The massive popularity ofHogwarts Legacymay not come as a surprise, as the recently released title provides one of the most comprehensive and detailed portrayals of theHarry Potteruniverse that fans have ever seen. While a title such as this would have already captured the attention of many, it must be said that the accompanying controversy around the franchise’s creator andHogwarts Legacy’s themes has also raised the profile of the project. In spite of this controversy, or perhaps because of it, the game sold massively within its first two weeks.
Many were speculating what the sales data forHogwarts Legacymay look like with roughly a month after release, and Warner Bros. recently released some concrete figures. This popularity forHogwarts Legacyspells good news for the future of the franchise and other potential titles down the line, but it may also have an impact on the severity of the controversy that these future projects would face.
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Hogwarts Legacy’s Latest Sales Figures Speak to the Future of the Franchise
While expectations were high for thesuccess that would come fromHogwarts Legacy’searly sales, Warner Bros. Interactive revealed thatHogwarts Legacysold 12 million copies in just its first two weeks, amounting to $850 million in sales. This paintsHogwarts Legacyas a huge financial success, especially so early into the title’s life. These figures undoubtedly herald good news for the future ofHogwarts Legacyand otherHarry Pottervideo game adaptations, although the lingering controversy that surrounds the franchise may be amplified by the heights ofLegacy.
The widerHarry Potterfranchise has been embroiled in controversyfor some time, primarily around transphobic comments made by franchise creator J.K. Rowling. This controversy extends to any projects that come under theHarry Pottername, withHogwarts Legacyarguably being the most hotly protested franchise entity to date. It can most clearly be seen through streamers who have been bombarded by comments from angry fans when trying to play on platforms like Twitch.
Thenegative sentiment regardingHogwarts Legacyis significant, with many fans and even streamers staging a boycott as to not support the franchise’s living creator. Despite this, the released sales figures forLegacyindicate a success that may spur an even more intense level of criticism for future projects. WithHogwarts Legacyalready confirmed to have made over $850 million, it is likely there will be a spate of futureHarry Pottertitles of a similar scale, which will be just as high-profile asHogwarts Legacy.
These games will inexorably experience the same boycotts andcriticisms thatLegacycontinues to face, withLegacyacting as a tangible example of what might be amplified for any future projects to have more of an impact. From the franchise’s perspective, the massive financial success ofHogwarts Legacyis a blessing that secures the future of any similar adaptations. However, it is likely that critiques of these titles will be proportionately higher as a result.
Hogwarts Legacyis available now on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. PS4, Xbox One, and Switch versions are currently in development.
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