Harry Potter video games | |
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Platform(s) | |
First release | Lego Creator: Harry Potter 1 November 2001 |
Latest release | Hogwarts Legacy 10 February 2023 |
The Harry Potter video games are a series of video games based on the Wizarding World franchise originally created by J. K. Rowling. Many of the Harry Potter -inspired video games are tie-ins to the film adaptations of the same name. The main series features a video game for every film. There are multiple distinct versions for individual games.
After the success of the initial games, Warner Bros. Games created the label Portkey Games and expanded the series to include a pair of Lego video games. The games have sold over 50 million units, and grossed over $1.5 billion in video game sales [lower-alpha 1] and an additional $1 billion in mobile game sales; [2] the main series received mixed reviews from critics, while the Lego games were both critically and commercially successful. Hogwarts Legacy, the latest release, has made $850 million in its first two weeks post-launch. [3]
Despite the games having a wide variety of developers, Electronic Arts developed all games from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire until Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 . [4]
Generally, the video game adaptations of the Harry Potter series were designed to be released to coincide with the release schedule of the film series. The first game in the series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone [lower-alpha 3] , was developed by five different teams, each creating different versions for different consoles. The games were developed by Argonaut Games [5] (PlayStation), Aspyr [6] (Mac OS), Griptonite Games [7] (Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance), and KnowWonder [8] (personal computer). Two years later, Warthog Games released versions for sixth generation consoles (GameCube, PlayStation 2, and Xbox). [9] The version was released after the Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and used many of the same assets. [10] The game featured puzzles aimed at "eight- to fourteen-year-olds" and aimed to capture the mood of the novel of the same name. [11]
During the release of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in 2002, developer Eurocom was brought on board to create the sixth-generation console releases (GameCube, PlayStation 2 and Xbox) as well as the Game Boy Advance and the Game Boy Color release. This version included new assets specifically for the Chamber of Secrets and free-roam flying on a broomstick on the PlayStation 2 release, which was not possible on any other release. This version removed many of the puzzle sections found in the first game and replaced them with action sections and boss fights. The PC version, however, used many of the same assets as those in Philosopher's Stone, and retained a more puzzle-oriented gameplay style. [12]
The release of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) switched genre to a role-playing video game (RPG). GameSpot likened the game to Chrono Trigger and Pokémon . [13] The third instalment featured separate games for the PC version and a console release (which was this time developed by EA UK). Both of these versions made Harry, Hermione and Ron playable characters. In the PC release, Buckbeak and Hedwig were made playable as well. [14]
In 2005, World of Harry Potter was released for PC, containing all of the first three novel games, and the Quiddich World Cup game. [15] Following Prisoner of Azkaban, EA, specifically EA UK (which was later renamed as EA Bright Light), took charge of creating all versions of the game. The PC and Mac releases were developed as ports of the console release. In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005), the style from previous titles was reduced to a more linear, level-based system, as the character followed certain scenes from the film. Multiplayer components were factored into the game's release: up to three players from the same console. [16] This was also the first game in the series to be released on Nintendo DS. [17]
During the development of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007), the development team had more interaction with author J. K. Rowling when attempting to create playable card games for the series. The rules that were created were later revealed to be the official rules in canon. [18] This release was the first in the series to include motion capture from actors in the film series, including Rupert Grint and Evanna Lynch. [18] The release removed the multiplayer component of the previous two games; Fred and George Weasley were still playable, but only in certain locations. The game made a return to the free-roaming style of earlier games. [18]
