Arguably one of the most anticipated games of the year is Hogwarts Legacy, an open-world RPG set in the world of Harry Potter that will allow players to step into the shoes of a customizable Hogwarts student and adventure through the Wizarding World of the late 1800s. However, the game’s 2022 release window may be in peril as rumors begin to emerge regarding problems in the development process and the possibility of a potential delay into 2023. Here’s everything there is to know about the current state of Hogwarts Legacy and why some are beginning to doubt its tentative release date.

Hogwarts Legacy’s open-world RPG was first announced in 2020, and is currently set to come out on the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. The game is being developed by Avalanche Software, perhaps best known for its prior work on Disney Infinity, and will be published under the Warner Bros. label. Over the year or so following the initial reveal of Hogwarts Legacy, details have gradually emerged regarding its gameplay. For example, the game will utilize a morality system, the ability to pick which Hogwarts House the player character is sorted into, and various skills including potion-making and the taming of magical beasts.

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On top of the already-expansive Hogwarts school, open-world Harry Potter locations including the Forbidden Forest and Hogsmeade Village will also be included. Given the relatively vast scope of Hogwarts Legacy, it didn’t come as much of a surprise when 2021 brought with it an announcement that the game would be delayed into 2022. Hogwarts Legacy never received an explicit release date beyond this broad window, though, and now it appears as though this estimate might not be accurate after all.

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Hogwarts Legacy Might Be Delayed Into 2023

Recent reports on the development of Hogwarts Legacy indicate that another delay is on the way, with insider rumors citing that the game may be in some sort of trouble. While it isn’t quite clear yet what that means for the long-term status of the project, the Hogwarts Legacy delay rumor does seem to imply that development is facing roadblocks. One factor that supports these rumors is the fact that significant gaming events such as E3 2021 and The Game Awards showcase came and went without so much as a new trailer for Hogwarts Legacy. If things are still going smoothly, it’s odd that the developer would opt to withhold any and all information from news outlets and eager fans alike.

One factor that could be contributing to Hogwarts Legacy‘s possible delay is the ongoing controversy surrounding Harry Potter series author J.K. Rowling, whose anti-transgender stances have caused many recent projects associated with the series to cut off all association with her. Hogwarts Legacy is one such work, with Hogwarts Legacy’s official FAQ clarifying that Rowling is not at all involved with the development of the game. Another controversy emerged in early 2021 when lead designer Troy Leavitt left the project after backlash generated from his previous anti-feminist views.

Either one of these may have had an impact on the individual developers working on the game, and other staff may have quietly left in the aftermath, though nothing has been revealed to the public in this regard. While it remains to be seen if Hogwarts Legacy will be canceled outright or simply pushed back another year or so, many games have received delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, hopefully making cancelation less likely. In the meantime, all fans of Harry Potter can do is wait for Hogwarts Legacy news and updates while these rumors continue to circulate.

Editor’s Note: Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling has been accused of transphobia by those in the LGBTQ+ community. Although not directly involved in the development of Hogwarts Legacy, Rowling does stand to earn royalties from the game. We would like to reiterate our support for trans rights and that trans identities are valid. Support services are listed below for trans people impacted by discussions of transphobia.

In the USA:

  • Trans Lifeline: (877) 565-8860
  • The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386

In Canada:

  • Trans Lifeline: (877) 330-6366
  • Youth Line: 1-800-268-9688

In the UK:

  • Switchboard: 01273 204050
  • Mermaids: 0808 801 0400
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About The Author


Ky Shinkle
(529 Articles Published)

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Ky Shinkle is a Senior Gaming Features Writer for Screen Rant as well as an overall avid gamer and writer. Her prior experience is primarily that of a narrative designer for video games, although her writing has covered all formats from screenplays and novels to stage scripts. A graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design, when she isn’t writing she works on digital media projects and other types of fiction writing. Ky currently works out of Ohio and enjoys spending her free time either playing RPGs or running with her dog.

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