WB Reportedly Cancels Hogwarts Legacy Definitive Edition

Warner Bros. Games Cancels Hogwarts Legacy Definitive Edition

In a surprising turn of events, Warner Bros. Games has officially scrapped plans for the Hogwarts Legacy Definitive Edition even before a formal announcement could be made. This information was initially reported by Jason Schreier from Bloomberg, who also first hinted at its development back in June 2024.

Background and Cancellation Reasons

The Hogwarts Legacy Definitive Edition was being produced by Avalanche Software, with assistance from Rocksteady Studios. Several months ago, notable insider Tom Henderson indicated that this enhanced version was expected to launch in 2025, featuring an additional 10 to 15 hours of gameplay for a price projected between $20 to $30 for current owners of the base game.

Schreier’s latest report corroborates details from Henderson, noting that one of the notable features was to include a previously omitted storyline centered around a companion character. However, internal concerns at Warner Bros. Games about the sufficiency of new content to justify the price point led to the ultimate cancellation. It appears that the decision was driven by a strategic assessment of potential return on investment rather than opting for a lower pricing strategy.

Player Concerns and Future Developments

This outcome is particularly disappointing for fans eager for improvements, especially regarding the ongoing stuttering issues present in the original game on PC. Despite the technical advancements of DLSS 4 and Multi Frame Generation available on high-end graphics cards like the GeForce RTX 5090, many players still face performance challenges.

On a positive note, the recent update introducing official modding support for the PC version of Hogwarts Legacy hints at future community-driven enhancements. However, skepticism remains about whether this modding scene will flourish to the extent seen in other franchises, like those created by Bethesda.

Continuing the Franchise

Despite the cancellation of the Definitive Edition, it’s important to note that a sequel to Hogwarts Legacy is still in development at Avalanche Software. The original game has achieved remarkable commercial success, selling over 34 million units globally to date. Notably, Schreier has mentioned that the upcoming sequel will not adopt a live service model, which contrasts with earlier statements from Warner Bros. Games about expanding the franchise into that domain.

For further details, you can read the full report from Bloomberg and other sources.

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