The magical world of Harry Potter has taken many forms over the years, and in the world of mobile gaming, it has been reimagined in intriguing ways. Three standout Harry Potter games – Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells, and the most recent addition, Harry Potter Magic Awakened – have offered players distinct experiences rooted in the same beloved universe.
While Hogwarts Mystery was initially the most successful, Magic Awakened has been quickly gaining momentum since its global release, hinting at a potential shift in power.
In this deep dive, I’ll unpack the charm and appeal that Harry Potter games offer. From dissecting key metrics to game mechanics and monetization strategies, we’ll discover which title truly captures the spirit of the wizarding world and resonates most with players.
Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery
Publisher: Jam City (licensed by Portkey Games)
Release date: April, 2018
Genre: Adventure, casual
All-time downloads: over 100 million
All-time Revenue (Player spending): over $300 million
Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery is the most successful Harry Potter game to date when you factor in its downloads and revenue.
What’s the secret sauce behind its spellbinding success?
A blend of timing, generational appeal, and of course, a sprinkle of magic.
As you might expect, the average age of a Hogwarts Mystery player hovers around 30. It makes sense when you consider when the Harry Potter books and movies first came out. This is the age bracket where many Millennials find themselves today – adults navigating the workforce. This mobile gamer demographic is old enough to have decent purchasing power, and it’s evident they’ve channeled some of it towards this gaming experience.
The game’s appeal is also deeply rooted in its authenticity.
Every nook and cranny, every character and setting, feels plucked straight out of the Harry Potter films. For players, it’s like stepping into a world they’ve seen on the big screen, experiencing that sense of familiarity and nostalgia.
This immersion is further amplified by the game’s visual style. Employing 2.5D graphics, Hogwarts Mystery presents certain elements in a seemingly 3D fashion, yet confines the gameplay within a 2D space. It’s a delicate balance that works well for the game.
Yet, relying solely on the iconic Harry Potter IP isn’t a surefire recipe for a gaming hit. The true magic lies in its gameplay and mechanics, which we will explore in the following sections.
Progression-Based Narrative and Player Choices
In Hogwarts Mystery, players find themselves embarking on a journey set seven years before Harry Potter’s adventures begin at Hogwarts. Their character, a young and hopeful witch or wizard, is just starting their first year.
But attending classes and mastering spells are only part of the experience; the game incorporates a tale that centers around the protagonist’s older brother. Under mysterious circumstances, he was expelled from Hogwarts, casting a shadow on the player’s own reputation.
Consequently, some classmates regard them with skepticism and even disdain.
However, the highlight for many is the game’s emphasis on choice, bringing interactive story elements and making the storyline interactive. For example, when faced with comments about their notorious sibling, players are presented with options:
A: Be peaceful
B: Ignore them
B: Stand up for yourself
These decisions not only steer the story but also accumulate points that shape their character’s attributes – from courage and knowledge to empathy.
Throughout their journey, players progress through distinct chapters, each offering a range of emotions – from gripping dramatic sequences to light-hearted moments.
Energy Mechanics
Energy plays a pivotal role in Hogwarts Mystery. Players need it to complete tasks and progress through the story.
If they run out, they can either wait for it to come back or use a special in-game currency called gems to get it back quickly.
Besides energy, players sometimes have to wait to see what happens next in the story. If they don’t want to wait, they can use these gems to skip ahead. And here’s the thing, if players run out of gems, they have the option to buy more with real money.
This, of course, is primarily a monetization feature. While some players are prepared to wait and not spend in the game, others are willing to make purchases to avoid wait timers.
Customization Options
One of the biggest joys of Harry Potter games is feeling truly part of that magical universe. And for many players, that immersion starts with customizing their in-game character.
The customization options in Hogwarts Mystery are vast: players can pick and choose from different characters, adjust hairstyles, decide on hair colors, tweak facial features like nose, lips, and eyebrows, etc. It’s reminiscent of the detailed customization found in games like The Sims.
Not stopping at just human features, players also get the chance to select a pet and even customize its appearance.
Beyond just aesthetics, this customization ties into game progression. As players delve deeper, attend classes, and gather experience, they unlock more and more style choices, from trendy outfits to unique hairstyles.
But there’s also a business angle here.
Some outfits aren’t merely earned – they’re also bought. Players have the option to spend real money on special outfit bundles, adding another layer to the game’s monetization strategy.
Events
Events play a pivotal role in maintaining player engagement within Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery. While main missions follow their own pacing, often dictated by timers, events come in to fill potential gaps in the action. They present players with short-term tasks to accomplish, ensuring there’s always something happening in the game.
And the rewards? They’re well worth the effort – granting players bonus resources that can boost their progression.
But why are events so vital?
Well, they keep the gameplay dynamic and fresh.
By introducing time-sensitive tasks, players feel a sense of urgency, which results in more frequent logins and sustained interaction with the game.
This not only ensures engagement but also player retention. After all, consistent and rewarding challenges keep players coming back to see what’s next in their Hogwarts journey.
Mini Games
Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery doesn’t just offer a rich narrative experience; it’s peppered with mini games and different game modes to spice up the gameplay. These aren’t isolated activities but are often intertwined with the game’s social features.
The game also introduces a competitive edge with dueling. Dueling lets players hone their skills, earn rewards, and, more importantly, be better equipped for face-offs against in-game rivals.
For a more detailed analysis of this game, check out our breakdown of Hogwarts Mystery monetization approach, and user acquisition strategy.
