WB Games’ Hogwarts Legacy was the first open-world experience in a Harry Potter game that did not follow the narrative of the books and movies. The game was received well by both fans of the series and gamers who just wanted a magic-infused free-roam experience.
Given the popularity of the game, many expect a sequel to be announced soon, but there may be a catch. WB Games could be moving away from the full-length single-player experience to opt for something more dynamic and ongoing, but is this the right move after how their latest release performed?
A Hogwarts Legacy Sequel May Adopt the Live-Service Approach
WB Games expressed its focus on live-service gaming during a Morgan Stanley event. Jean-Briac Perrette, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO and President of Streaming and Games, shared the strategy the company will be adopting for future titles.
This approach will include more live-service, mobile, and free-to-play games, as the company moves away from self-contained single-player narrative experiences.
Rather than just launching a one-and-done console game, how do we develop a game around, for example, a Hogwarts Legacy or Harry Potter, that is a live service where people can live and work and build and play in that world in an ongoing basis?
It appears many developers and publishers are going the live-service route, and it definitely has its advantages. Companies can keep players around for longer by constantly churning out content, all the while monetizing every release, as opposed to a single-purchase experience.
WB Games’ recent release, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, is the exact opposite of Hogwarts Legacy when it comes to the gaming experience.
It has become so bad for some players that Sony is even offering refunds, which something it rarely does. There is a laundry list of issues with the game, including technical bugs, boring gameplay, and a lackluster story.
Suicide Squad Flopped So Hogwarts Legacy 2 Might Walk
Despite the flop of their recent live-service release, WB Games could use it as a platform to build better experiences. By doubling down on the live-service model, WB Games aims to create a consistent revenue stream. With an already successful and established IP such as Hogwarts Legacy, it would make sense for the publisher to monetize it as much as possible.
Learning from the mistakes of Suicide Squad will be the first step in creating a playable experience, but it doesn’t end there.
Live service games require constant work from the developers to keep things fresh and exciting. Otherwise, the game would face the same complaint of repetitiveness that is being chucked at Suicide Squad.
Gamers are critical of the live-service model as it can impact the quality of the gaming experience. There is also the issue of rolling costs. Single-player games are a one-time investment, but live service could require you to reach for your wallet for every new bit of content.
Is WB Games setting itself up for failure with the live-service model? Let us know what you think in the comments.
