Fans rally against live service features in potential Hogwarts Legacy 2

A growing online movement is urging Warner Bros. to avoid turning the highly anticipated Hogwarts Legacy 2 into a live service game. With over 8,800 signatures and counting, a Change.org petition highlights the deep concern among fans who want the sequel to retain the single-player magic that made its predecessor such a hit.

Though Hogwarts Legacy 2 has been confirmed to be in development, little is known about the direction the game will take. However, fans' anxiety stems from Warner Bros.’s recent trend toward incorporating live service elements in its games. Notable examples include the controversial implementation of these features in Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. Critics argue that such strategies often detract from the core gaming experience by prioritizing monetization over storytelling and gameplay.

Launched in March, the petition specifically requests that Hogwarts Legacy 2 avoid live service mechanics and instead build upon the immersive, narrative-driven foundation of the original. Despite the petition's momentum, sceptics doubt its impact, citing the limited influence such campaigns typically have on corporate decisions. As one commenter put it: "These companies often view live service elements as 'money left on the table' if they don't include them."

Will Warner Bros. listen to fans’ demands?

That said, Warner Bros. might be cautious about alienating its fan base. The original Hogwarts Legacy was a massive commercial success, and its appeal lay largely in its expansive single-player experience. Any drastic changes to the formula, such as introducing microtransactions or mandatory online elements, could risk alienating loyal players and jeopardizing sales.

There may, however, be room for compromise. Before the release of Hogwarts Legacy, many fans expressed a desire for multiplayer options. A hybrid approach—offering a robust single-player campaign alongside optional multiplayer features—could strike a balance. This model would allow for live service features like seasonal content and microtransactions while preserving the single-player magic of the Wizarding World.

For now, fans can only speculate about what Hogwarts Legacy 2 will bring. With no substantial DLC planned for the original game, the wait for official news on the sequel could be lengthy. But one thing is clear: the community’s passion for the Wizarding World remains as strong as ever, and they are determined to ensure their voices are heard.