'Harry Potter' Game For PS5, Xbox Series X Release Details Leak

KEY POINTS

A Bloomberg report leaked details on the coming "Harry Potter" game including release date, developer, console availability
Although J.K. Rowling has recently been in the news for some controversial statements, her direct involvement in this game will be minimal
Details are still sparse, but with a late 2021 release date, it is hoped that more news about the "Harry Potter" game are revealed before 2020 ends

Although the upcoming “Harry Potter” RPG might be the worst kept secret in gaming, a recent report reveals some leaked details surrounding the title.

That same report states that the WB Games “Harry Potter” title will be released in late 2021. Although unforeseen circumstances like the COVID-19 pandemic may have some effect on that date, the Bloomberg report maintains, "Despite a series of challenges — a global pandemic, a fierce backlash against the franchise’s creator, a possible sale of the Warner Bros. video game publishing business — the game remains on track for next year."

Another confirmation is that the “Harry Potter” title is being developed solely for PS5 and Xbox Series X. Thus, don’t expect to see this vision of Hogwarts and Diagon Alley on PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, or Google Stadia. Although there was no indication of a PC version, WB Games tend to come out on PC as well.

An article from 2018 on Eurogamer and confirmed by the Bloomberg report states that this title is being developed by Avalanche Software despite early rumors linking Rocksteady to the title. Avalanche Software was a former developer owned by Disney that WB Games acquired in 2017.

Despite the recent controversy on some comments she has made, the creator of “Harry Potter,” J.K. Rowling, continues to play a role in the game although it is “very little direct involvement.” With the “Fantastic Beasts” movies and Pottermore further expanding on the property, Rowling has many things on her plate as it is.

Regarding the game’s setting, there does not seem to be a direct tie-in to the original book series. Bloomberg's report teases that the game will "let players role-play as wizards and roam a vast, open-world re-creation of Hogwarts and its surrounding area" while also noting that that "the video was authentic, but most of the rumors that have come out since are not."

With the pandemic shuttling several events worldwide, even a planned formal announcement for the game is now unsure. WB Montreal was planning to reveal a Batman game during an August FanDome event, but the “Harry Potter” RPG itself will probably take a backseat in the meantime. Optimistically, the hope is that actual details regarding the title will be released before the year ends.