It's been eight years since the last Harry Potter movie came out, but as expected, the franchise is proving to have a lot more juice in it yet. The next instalment for HP lovers is a video game inspired by the Wizarding World.
Harry Potter: Wizards Unite is an augmented reality (AR) game based on the idea that magic has entered the Muggle world. Players will become wizards themselves, completing challenges alongside their friends in the real world.
The worldwide launch begins on Friday, 21st June, though there's no exact date for when it'll be hitting the UK. But we're prepared to wait either way, because the trailer looks SO good...
Clearly indicative of its target audience, the trailer features a group of teenagers who pull together to defeat a group of Dementors who have invaded an urban setting, firing off patronuses as they go.
Advert
At the end, the female protagonist saves someone from a Dementor's Kiss. As they pick up their round glasses off the floor before disappearing into another dimension, we realise she's saved Harry Potter. Seeing this, one of her accomplices asks "Was that...?" before we hear the familiar twinkling theme tune from the movies.
All. The. Feels.
Created by Niantic, the game will see characters and motifs from the original Harry Potter series and Fantastic Beasts films pop up in our own world, a similar premise to Pokémon Go, which was also the work of Niantic.
Advert
The aim of the game is to prevent 'The Calamity', a mysterious occurrence which has seen the wizarding world merge with the Muggle world.
"A calamity has befallen the wizarding world, causing artefacts, creatures, people, and even memories to mysteriously appear in the Muggle world," the game notes read.
"Witches and wizards from across the globe must come together to solve the mystery of The Calamity, overcome the confounding chaotic magic that surrounds these 'Foundables', and return them to their rightful place, keeping them safe from Muggle eyes.
"Your journey begins as a new recruit of the Statute of Secrecy Task Force, established by the Ministry of Magic and the International Confederation of Wizards for the purpose of investigating and containing The Calamity."
It explains further: "As you cast spells, you'll consume Spell Energy. Be sure to regularly stop by Inns, found at Muggle locations around the world, to collect food and drinks that replenish your Spell Energy.
Advert
"While exploring, you'll also come across ingredients that can be used to brew Potions, which will aid you in different aspects of your Wizarding World journey. These ingredients can be found on the Map, varying by the environment, weather, and time of day, as well as in specially designated Greenhouses.
"Make sure to also keep an eye out for Portmanteaus, which can be unlocked to reveal Portkeys that whisk you away to iconic wizarding world locations. For the first time you'll be able to step into a full 360-degree Advanced AR immersive experience in places like Ollivander's Wand Shop."
How good does that sound?!
If Harry Potter: Wizards Unite is anywhere near as successful as Pokémon Go, producers will be laughing.
Advert
Part of the Pokémon franchise, the game was downloaded more than 500 million times worldwide by the end of 2016 and saw teens (and adults) across the globe running around collecting Pokémon.
TBH, we can't wait for this.
Featured Image Credit: NianticTopics: Entertainment News