Harry Potter video games: the wizarding world in your hands

For more than two decades, Harry Potter has been a cultural phenomenon that has captured the hearts of millions of fans worldwide.

In addition to JK Rowling's famous saga of books, numerous movies, and Harry Potter video games have been released, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the Wizarding World and experience the adventures of Harry, Ron, and Hermione firsthand.

From the PC version of Sorcerer's Stone to the most recent Hogwarts Legacy, the saga’s video games have been a beloved staple for Harry Potter fans, or how they call themselves “Potterheads”.

This article will explore  Harry Potter video games, from the iconic Quidditch World Cup to the Lego Harry Potter games and everything in between.

Electronic Arts Harry Potter Video Games (Part 1)

The first four Harry Potter video games, based on books and movies of the same names, were released between 2001 and 2005. These games were developed by Electronic Arts (Formerly known as EA Games) and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is the first game in the series. It allows players to experience Harry's first year at Hogwarts, complete with learning spells, solving puzzles, and battling foes. 

The game received mixed reviews, with some praising its faithful adaptation of the source material and others criticizing its repetitive gameplay and lack of challenge.

• Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets was released in 2002 and was the second Harry Potter video game. 

The game followed the story of the second book in the series, with players controlling Harry as he explores Hogwarts and uncovers the mystery of the Chamber of Secrets.

The game received positive reviews, with many appreciating the attention to detail, immersion in the world of Harry Potter video games, and its faithful adaptation of the book's story, charming graphics, and engaging gameplay.

• Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban introduced new mechanics, such as time travel and animal companions, and received generally favorable reviews.

 

• Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire, the fourth game in the series, expanded on the combat and puzzle-solving aspects of the previous Harry Potter video games but was criticized for its lack of innovation and repetitive gameplay.

• Harry Potter Quidditch World Cup

Quidditch, the beloved wizarding sport played on broomsticks, was a highlight of the Harry Potter series. Harry Potter Quidditch World Cup, released in 2003, allowed fans to experience the excitement and adrenaline of playing Quidditch for themselves. 

The Harry Potter video game features several international teams and a story mode that follows Harry's journey to becoming the Quidditch World Cup champion.

The game received mixed reviews, with some praising its faithful recreation of the sport and others criticizing its repetitive gameplay and lack of depth. Nonetheless, Quidditch World Cup remains a fan favorite for its unique take on a beloved aspect of the Harry Potter universe.

Electronic Arts Harry Potter Video Games (Part 2)

The final four Harry Potter video games in the series, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Parts 1 and 2, were developed by EA Bright Light and published by Electronic Arts.

• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix allowed players to explore a fully-realized Hogwarts, complete with classrooms, common rooms, and secret areas. 

The game also introduced new mechanics, such as the ability to learn and cast spells freely. It received generally positive reviews for its immersive gameplay and attention to detail.

• Harry Potter and Half-Blood Prince continued exploring Hogwarts, but with added mechanics such as dueling and potion-making.

The game was praised for its engaging story and improved gameplay but criticized for its lack of innovation and repetitive missions.

• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 and 2 video games were released in 2010 and 2011, respectively. 

The first game follows Harry, Ron, and Hermione as they search for Horcruxes, while the second game focuses on the final battle between Harry and Voldemort.

The Deathly Hallows video games were praised for their graphics and gameplay mechanics. Players could cast spells and use magical items as they fought against Death Eaters and other enemies. 

The games also included voice acting from the film's cast, adding to the game's authenticity.

Lego Harry Potter Video Games:

The Lego Harry Potter games were a series of video games developed by Traveller's Tales and published by Warner Bros. 

Interactive Entertainment. The games were released in two parts, with Lego Harry Potter Years 1-4 released in 2010 and Lego Harry Potter Years 5-7 released in 2011.

The Lego Harry Potter games are known for their humor and charm and their faithful adaptation of the Harry Potter story. 

The games featured the iconic Lego gameplay mechanics, which included building and destroying objects and solving puzzles. Players could explore the wizarding world and play as various characters from the Harry Potter series, including Harry, Ron, Hermione, and even Voldemort.

Hogwarts Legacy:

Hogwarts Legacy is the most recent  Harry Potter video game that fans have highly anticipated. 

Developed by Avalanche Software and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, the game is set in the wizarding world of Harry Potter. It allows players to create their character and attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Hogwarts Legacy offers an immersive and open-world experience, with players able to explore the wizarding world, cast spells, and encounter magical creatures. The game is set in the late 1800s, before the events of the Harry Potter books, allowing players to experience a new era in the wizarding world.

By the way, If you want to immerse yourself more into the latest game, you can check our solo article about it

Explore the Wizarding World

The Harry Potter video games have been a beloved staple for fans of the series for over two decades. From the iconic Quidditch World Cup to the Lego Harry Potter games and the most recent Hogwarts Legacy, fans have had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Wizarding World and experience the adventures of Harry, Ron, and Hermione firsthand.

Although some games received mixed reviews, the attention to detail, immersion in the world of Harry Potter, and faithful adaptation of the source material made them fan favorites.

If you are a fan of Harry Potter or video games, visit Gamestate and get the chance to win the latest Harry Potter game, Hogwarts Legacy, at our prize store.

Come experience the wizarding world like never before, create your character, attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and explore the magical creatures and secrets of the late 1800s. Take advantage of this opportunity to live out your Harry Potter fantasies in the palm of your hands.