In 2009, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was released after originally being planned for 2008. It was pushed back six months to be released with the film of the same name. [19] Like with the previous game, the multiplayer component was removed; Ron and Ginny Weasley were still playable, but only in certain locations. [20] The final two games in the main series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010) and Part 2 (2011), take place away from Hogwarts, and features locations such as the Ministry of Magic. These games use a stealth and combat mechanic similar to those found in modern first-person shooters. Jonathan Bunney, head of Production at EA Bright Light, stated that the final two instalments would be "darker and more action-oriented game(s)." [21]
2001 | Lego Creator: Harry Potter |
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2002 | Creator: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets |
2003 | Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup |
2004 | |
2005 | Harry Potter: Find Scabbers |
2006 | |
2007 | |
2008 | Harry Potter: Mastering Magic |
2009 | |
2010 | Lego Harry Potter: Years 1–4 |
2011 | Lego Harry Potter: Years 5–7 |
2012 | Harry Potter for Kinect |
Book of Spells | |
2013 | Book of Potions |
2014 | |
2015 | |
2016 | Lego Dimensions: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Story Pack |
Lego Dimensions: Harry Potter Team Pack | |
Lego Dimensions: Tina Fun Pack | |
2017 | Lego Dimensions: Hermione Granger Fun Pack |
2018 | Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them VR Experience |
Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery | |
2019 | Harry Potter: Wizards Unite |
2020 | Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells |
2021 | Harry Potter: Magic Awakened |
2022 | |
2023 | Hogwarts Legacy |
The first retail release of a Harry Potter game outside of the film adaptations was for the Lego Creator , released in 2001 as Lego Creator: Harry Potter and the sequel, [22] Creator: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, released in 2002. [23] Following the release of Chamber of Secrets, EA Games engaged game developer Magic Pockets, who created the Game Boy Advance version, to produce a video game based on Quidditch. [24]
Due to the release schedule of the film Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban , there was no main series release in 2003. Instead, Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup was released in its place. Previous games had featured Quidditch but only focused on Potter as the Seeker; Quidditch World Cup puts players in control of the team's Chasers and the rest of the team's players via mini-games. [25] The game featured both matches played at Hogwarts, and matches played internationally. [25]
In 2010, following a release of a special Potter-themed Lego set, Lego Harry Potter, Traveller's Tales announced that a Lego Harry Potter video game would be released, similar to releases for Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures and Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga . [26] The series was split into two: Lego Harry Potter: Years 1–4 was released in 2010 followed by Lego Harry Potter: Years 5–7 in 2011. [27] [28]
In 2012 and 2013, two augmented reality games were created, titled Book of Spells and Book of Potions respectively. These were both released for PlayStation 3 [29] and used the PlayStation Move controller as well as the Wonderbook accessory for the PlayStation Eye. The Wonderbook accessory was brought out in conjuncture with Book of Spells, allowing players to see an augmented reality version of real life books. [30]
In 2017, two new themed character packs for a Toys-to-life console video game Lego Dimensions were released. One contained Lego figurines of Harry, Voldemort, mini Ford Anglia and mini Hogwarts Express, while the other one contained figurines of Hermione and Buckbeak. At the same time, Portkey Games partnered with Jam City to release Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery in March 2018 for iOS and Android. [31] The game was a spin off from the Harry Potter universe by setting the game before the book series, but still at Hogwarts. The game featured similar components to those of other freemium games, such as wait timers, and microtransactions. [32]
Following the release of Pokémon Go , in 2019 Niantic announced Harry Potter: Wizards Unite , a similar augmented reality game. The game allowed players to see the game world through a smartphone. [33]
In 2020, Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells by Zynga Inc. was released on App Store, Google Play, Amazon Kindle, and Facebook Gaming in 14 languages. [34]
Hogwarts Legacy , an open-world, action role-playing video game and a prequel to the Harry Potter books, was released on February 10, 2023. [35] [36]
On April 17, 2023, it was announced that a new game, Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions , was in active development by Unbroken Studios. It is going to be a multiplayer team competitive Quidditch game. A limited playtest was held on April 21–22, [37] though a release date has not been set. According to the FAQ that was released, [38] the game "has been in development for several years by Unbroken Studios".
