts. They’ll get to customize the character, then take part in everyday activities at the school — including flying on a broomstick, brewing potions and dueling classmates.

Plot details reveal the main character will be “on a collision course with a goblin rebellion,” which will threaten the wizarding world.

One video game reporter referred to “Hogwarts Legacy” as “basically a dream game for Harry Potter fans.”

Those who watched the new footage seem to be in agreement, commenting on social media of their excitement.

But there remains some controversy over the game, notably regarding the world’s creator, JK Rowling. The author has repeatedly tweeted transphobic rhetoric in recent years, and some “Harry Potter” fans have abandoned the franchise over her stances.

Developers said the story showcased in the game is not one from Rowling, but her team has been involved to ensure “Hogwarts Legacy” remains true to the rewarding world.

“However, it’s still difficult for any trans person to look at any element of the Harry Potter franchise and not see the harm that continues to be perpetuated by the woman who created it,” Jessie Earl wrote for Gamespot. “I used to adore listening to Harry Potter audiobooks as comfort, but now I can’t turn them on without being reminded of a woman who has actively argued against the reality of my existence and championed harm towards my community.”

This story was originally published March 18, 2022 at 2:22 PM with the headline "Footage revealed of new Hogwarts video game — and the internet can’t get enough."