For the first time in several years, Call of Duty isn't the world's best-selling video game of the year. Instead, a magical thing happened as Potterheads all over the world banded together, put on the Sorting Hat, and waved their wands to help Hogwarts Legacy sell more than 22 million copies in 2023.
This massive sales figure, confirmed by Warner Bros. Games, as per Variety, signifies a success for the title's launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC, followed by later releases on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
The game's popularity soared, with 15 million copies sold before its release on the latter three platforms, indicating that there has always been a consistent demand for the open-world AAA Harry Potter title across various gaming systems. Two million copies were sold during the December holiday season alone, illustrating the game's strong appeal during a key sales period.
David Haddad, President of Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, expressed pride not only in the sales figures but in how the game delighted fans. He highlighted that Hogwarts Legacy brought the Harry Potter world to life in a new way, allowing players to immerse themselves in the story and environment in a personalized manner. This innovative and, in a way, unique approach, as Haddad suggests, was a crucial factor in the game's widespread resonance and its status as the best-selling game of the year worldwide.