Just in case you missed it, Harry Potter is in vogue again. Hot on the heels of the success of Hogwarts Legacy, Warner Bros. Discovery confirmed that a TV reboot of the original film series that will follow the events of the books by the controversial author, J.K. Rowling, more closely. In addition, a Quidditch game is in development, and, if we believe the rumors, a LEGO Harry Potter, similar to the LEGO Star Wars™: The Skywalker Saga, is coming as well.
Based on various reports, the whisperings began in earnest when an advertisement was briefly visible on the official Warner Bros. South Africa Instagram page, indicating the potential for a Gamescom announcement.
The elusive ad, removed swiftly, reportedly depicted a LEGO Minifigure of the titular character, Harry Potter. The date on the post, August 25, was prominently featured alongside the logo for Traveller’s Tales, the studio known for its prowess in the development of Warner Bros. LEGO games, such as The Skywalker Saga.
مثل اینکه در مراسم Gamescom امسال شاهد رونمایی از بازی جدید
Lego Harry Potter هستیم!به احتمال زیاد این بازی هم مثل بازی
The Skywalker Saga یک پکیج کامل خواهد بود. #LegoHarryPotter pic.twitter.com/6WUsid7rTS— thisiserfan (@ErfanManavi) August 4, 2023
However, the authenticity of the ad is a topic of contention. Video Games Chronicle (VGC) claims to have received an image of the ad from an anonymous source, but due to copyright restrictions, couldn’t share it publicly. The same platform says a source confirming the development of a new LEGO Harry Potter game, yet the legitimacy of the ad itself remains unverified.
Interestingly, the mentioned date of August 25 aligns with the timeline of Gamescom, Europe’s largest gaming event. This may suggest that an official announcement regarding the new game could take place during the event. However, the fact that the Opening Night Live portion, a showcase for new announcements, is scheduled for August 22, three days prior to the mentioned date, adds an element of mystery to the proceedings.
Consequently, skepticism arises from the nature of the indicated date. Releasing a game three days into Gamescom would be an unusual move, just as a major release occurring without an ample marketing buildup would be atypical.
Not to mention, Potterhands and LEGO game fans have subsequently called out the ads as fake, saying that they’re of too low-quality to be considered genuine.
Amid the murkiness, one thing is certain: a new LEGO Harry Potter game is an attractive prospect, considering the recent successes of the Harry Potter IP. With Hogwarts Legacy alone accruing over a billion dollars in revenue since its launch, the appetite for more Harry Potter video games is undeniably present.
This speculated game is rumored to emulate the structure of last year’s The Skywalker Saga, a format that took significant studio resources. This shift in game design allegedly resulted in the cancellation of a LEGO Guardians of the Galaxy game, further reinforcing the industry’s confidence in the potential of the Harry Potter universe.
Historically, the LEGO Harry Potter games, beginning with Years 1-4 and subsequently Years 5-7, have proven very popular among players, offering a comprehensive, light-hearted retelling of the beloved film series. Fans will no doubt welcome the opportunity to once again step into the whimsical world of LEGO Harry Potter, perhaps with the added allure of content from the Fantastic Beasts franchise.
Despite the anticipation, some have raised doubts about the authenticity of the leaked ad. Critics point to the unusual date format used for the South African market and the quality of the minifigure’s render, which is considered below the standard of TT Games.
Given these conflicting narratives, the gaming community awaits with bated breath for an official confirmation from Warner Bros. or TT Games.
Only time will tell whether the winds of rumor will blow in a new LEGO Harry Potter game that blends the magical essence of the Wizarding World with the whimsical charm of LEGO.
