After it was first leaked with a low-resolution trailer back in 2018, the unconfirmed Harry Potter RPG has been one of the most speculated-on titles of the last few years. A series of other leaks and scoops from industry insiders have been enough to confirm the Harry Potter RPG's existance for fans, though it has never been officially announced.
One of things that the major leaks agree on is that the game will use an RPG-advancement system. The later leaks also claim that this will be class-based, with eight different classes to choose from, as well as being available on PS5 and Xbox Series X. This would be the first Harry Potter game to use a class system, and speculation is running rife as to how these classes would work. Here's our take on two of the most possible methods:
The Hogwarts Curriculum
One of the most popular theories on how the RPG will handle classes is dividing them into the Hogwarts curriculum. Each class would specialize in a different subject taught at the school, giving their magic a unique flavor. This system would make sense in the universe, as wizards often favor one school over others. There are also more than enough subjects to fill the eight classes. Here are a few of the possibilities:
Herbology/Potions: A class focused on magical plants and the brewing of potions. Expect a wizard of this class to solve problems through creativity and forethought, using potions to enhance their own strengths and plant-based magic to snare their foes.
History of Magic/Ancient Runes: A class focused on a more ancient form of magic. If the game has knowledge skills then expect this wizard to be the master of them, as well as having unusual rune-based abilities.
Charms: A class that uses charms, the magic of enchantment, to their full effect. Most likely a support-orientated character, expect this class to be animating furniture and bewitching their environment.
Transfiguration: A class that can transform anything to their advantage. Expect a Transfiguration wizard to be turning enemies, or themselves, into animals, and overcoming obstacles through creativity.
Defense Against the Dark Arts: A class that focuses on defensive magic and facing other wizards. Expect a wizard of this class to be the best in a fight, but lacking in other areas.
Care of Magical Creatures: A class that uses their connection with magical beasts to overcome problems. Expect this wizard to be a Newt Scamander type, possibly with a permanent animal companion to rely on in tough spots.
Divination: A class that may specialize in prediction or time-based magic. This can be taken in several directions, but expect a Divination Wizard to be more of a pro-active support-role.
Dark Arts: While not a true Hogwarts subject, students often make use of minor jinxes and hexes that are technically Dark Magic. In addition, the rumors of a potential morality system in the game lend weight to the idea that a player can focus on these more aggressive spells.
The Four Founders
Another approach that the RPG could use to divide the classes is by setting them along the lines of the school houses. This would mean two classes apiece for Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin. While it's possible that these classes could also be divided by gender, that's less likely. The method of arranging the eight classes by house already runs the risk of limiting players. For example, a Hufflepuff player who wants to focus on potions may not work if that skill belongs to the Slytherin classes.
Modern RPG developers often prefer to give players free reign in character creation, rather than to limit creativity. Adding gender restrictions to an already narrow system would be the opposite of this design philosophy. If the Harry Potter RPG really does use a class-based system, then we can expect the game to also feature other RPG-elements. Character advancement and experience points will almost certainly be included, along with skill trees.
Of course, it's worth remembering that nothing has been confirmed at this point. This may change in the near future, however, as it's been hinted that publishers Warner Bros. are almost ready to make an official announcement. According to the latest leaks the Harry Potter RPG will most likely release in mid-2021, and will be revealed before August this year.
The Harry Potter RPG is reported to be in development.