On June 20, 2023, it was announced Harry Potter: Magic Awakened will launch worldwide on June 27, 2023. [39]
In the novel video games, gameplay is featured around puzzle solving with some action-oriented scenes. Releases in the series generally followed the plot of the associated novel. The protagonist learns spells or other techniques from classes within Hogwarts school, which are often used to solve the puzzles at hand. While some are similar to those used in other Harry Potter media (such as "Wingardium Leviosa", used for levitating objects), other spells are unique to the video games (such as "Flipendo", described as the "knockback jinx", an attacking spell, used to push objects, or "Spongify", to make an object turn into a bounce pad). [40]
Earlier games in the series contained "secrets" which were a countable list of hidden extras. The games contained "beans", based on "Bertie Botts every flavour beans", used as currency, and Famous Witch or Wizard cards, used as collectables. [41] However, in later games (specifically the final two entries), entries employ first person shooter and stealth sections. [42]
Year | Title | Platform(s) | Acquired label(s) | ||
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Console | Computer | Handheld | |||
2001 | Lego Creator: Harry Potter | — | — | — | |
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone |
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2002 | Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets |
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Lego Creator: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets | — |
| — | — | |
2003 | Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup |
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Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone | — | — | — | ||
2004 | Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban |
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2005 | Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire |
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2007 | Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix |
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2009 | Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince |
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2010 | Lego Harry Potter: Years 1–4 |
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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 |
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| — | |
2011 | Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 |
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| — |
Lego Harry Potter: Years 5–7 |
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2012 | Harry Potter for Kinect |
| — | — | — |
Book of Spells |
| — | — | — | |
2013 | Book of Potions |
| — | — | — |
2023 | Hogwarts Legacy |
|
| Nintendo Switch | |
TBA | Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions [43] | TBA | Windows | TBA | — |
Title | Number of Units Sold (millions) |
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Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone | 11.91 |
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets | 7.28 |
Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup | 1.88 |
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban | 2.15 |
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire | 2.34 |
Harry Potter Collection (PS2) | 0.56 |
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix | 2.52 |
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince | 3.22 |
Lego Harry Potter: Years 1–4 | 8.46 |
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 | 1.89 |
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 | 1.31 |
Lego Harry Potter: Years 5–7 | 4.82 |
Book of Spells | 0.66 |
Lego Harry Potter Collection | 1.43 |
Hogwarts Legacy | 24 [62] |
Total | 85.79 [lower-alpha 4] |
The Harry Potter video game series received mixed reviews from critics. Nintendo consoles (specifically the Wii) scored higher marks than other console releases. According to media review site Metacritic, the series received its best response for the Chamber of Secrets game. Despite the game being created differently for different systems, the game was rated higher on consoles across the board against every other entry in the series.
The series was judged on its representation of the novel and film series. Detroit Free Press gave the Goblet of Fire GameCube version four out of four stars and said, "this is a masterful video game because it can be enjoyed on many levels. Younger players can simply explore this graphically rich Harry Potter world and succeed. Older players will enjoy manipulating the magic by choosing spells and skills and casting magic together with friends." [112] However, The Sydney Morning Herald gave the game three out of five stars and stated that the series highlight "is a brief but thrilling broomstick chase against a fire-breathing dragon. An underwater interlude is less successful, although it provides variety." [113] Frank Provo of GameSpot was very positive about the Prisoner of Azkaban GBA game's recreation of the novel; saying "The main thing to keep in mind is that Prisoner of Azkaban on the GBA offers a fun way for Harry Potter fans to step into the shoes of their favorite wizard-in-training and experience firsthand everything that happened in the third instalment of the series." [13] Gerald Villoria of GameSpot praised the developer's efforts, for the PlayStation version, in re-creating the Hogwarts Castle and different-looking characters but said that despite the graphics being like "extremely jagged polygons." [114]
