Hogwarts Legacy continues to outperform industry expectations, with sales exceeding Warner Bros.’ expectations by a huge margin. Positioned as the most impressive Harry Potter game to date, its release in 2023 couldn’t have been more opportune, proving to be a pivotal moment for the Wizarding World’s expansion into the gaming industry.
Dominating the UK market, Hogwarts Legacy secured the title of the highest-selling physical game for the year, as reported by GamesIndustry.biz. This is a significant feat considering the strong competition from other major titles like EA Sports FC 24 and Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. The game’s physical sales were predominantly on the PlayStation 5, contributing to over half of its total sales in 2023. The PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch versions followed suit, with the Switch edition launching later in the year, in November.
Despite the impressive sales of Hogwarts Legacy, the overall physical game sales in the UK experienced a decline, falling by 5% from the previous year. This noted drop came even though the year saw the release of high-profile video games like Diablo 4, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. Then again, other major releases like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Alan Wake 2, were only available digitally, which could’ve contributed to this decline in physical sales. Nevertheless, Hogwarts Legacy concluded the year triumphantly, topping GfK’s Boxed charts and surpassing several other best-selling titles, including Super Mario Bros. Wonder, among many others.
The success of Hogwarts Legacy is particularly notable as it marks a break in the longstanding dominance of EA Sports FC in the boxed charts. Since 2013, the football simulator had consistently claimed the top spot each year. The only title to have achieved a similar feat before Hogwarts Legacy was the massively popular Grand Theft Auto V in 2013.
Notably, Hogwarts Legacy launched in February, well ahead of the release dates of its major competitors, EA Sports FC 24 and Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, which were released later in the year in September and November respectively. The game’s early release in the year and its success despite the strong global following of its competing titles prove its widespread appeal and the enduring popularity of the Harry Potter franchise.
Further adding to its retail success, Hogwarts Legacy is featured in a significant promotional event. As part of Humble’s Solstice Celebration sale, the game is offered at a 50% discount, reducing its price to an attractive $29.99. This discount isn’t limited to the standard edition of the game but extended to the deluxe edition as well, which includes additional features such as the thestral mount, dark arts battle arena, cosmetic set, and Garrison hat.
As for the game itself, Hogwarts Legacy not only captivated its audience with its stunning visuals and engaging story campaign but also offered an expansive gameplay experience. Players can immerse themselves in the wizarding world, creating their own characters, exploring iconic locations like Hogwarts, Hogsmeade Village, the Forbidden Forest, and more. The game provides a wide array of activities, including attending classes to learn spells and potions, taming fantastic beasts, forging alliances, and confronting a dangerous threat looming over the wizarding world.
Throughout the year, the game’s performance and sales have been a topic of considerable interest, especially given the controversy surrounding J.K. Rowling’s public statements on gender identity. It seems only fitting that it ends the year with everyone talking about it.
Interestingly enough, GTA V, which was the last video game to outperform FIFA in the UK physical sales charts, will see its successor, Grand Theft Auto VI, come out sometime in 2025. Set to return to Vice City, Rockstar Games is likely aiming for similar chart-topping success next year.
It’s unclear if Hogwarts Legacy is getting a sequel, and if so, when, but its commercial success should guarantee that it’s only a matter of time before we hear official news about the game again.
