Hogwarts Legacywas an ambitious project, but it had the benefit of being able to lean somewhat heavily on pre-existing lore. From Hogwarts itself to more obscure elements likethe Room of Requirement, it does well to take advantage of the toolbox thatHarry Potterhas created. While there are plenty of recognizable inclusions, the Avalanche Software offering has barely scratched the surface, and with the first game’s commercial and critical success, the sky could be the limit when it comes to a potential follow-up.
Having that freedom is something that the developer should absolutely take advantage of, even dipping into specific plot points in the novels or films that serve to elevate the story being told.The Bookwalkercame toXbox Game Pass in June, with one of the narrative wrinkles being the act of entering a book to change, alter, and overcome the events of the story. It’s a familiar idea to fans ofHarry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, which could mean that the second game in Avalanche’s potentially-budding franchise could logistically make it work as a narrative thread to be explored.
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The Bookwalker is Similar to One Chamber of Secrets Plot Point
The Bookwalker: Thief of Talesputs players in the shoes of a writer-turned-thief who enters a new story each chapter to shave time from his writer’s block sentencing. There, protagonist Etienne Quist has to steal relics from the books he enters, getting wrapped up in the tale of each one accordingly. It’s a fascinating premise for a story-driven game, and one that does well to make each of the six chapters feel distinctive and unique not just to each other, but to most things in gaming, be it indie or AAA. It’s something that is reminiscent of a very specific scene inHarry Potter.
In the second film, there is a period where Harry enters Tom Riddle’s diary, gathering insight into who Voldemort was during his time at Hogwarts, and how he framed Hagrid for opening the Chamber of Secrets. It gives some much-needed context into Riddle’s character as well as thickens the plot of the film itself. Hogwarts is an elaborate and storied place, andHogwarts Legacy’s sequel has plenty of decades it could explore, but using the narrative idea of entering a book, asThe Bookwalkerdoes so effortlessly, could be a viable and available window into a world of compelling history.
Hogwarts Legacy Could Use More Harry Potter Plot Devices
Bringing players back to the late-1800s asHogwarts Legacydid when it launched in February would be a safe idea, in large part because it can simply continue the story of the first game. However, withRanrok and Victor Rookwood’s plans thwarted, the sequel could go in any direction. The setting and time frame need to complement the story being told, and having a plot device that can essentially transport characters back to a different time for exposition is something that the developer would do well to capitalize on, especially as it’s a part ofHarry Potterlore that is already established.
The Bookwalker: Thief of Talesdoesn’t have the budget or reputation to compete with the likes ofThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom,Final Fantasy 16, orResident Evil 4for many Game of the Year awards, but its influence on the industry can be obvious if Avalanche is willing to take cues from its core narrative premise.Hogwarts Legacy’s sequelcan give it the credit it deserves, albeit indirectly, to nurture and improve the seed thatThe Bookwalkerplants.
Hogwarts Legacyis available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, with a Switch release scheduled for July 22, 2025.
