Google’s top trending searches lists Hogwarts Legacy as one of the most searched-for games of 2023. Avalanche Software’s ode to the Harry Potter franchise is one of the most underrated games of the year. For good reason too, because it’s on track to become one of the best selling games of 2023.
It’s sad to see that ‘the boy who lived’ simulator was snubbed at The Game Awards 2023. That’s because, despite not having anything to do with its original creator, the game was shrouded in controversy since before its release. It also arrived during one of the most competitive years we’ve seen in a long while.
Despite this, Hogwarts Legacy sold 12 million copies in its first two weeks, becoming Warner Bros. Games biggest launch ever. This in turn, opened up the flood gates for a sequel, a Quidditch spinoff, and a Lego Harry Potter title. For now the game is projected to become one of the best selling games of the year. This doesn’t account for the mid-November Nintendo Switch release, which led to a surge in sales allowing the game to jump back to no. 1 in the UK boxed charts.
Not as simple as it seems
When compared 2023’s other heavy hitters, Hogwarts Legacy is not half as successful as it could of been either. As a comparison, Baldur’s Gate 3 sold more than 22 million copies thus far. Now that it has a surprise release on Xbox, that number is likely to increase thanks in part to The Game Awards. More still, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has sold more than 19.5 million copies since as of September 2023, and that’s a console exclusive.
Hogwarts Legacy could possibly reach its 20 million milestone before the end of year. This would put the game in the top brass, which is not a bad showing at all. It may not have won The Game Awards but it certainly won our hearts. For your convenience, you can view Google’s top 10 lists of 2023 here.
