Gaming industry giants have been dominating the charts for over a decade, and for the first time, a new game has beaten the most popular franchise. For 2023, Hogwarts Legacy hits the top of the charts after being released back in February 2023.
Hogwarts Legacy Beats CoD, GTA
Even before Hogwarts Legacy was released, fans were already excited about stepping into the Wizarding world in the most immersive way possible. They get to play the role of a Hogwarts student of their own making, learning about spells and facing magical creatures.
Created by WB Games, the game was already expected to be a hit, especially since the source material it was based on already had a huge fanbase. Even with high expectations, it's still a bit of a surprise that it became the top-selling game.
There are many factors that helped the game achieve the spot. Aside from tapping into an already-established fanbase, it was also released earlier in the year. Plus, the game was available for PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and the Nintendo Switch.
For the last 14 years, the top spot was always held by either Activision or Rockstar Games with the Call of Duty Franchise, Grand Theft Auto V, and Red Dead Redemption 2, mostly from the Call of Duty franchise with 12 top spots over 15 years, as per Kotaku.
In 2023, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III only held the second spot. It's understandable, given that Hogwarts Legacy had a nine-month head start in the competition. We can already expect that 2025 will have Rockstar Games back on top again with GTA VI.
Is Hogwarts Legacy Worth It?
The game can be bought for $59.99 on Steam, and the PlayStation Store for the PS4 version, and $69.99 for the PS5 version. As for the gameplay, that really depends on you. You don't even have to be a "Harry Potter" fan to enjoy the game.
Throughout Hogwarts Legacy, you'll be taking on the role of a young wizard who comes in late at Hogwarts, the wizarding school. There, you'll realize that your fate has become more interesting as you discover that you can use an ancient magic that most cannot.
The game could get repetitive, especially since all the fighting really means is that you wave around a wand while uttering various spells. The excitement lies in the kind of spells you unlock to be a more formidable witch/wizard.
As for the story, it does the source material justice, as you will see several references that will urge your inner Potterhead to surface. You will meet all kinds of interesting characters that can help you with your mission in Hogwarts.
Also, you get to fly around in your own broom or ride creatures like the Hippogriff. If you plan on playing it on a handheld like the Nintendo Switch, most players say that the game is well-optimized for the platform, meaning that you'll have smooth gameplay if you do decide to.
