Hogwarts Legacy players slam 'empty' game as DLC hopes fade
It's fair to say Hogwarts Legacy has dropped off recently, meaning we don't think it'll win the House Cup as 2023's Game of the Year. As the dust settles on the Wizarding World, players are abandoning ship amidst a lack of DLC and accusations it's an "empty" game.
When you realise how packed something like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is with NPCs, horses, and Horriblins, Hogwarts Legacy is starting to look a little bare-bones. It's not quite as desolate as something like Redfall, but it's not exactly jammed full of things to keep you coming back.
Disclaimer: While the creator of the Harry Potter franchise was not directly involved in the creation of Hogwarts Legacy, their comments on social media around transgender people are hurtful and dangerous given the size of their platform.
We’d implore you to read our explainer of the controversy so far, and consider supporting trans rights charities where possible.
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Hogwarts Legacy players criticise 'empty' game
Took a break during first run and probably won’t replay it. Anyone else?
by u/Sundance_Red in HarryPotterGame
Once you've polished off the main quest and completed your first year at the famed School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, there aren't many reasons to rush back into Hogwarts Legacy. This is a problem that was highlighted by Reddit user u/Sundance_Red, then soon took off with others agreeing.
The OP criticised the inclusion of gender options that don't affect our dialogue, no ability to name our playable character, and the fact that dialogue has no real change to how the game progresses. With elements like a mortality system being cut, it makes you wonder what else missed out on being included.
They weren't alone in their grumbles, as one wrote, "I took a break and never picked it up again. I was enthralled in the beginning, but can't seem to find the motivation to finish." Another added, "Exactly. I put 65 hour in, about halfway through the story. Quit"
A third concluded, "I couldn't get past the fact that I was never in Hogwarts. I'm supposedly a student, but I’m traipsing around the Scottish countryside killing everyone in my sight? The HP Wii game was so much better." So, is there any "saving" Hogwarts Legacy?
Hogwarts Legacy needs some new content
Click to enlargeThese concerns might sound like bored muggles looking for something to complain about, but if you look at Hogwarts Legacy's current player count on Steam Charts, it makes for interesting reading. At the time of writing, Hogwarts Legacy is boasting 7,213 players on PC.
It's perfectly fine, but means it's currently 96th on the list of Steam games - putting it behind unlikely competitors, including Far Cry 6, Fallout 4, and Battlefield 1. It's true that Hogwarts Legacy was panned on PC, but considering it's being beaten by Battlefield 2042, it's not a good look.
One way to save Hogwarts Legacy would be a DLC, and while it's only been three months since the title took flight, impatient players are demanding Warner Bros. Interactive make good on the hints this is the start of a whole franchise of games. We know it's too early for a Hogwarts Legacy sequel, but give us something.