New details for the fast-approaching Hogwarts Legacy reveal that the game will not include a morality system, allowing players to be as evil as they desire. Players will be able to learn even the most forbidden of magic when Hogwarts Legacy arrives, but such choices may invite less-than-favorable consequences.
As the hotly anticipated open-world title nears, previews and showcases have continued to offer insight into a seemingly faithful realization of the wizarding world. The end of last year saw fans treated to an extended gameplay demonstration which included broom riding, the Room of Requirement, and more advanced combat. Eyebrows were raised upon the use of Avada Kedavra, also known as the Killing Curse, which developers confirmed would not only be usable but also defeat enemies with a single cast, keeping in line with the lore surrounding Unforgivable Curses. The community has since wondered how a spell so devastating will be balanced given its obvious potential to trivialize encounters.
Traditionally, a morality system akin to Honor in Red Dead Redemption 2 would disincentivize the player from going down a dark path, but Hogwarts Legacy will involve no such mechanic. Kelly Murphy, a lead designer on Hogwarts Legacy, explained to GamesRadar that "it was important for us to give players who sought out to be a Dark Witch or Wizard an opportunity to do so." The capacity for evil is "the ultimate embodiment of role-playing," and it was allegedly essential for Avalanche Software to reserve judgment in the interest of player choice.
Murphy added that Unforgivable Curses are understandably not learned in school, "and the player very specifically chooses whether or not to learn them." Even if players deign to acquire this knowledge, "they don't have to use them... and the world does react to their use." Justifying the absence of a "morality system that punishes" the player, such an inclusion was deemed "too judgmental on the game maker's part." That said, Murphy makes it clear that "should the player continue these actions, the world will reflect back knowledge of them."
The decision to forego any sort of morality mechanic seems to be in service of Hogwarts Legacy's gameplay at the expense of lore. Even the mere use of an Unforgivable Curse, regardless of consequence, are enough to earn a life sentence in Azkaban, a prison used by the magical community to house convicted criminals. However, if Hogwarts Legacy can craft meaningful interactions and impacts as a result of utilizing these taboo spells, it will likely prove a compelling experience.
Hogwarts Legacy is scheduled to release on February 10, 2023, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, April 4, 2023, for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, and July 25, 2023, for Nintendo Switch.
Source: GamesRadar