Avalanche Software, the developers behind the acclaimed Hogwarts Legacy, appear to be preparing for a sequel. This revelation stems from a recent job listing, which suggests that a new project is already underway at the studio.
Hogwarts Legacy has secured its place in history as the best-selling video game of 2023 in the United States. This achievement disrupted a 14-year sales dominance by Call of Duty and Rockstar titles, underscoring the game’s massive success. Despite this triumph, Warner Bros., the parent company of Avalanche Software, has yet to officially announce a sequel. Nevertheless, the signs are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
Avalanche Software’s Job Listing Hints at New Project
A job listing from Avalanche Software has fuelled speculation about a Hogwarts Legacy sequel. The advertisement calls for a Producer to join the team for an unspecified project. Crucially, it specifies that candidates should have experience with open-world RPGs or “action/magical combat games.” While the listing does not explicitly confirm that the role is for a Hogwarts Legacy follow-up, it suggests that it is part of “what’s next” for the studio after their recent blockbuster success.
In addition, another job listing from Avalanche Software has further hinted at the nature of the new project. The listing for a Senior Producer states that the company is working on “a new open world, action RPG.” This job posting also mentions that the game will have a “live ops” phase post-release, implying that the next title could incorporate live-service elements.
Live-Service Elements for Hogwarts Legacy 2?
The potential inclusion of live-service elements in the sequel aligns with Warner Bros.’ recent strategy. Despite the disappointing performance of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, the company remains committed to live-service games. This approach aims to create long-term engagement and revenue through continuous updates and online features, a model increasingly popular in the gaming industry.
Industry Insiders and Speculation
Industry insiders have previously hinted at the development of Hogwarts Legacy 2. Known leaker MyTimetoShineHello claimed that the sequel was greenlit as early as September 2023. This claim has been supported by subsequent job listings throughout early 2024, all pointing towards a major project at Avalanche Software.
While these job advertisements could theoretically pertain to a different game, this seems improbable. Avalanche Software has traditionally focused on a single project at a time, and with around 250 employees—a relatively small team for a modern AAA developer—it is unlikely they would be working on multiple large-scale projects simultaneously.
Anticipated Timeline and Next-Generation Release
Given the increasing length of AAA development cycles, a Hogwarts Legacy sequel would likely not be released until the late 2020s. By this time, the next generation of gaming consoles is expected to be on the market, suggesting that Hogwarts Legacy 2 could be a cross-generation title, much like its predecessor.
While Warner Bros. has yet to officially confirm the development of Hogwarts Legacy 2, the evidence is mounting. Avalanche Software’s recent job listings strongly indicate that a sequel is in the works, potentially incorporating live-service elements. With the gaming community eagerly awaiting more magical adventures, a follow-up to Hogwarts Legacy seems not only plausible but imminent.
As we await further announcements, the prospect of another journey into the wizarding world promises to capture the imaginations of gamers worldwide. Whether or not the sequel lives up to its predecessor’s success remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the anticipation is palpable, and the wizarding world is ready for another spellbinding adventure.
