Magical Games to Play Instead of Hogwarts Legacy
Hogwarts Legacy is surrounded by controversy involving Hogwarts’ world creator, JK Rowling’s transphobic statements. There’s also controversy surrounding the game’s former lead designer, Troy Leavitt who ran an alt-right YouTube channel that denigrated women and minorities.
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment hasn’t outright condemned JK Rowling’s statements or Leavitt’s views. But individuals who worked on the game like voice actor Sebastian Croft have tried to distance themselves from the Harry Potter author, making it clear that they do believe “trans women are women and trans men are men.” Still, many Harry Potter fans who grew up reading the books have felt betrayed and have been calling for a boycott of anything Harry Potter.
Whether you’re boycotting the Potter world or simply looking for magical games to play outside of Harry Potter and other popular RPGs of the magical variety, there are so many alternatives. Here are several magical games to play instead of Hogwarts.
Neverwinter: Northdark Reaches
Neverwinter
Genre: MMORPG
Platform: PC, Xbox Series/Xbox One, PS5/PS4
Image: Screenshot Kiesha Richardson
Neverwinter is a free-to-play MMORPG set in the world of Dungeons & Dragons in the Forgotten Realms campaign. The latest expansion of Neverwinter is Northdark Reaches. Customize your character, choosing from nine races (and 6 more races to unlock) with different abilities and skills, classes, and other advanced appearance and abilities selections. Then, set out for adventuring in the city of Neverwinter and its surrounding towns.
Here’s how to take screenshots in Neverwinter in 2023 and hide the UI
Naturally, you’ll want to take screenshots of your badass characters. To take a screenshot without the UI in 2023 press Alt+F12. You can move around and take a picture without the UI. There have been complaints on Steam Community forums that Alt+F12 isn’t working for some PC players. Here’s a workaround. Press B to enter Inspect Mode and move the camera around. There will, however, be the Neverwinter Logo at the bottom right corner. Here’s how to hide your UI in Neverwinter without the logo to take a clean screenshot. Type /++ShowGameUI in the Chatbox. This removes the UI in Neverwinter without adding the logo. Then press B to move the camera around freely. And once you have the perfect shot, press F12 to snap the picture as you do for any other Steam game. When you’re ready to continue your gameplay, just hit ESC to return your UI.
Spellcaster University
Spellcaster University
Genre: Simulator, Indie
Platform: Available on Steam
Image: Sneaky Yak Studio
Become the headmaster of your own academy of magic at Spellcaster University. In this simulation and strategy game from Sneaky Yak Studios, not only are you responsible for training your students in the magical arts, but you must build the school. You’re responsible for designing and constructing the campus, including classrooms, dormitories, libraries, gardens, and other facilities necessary for educating and comforting your students.
After the initial construction phase, players will then move on to the management of their university, balancing the academic, social, and emotional needs of the students with handling the finances, staffing, resources, and your school’s reputation. And in the midst of it all, fend off attacks from orcs and bureaucrats.
Potion Craft: Alchemy Simulator
Potion Craft: Alchemy Simulator
Genre: RPG, 2D Simulator
Platform: PC, Xbox
Image: niceplay games
Potion Craft is a charming, 2D crafting simulator by indie game developer Niceplay Games and publisher tinyBuild. Practice your alchemy, solve puzzles, and learn how to manage your time as the owner of your very own potion shop. Players will physically interact with tools and ingredients to make potions.
Practice your alchemy and level up your potion-making skills by combing different ingredients in a cauldron. Each potion has a different purpose and effect that will be used for completing an objective or helping customers.
Elder Scrolls Online
Elder Scrolls Online
Genre: MMORPG
Platform: PC, Xbox, PlayStation
Image: Screenshot, Kiesha Richardson
Tamriel is the setting of one of the most magical worlds in gaming, giving players a deep and immersive experience. Elder Scrolls Online has something for every type of player—from world exploration and story-driven quests to various modes of PvP. Not to mention, ESO has some of the best homesteading options in gaming to date.
ESO takes place during the Second Era of Tamriel's history, which is a time of great political upheaval and strife. Play as one of the many races and classes, joining one of three factions - the Aldmeri Dominion, the Daggerfall Covenant, or the Ebonheart Pact. Complete main quest stories as well as side quests, dungeons, and trials. And look good while doing it all, as you can customize your characters with different weapons, armor, and abilities. You can even become a vampire or werewolf.
New World
New World
Genre: MMORPG
Platform: PC
Image: Screenshot, Kiesha Richardson
If you’re looking for a magical and immersive, real-time experience, give New World a try. In this MMORPG from Amazon Games, explore the vast and dangerous wilderness of Aeternum to seek fortune and glory. But beware! Aeternum is plagued with supernatural enemies as well as other players you must contend with for resources and territory.
Buy and sell resources and goods, craft armor, weapons…and furniture for your house (that you must pay taxes on each week). Form alliances with other players for end-game content and/or PvP.
Fable Anniversary
Fable Anniversary
Genre: RPG
Platform: PC, Xbox
Image: Lionhead Studios
In Fable, explore the magical world of Albion, forging your own destiny with each choice you make. Customize your character’s appearance and abilities. Your moral choices determine the game’s story and its ending. Fable is a third-person, single-player RPG
Originally released in September 2004 on the original Xbox, Fable is a beautiful and classic game. In September 2014, Fable was Fully re-mastered with HD visuals and audio and rereleased on Steam for the anniversary of Fable.