Later entries in the series received increasingly lower scores on Metacritic, as critics rated Deathly Hallows – Part 1 being the poorest reviewed. The Official Xbox Magazine stated the game had "so much wrong with [it] that we don't have space to list it all" [115] and Kristine Steimer from IGN calling that game not "worthy of the Harry Potter branding" before giving the gameplay for the game 2 out of 10, stating "Between the camera breaking frequently, boring shoot-out sequences and uninspired stealth missions, the game gets worse and worse as you play." [42]
Game | Metacritic |
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Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup | |
Lego Harry Potter: Years 1–4 | |
Lego Harry Potter: Years 5–7 | |
Harry Potter for Kinect | 54% [133] |
Book of Spells | 72% [134] |
Book of Potions | 60% [135] |
Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery | 43% [136] |
Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells | 70% [137] |
Other games based around Harry Potter have been generally praised better than the novel adaptions, especially the Lego Harry Potter games. Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4 specifically scored well: Metacritic scored the game at 79%, for its PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox release. [121] Greg Miller of IGN praised the game for its "gorgeous environments, clever use of the famed spells, legitimate humor and adorable references" [138] and called it a "love letter to fans of the Boy Who Lived." [138] The Official Nintendo Magazine gave the Wii and DS version 80%, saying that it was "one of the best Harry Potter games ever", however it lacked originality compared to previous Lego video games. [139]
Besides the Lego Harry Potter titles, two titles were released for the PlayStation 3, using augmented reality. Book of Potions and Book of Spells both built for the Wonderbook, received mixed reviews from critics. They criticized the game's short length, but commended use of the augmented reality within the games. Alex Simmons of IGN commented that Book of Spells was "shallow and rarely compelling", but called the technology behind it "fantastic". [140] Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, also released in 2018, received media backlash for its use of microtransactions, despite the game being free to play. David Jagnaeux from IGN Africa reviewed the game, but called it "awful", and the "gratuitous" microtransactions "actively prevented" him from enjoying the game. [141]
In 2002, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was nominated for three D.I.C.E. Awards in the "Console Family", "Original Musical Composition" and "PC Family" categories. [142] Lego Harry Potter: Years 1–4 won the Kotaku "best adapted game" award in 2010, with Brian Crecente proclaiming it to be the "Best Lego Game to Date." [143] The game was nominated for two awards in the 7th British Academy Games Awards, in the "family" and "handheld" sections. [144] In addition, it was nominated for "Best Adapted Video Game" for the Spike Video Game Awards in 2010. [145] The musical score of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by Jeremy Soule received a BAFTA Award for Original Music in 2004. [146]
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince received a BAFTA nomination in 2010 for James Hannigan's music score, [147] and won an International Film Music Critics Association (IFMCA) Award for best video game score in 2009. [148] Book of Spells received a nomination for "game innovation" at the BAFTA Awards in 2013. [149] As of 2014, the Harry Potter video game series was stated to have sold $1.5 billion in sales. [150]
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is a fantasy novel written by British author J. K. Rowling and is the third in the Harry Potter series. The book follows Harry Potter, a young wizard, in his third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Along with friends Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger, Harry investigates Sirius Black, an escaped prisoner from Azkaban, the wizard prison, believed to be one of Lord Voldemort's old allies.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is a 2005 fantasy film directed by Mike Newell from a screenplay by Steve Kloves, based on the 2000 novel of the same name by J.K. Rowling. It is the sequel to Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) and the fourth instalment in the Harry Potter film series. The film stars Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, alongside Rupert Grint and Emma Watson as Harry's best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger respectively. Its story follows Harry's fourth year at Hogwarts as he is chosen by the Goblet of Fire to compete in the Triwizard Tournament.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is a 2004 action-adventure video game. The game is based on the 2004 film of the same name from the Harry Potter franchise. The game was developed by KnowWonder, Griptonite Games, and EA UK each for different consoles and was published by Electronic Arts under the EA Games label. The game was released as a trio, with separate versions for Game Boy Advance, Microsoft Windows, and home consoles. The game received mixed reviews by critics.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is an action-adventure video game based on the 2001 film of the same name. Philosopher's Stone was initially released for Microsoft Windows and the PlayStation in November 2001. A different game bearing the same name was made two years later for the GameCube, PlayStation 2, and Xbox in December 2003. The versions on different platforms differ greatly from each other and do not follow the same level structures or gameplay, with somewhat varying stories as well.
Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup is a 2003 sports action video game that features the fictional sport of Quidditch from the Harry Potter franchise. The game was developed by two teams, EA UK and Magic Pockets, and was published by Electronic Arts. It was released for Game Boy Advance, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube. The game bears no relation to the abandoned Nintendo 64 project.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is a 2005 action-adventure video game published by Electronic Arts. It is based on the 2005 film of the same name.
Lego Harry Potter is a Lego theme based on the film series of the same name and the eponymous novels by British author J. K. Rowling. It is licensed from Warner Bros. Lego models of important scenes, vehicles and characters were made for the first six films and all of the published books. The first sets appeared in 2001, to coincide with the release of the first film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Subsequent sets were released alongside the new films, until Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. The line then went dormant for three years, with sets being released in 2010 and 2011. In 2018, it was announced that more sets based on the Harry Potter franchise would be released, including new sets based on Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and its sequel, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.
Harry Potter is a film series based on the eponymous novels by British author J. K. Rowling. The series is produced and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures and consists of eight fantasy films, beginning with Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001) and culminating with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011). A spin-off prequel series started with Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016), marking the beginning of the Wizarding World shared media franchise.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is a 2007 action-adventure video game. It is based on the 2007 film of the same name. The game was released for mobile devices, Nintendo DS, PlayStation Portable, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Wii, Xbox 360, Game Boy Advance, and Mac OS X.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 is a 2010 fantasy film directed by David Yates from a screenplay by Steve Kloves. The film is the first of two cinematic parts based on the 2007 novel Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling. It is the sequel to Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009) and the seventh instalment in the Harry Potter film series.
Harry Potter is a series of fantasy novels by J. K. Rowling.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is a 2009 action-adventure video game. It is based on the film of the same name. The game was released on 30 June 2009 for mobile devices, Nintendo DS, PlayStation Portable, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Wii, Xbox 360, and Mac OS X.
Lego Harry Potter: Years 1–4 is a Lego-themed action-adventure video game developed by Traveller's Tales and published by Warner Bros. The game is based on the Lego Harry Potter toy line, and its storyline covers the first four books by J.K. Rowling and its film adaptations in the Harry Potter film series: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001), Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002), Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004), and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005).
Ginevra Molly "Ginny" Weasley is a fictional character in J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter novel series. Ginny is introduced in the first book Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, as the youngest sibling and only daughter of Arthur and Molly Weasley. She becomes Harry's main love interest and eventually marries him at the end of the series. She is portrayed by Bonnie Wright in all eight Harry Potter films.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 is a 2010 action-adventure video game. It is based on the 2010 film of the same name. It was released on 16 November 2010 in the United States, 18 November 2010 in Australia, and on 19 November 2010 in Europe and India. The game was released for mobile devices, Nintendo DS, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Wii, Xbox 360.
Lego Harry Potter: Years 5–7 is a Lego-themed action-adventure video game developed by Traveller's Tales and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. Released on 11 November 2011 in North America and November 18 in Europe, the game is based on the Lego Harry Potter toy line and is based on the final three books and four films in the Harry Potter film series: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2. The game was released for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation Vita, Wii, Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, Microsoft Windows, iOS and Android. The first of three trailers was released 6 October 2011, and the demo was released on 1 November.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 is a 2011 action-adventure video game. It is based on the 2011 film of the same name. It was released on 11 July 2011 for mobiles devices, and on 12 July in North America and 15 July in Europe for Microsoft Windows, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 3, Wii, and Xbox 360.
The Wizarding World is a fantasy media franchise and shared fictional universe centred on the Harry Potter novel series by J. K. Rowling. A series of films have been in production since 2000, and in that time eleven films have been produced—eight are adaptations of the Harry Potter novels and three are part of the Fantastic Beasts series. The films are owned and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. The series has collectively grossed over $9.6 billion at the global box office, making it the fourth-highest-grossing film franchise of all time.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is an action-adventure video game based on the 2001 film of the same name. Developed by Warthog Games and released in December 2003 for the GameCube, PlayStation 2, and Xbox, it is the second set of games to have this title following a release of the same name in 2001.
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Best Adapted Video Game Lego Harry Potter: Years 1 – 4