Hogwarts Legacy does not appear to fit within the canon of J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World timeline, although that shouldn’t come as any surprise given her absence from its development process.
However, its developers did state that the game is “anchored in Wizarding World lore” and Portkey Games works directly with Rowling to deliver magical experiences to players. Does that make it canon?
The Story
Hogwarts Legacy has taken gaming by storm, becoming one of the best Harry Potter games on offer. You get to explore Hogwarts like never before while creating your own adventure! However, some are left questioning whether or not the game canon when compared with books and films.
The primary factor behind why the game does not fall under canon is due to it not having been written by J.K. Rowling herself, as her approval must always come before anything that relates to her Wizarding World universe. Unfortunately, due to personal issues surrounding J.K. Rowling it has proven challenging for Warner Bros to secure it.
Though she will not play an active role, the game remains grounded in Wizarding World lore. Developer Portkey Games has stated that their product will honor existing lore while also opening up new possibilities for fans.
The main conflict in this game focuses on Goblin Rebellions led by Ranrok. These Rebellions are an ongoing theme throughout Wizarding World lore and often due to racism, classism, or discrimination; often leading to conflicts between magic users and non-magic users or purebloods and muggle-borns – such as purebloods versus muggle-borns etc.
Though the primary conflict in the game revolves around this topic, its other parts do not directly connect to characters or events in books and films, meaning that its impact won’t linger or remain canon for future projects – for now at least!
Hogwarts Legacy may disappoint some Potterheads by not being canon, yet this shouldn’t come as too much of a shock. Other Harry Potter games that weren’t connected directly with the series didn’t do particularly well either in terms of sales or popularity – likely due to lacking an interesting narrative or effective game play system.
Characters
Many fans have raised concerns over whether Hogwarts Legacy should be considered canon. It ultimately depends on your definition of what constitutes part of the Wizarding World; J.K. Rowling owns all rights to it as the final arbiter for canonicity within her franchise; to date she has not commented negatively upon its canonicity status.
The characters featured in the game include both familiar faces such as Professor Fig, Ollivander and Hespheastus Gore as well as newcomers such as Goblin Rebellion leader Ranrok and Victor Rookwood (a Dark Wizard who aligns himself with them) who serve as guides through Hogwarts spirit. Furthermore, Nearly Headless Nick serves as your host while serving as your spirit guide through Hogwarts spirit. In addition, new characters that were not part of the films appear such as Ranrok (who serves as your guide through Hogwarts spirit), Goblin Rebellion leader Ranrok who serves as your host when traveling through Hogwarts spirit guide as well as Dark Wizard Victor Rookwood who stands as your hostage guide!
One of the highlights of the game is its ability to explore more of the Wizarding World beyond what was seen in movies or books alone. Avalanche Software took great care in not rehash anything already covered in movies or books while adding in some interesting new details.
As part of its Founders, this game includes two women who were prominent members of the Ministry of Magic during the 19th century: Madam Kogawa and Fatimah Azim are included as figures who helped shape Harry Potter’s world.
Characters in the game are more nuanced than in previous Wizarding World media, creating an immersive and realistic experience. For instance, its Founders must deal with discrimination against half-magic and muggle-born people; there is also a Goblin rebellion led by Ranrok that may serve as an analogy for earlier films’ antimagic positions.
Due to this uncertainty surrounding its canonicity within the wider Wizarding World universe, its canonicity remains somewhat murky. However, it seems likely that its influence won’t impact future projects; for instance, Simon Pegg may voice Phineas Black again or Ranrok might pop up somewhere later; though these potential references won’t significantly change franchise canon.
Locations
Hogwarts Legacy is an interactive game that lets players explore the wizarding world of Harry Potter. While its storyline does not follow that of books or films exactly, there are some parallels – for instance featuring locations such as Three Broomsticks Inn and Goblin Rebellion led by Ranrok which took place in 1752; during which conflict wizards battled amongst themselves as well as Goblin rebels over land and resources.
The Goblin Rebellion was one of several major conflicts to arise in the Wizarding World during this era, due to discrimination between magic- and non-magic people as well as between purebloods and muggle-borns, as well as different classes of wizards. Hespheastus Gore, then serving as Minister, eventually helped to resolve this conflict; Hogwarts Legacy follows its aftermath closely.
Although this game does have some connections to the original Harry Potter stories, it should not be considered Canon since its creator, Portkey Games, was not directly involved with its production. Canon refers to rules or guidelines considered authoritative or genuine as well as fan opinions of creators within a franchise.
One reason that Hogwarts Legacy should not be considered canon is that it provides insight into wizarding world history before the events depicted in Harry Potter books and movies. When playing Hogwarts Legacy, your character enters Hogwarts much later than in novels/movies due to Voldemort’s second uprising/Second Wizarding War series being written before.
Hogwarts Legacy’s FAQ page indicates that it is “rooted in Wizarding World lore,” yet does not confirm whether Hogwarts Legacy should be seen as canon or not. While its writers were inspired by J. K. Rowling’s works, Hogwarts Legacy stands apart as being designed specifically for fans who appreciate its depth.
Easter Eggs
Hogwarts Legacy allows fans to experience some fan-favorite scenes from the books that never made it into movies; players can help the Weasleys de-gnome their garden (something Harry took upon in the books), or visit Azkaban Prison.
The game also contains easter eggs that make references to specific characters and locations from the movies, such as Peeves from Hogwarts or a green potion being made in one of its bathroom stalls as a nod to Polyjuice Potion brewing there.
As for more subtle Easter Eggs, players can visit the Honey Duke store and try some of their delectable sweets – eating sweets will grant players enhanced magical abilities such as hovering.
Hogwarts Legacy takes place a hundred years prior to Harry Potter, so familiar surnames may pop up among its cast list. Simon Pegg voices Headmaster Phineas Nigellus Black – Sirius’ grumpy ancestor; Lesley Nicol plays Professor Matilda Weasley from Harry, Ron, Hermione’s book series; Nearly Headless Nick can even make an appearance.
Hogwarts Legacy contains many nods to the wizarding world beyond these nods, with obvious ones being only female dorm rooms being accessible, as well as decorations similar to Goblet of Fire for its prefect’s bathroom, or subtler references like seasonal bags and secret rooms, plus even one which refers to Discworld hero!
Hogwarts Legacy is an engaging game that should appeal to fans of both books and movies, but particularly of Hogwarts Legacy itself. While not officially canon, it should certainly be recognized as part of the wider Wizarding World canon. We would hope that future projects such as Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them or The Crimes of Grindelwald reference it too; only time will tell!
