The wizarding world might be getting a whole lot more crowded. Recent job listings from Avalanche Software have ignited speculation that Hogwarts Legacy 2 could feature online multiplayer elements, leaving fans torn between excitement and concern about the sequel’s direction.
A sequel that’s already making waves
Warner Bros. Games confirmed in late 2024 that a Hogwarts Legacy sequel is in active development, which shouldn’t surprise anyone. The original game became one of the best-selling titles in recent history, moving millions of copies despite launching amid controversy surrounding author J.K. Rowling’s public statements. The game’s commercial success made a follow-up inevitable, but the real question is: what will it look like?
A newly posted position at Avalanche Software is fueling the multiplayer speculation. The studio is seeking a senior software engineer for an “online multiplayer RPG” project. The job description mentions responsibilities like designing backend infrastructure, player data persistence, matchmaking systems, and server architecture, all telltale signs of online functionality.
While the listing doesn’t explicitly name Hogwarts Legacy 2, the timing and studio involved make it hard to ignore the connection. The ideal candidate should have passion for online multiplayer games and stay current with industry trends in live service technology.
The live service concern
Here’s where fan anxiety kicks in. Many worry that Avalanche might be developing a live service game similar to Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, which flopped spectacularly. This fear isn’t baseless, earlier in 2024, Warner Bros. Discovery’s gaming division president JB Perrette stated the company would focus more on free-to-play experiences and online games, despite recent failures with MultiVersus and Rocksteady’s shooter.
However, there’s a silver lining. Respected journalist Jason Schreier reported that Hogwarts Legacy 2 won’t be a live service game, though he noted Warner Bros. still dreams of creating an online Harry Potter experience. It’s also worth mentioning that potential acquisition talks with Netflix could shift these plans entirely.
The big unknown is whether multiplayer will dominate the entire experience or simply complement the single-player campaign through specific activities. Fans who fell in love with the original’s immersive solo adventure are understandably protective of that formula, while others are curious about exploring Hogwarts with friends.
Only time will tell which direction Avalanche chooses, but one thing’s certain, the magical world is expanding, and everyone’s watching closely.
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