Harry Potter Puzzles & Spells
Publisher: Zynga (licensed by Portkey Games)
Release date: September, 2020
Genre: Match-3 puzzle
All-time downloads: over 30 million
All-time Revenue (Player spending): over $200 million
Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells offers a fresh perspective on the iconic world of Harry Potter. Instead of role-playing, this game embraces the universally loved match-3 puzzle format, making it unique among Harry Potter games.
But don’t be mistaken; while the gameplay is casual and approachable, the authentic Harry Potter atmosphere is ever-present.
Right from the start, the magic begins.
Before getting into match-3 gameplay, players get to choose their preferred Hogwarts house and a wand that suits their style. The game mechanics, too, stay true to the wizarding theme – casting spells isn’t just a narrative element, but a tactical move to maneuver puzzle pieces.
Essentially, Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells merges the enchanting world of Harry Potter with the tried-and-true fun of match-3 gameplay. It’s an inviting blend for both Potterheads and puzzle enthusiasts alike.
Story-Based Elements
While the core of Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells revolves around match-3 gameplay, it also features the familiar Harry Potter storyline interwoven in between levels. Players embark on a journey starting from the humble confines of Privet Drive, eventually finding themselves at Hogwarts.
As players complete more puzzle levels, they get to relive iconic film moments. Whether it’s Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s encounter with a troll, the mischievous antics of Fred & George, or Hagrid’s bond with his magical beasts, the game ensures fans get their dose of nostalgia while navigating through the challenges.
Creature Collection
A unique element in Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells is the chance to collect magical creatures. But these aren’t mere collectibles; they play an active role in aiding players through the game’s match-3 challenges. After completing the 24th puzzle, players gain access to this feature.
Securing stars in the game enables players to unlock star chests. Hidden within these chests are both familiar and rare magical beings. And there’s a strategic angle to this collection system – players can level up their creatures to harness.
It’s important to remember that creature collection isn’t just a gameplay mechanic; it’s a brilliant engagement tool that keeps players intrigued and motivated to progress further.
Customization
Customization has become a hallmark of Harry Potter games – it reflects book/movie series’ celebration of individuality. Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells incorporates this feature, even though that’s unusual for this genre, setting it apart from many match-3 games that rarely feature such in-depth personalization.
Players are given the creative freedom to create an avatar that mirrors their identity or imagination, fine-tuning details from facial features to hair and eye color. This added touch underscores the game’s commitment to delivering an authentic and immersive Harry Potter experience, even within a puzzle-centric environment.
Events in Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells
After players surpass level 7 in Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells, they unlock an exciting array of events. These events offer a refreshing break from regular gameplay and often come with enticing rewards.
For instance, there’s the spell upgrades event. Here, players tackle puzzles with the added incentive of enhancing their spells, which is important for later challenges.
Then there’s the Quidditch Practice event, where players can immerse themselves in the beloved sport of the wizarding world. By accomplishing tasks in this event, they earn valuable Quidditch-related rewards and buffs. This is also preparation for the exhilarating Club Quidditch event that follows.
Social Features
Upon reaching level 32, the game unveils its social features.
Forming or joining a club is a collaborative feature that offers many perks. Being part of a club means players can benefit from collective bonuses such as free lives and bonus XP.
Beyond the individual gains, the club setting facilitates teamwork, especially during exclusive events where members can band together, strategize, and reap rewards.
Bundle-Focused IAP Strategy
In Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells, in-app purchases have been curated with an emphasis on bundles. Catering to diverse player preferences, the game introduces a spectrum of enticing bundle offers, from the Splendid Bundle to the Exquisite Bundle, each one coming at a different price point.
There’s something for everyone.
Beyond these themed bundles, players also have the option to engage with traditional currency offers, also available at various price tiers.
This dual strategy ensures that whether a player is into themed bundles or raw game currency, there’s always an attractive offer that awaits them.
Harry Potter Magic Awakened
Publisher: NetEase, Warner Bros., Portkey Games
Release date: September 2021, global release in June 2023
Genre: Strategy, RPG, card battler/collectible card game
All-time downloads: over 13 million (NetEase release in the Asian market), over 4 million (Warner Bros. release, rest of the world)
All-time Revenue (Player spending): $300 million (Asia), over $6 million (global)
Harry Potter Magic Awakened is the most recent title in the lineup of top-performing Harry Potter games. Initially making waves in the Asian gaming market, courtesy of NetEase. Its overwhelming success there hinted at its potential on a global stage.
Now that it’s been introduced to a global audience, the early numbers are astounding. Within just a few months, the download counts and revenue streams hint at its trajectory to global stardom.
However, what truly sets Magic Awakened apart from other Harry Potter games is its unique blend of genres. It combines elements of real-time strategy, RPG, and, notably, the collectible card game or card battler sub-genre.
But players aren’t just statically playing cards; they can move around as they deploy their strategies, offering a deeper immersion. Duels come in two flavors – ones that advance the story narrative and ranked PvP matches.
Aesthetically, the game doesn’t disappoint either.
Its graphics, reminiscent of detailed storybook illustrations, align seamlessly with the Harry Potter universe and theme. This high level of polish and undeniable charm is a big part of its enjoyable user experience.
Interactive Story
One consistent thread across all Harry Potter games is the need for a rich narrative. The Harry Potter saga holds such a special place in fans’ hearts that every game iteration must in some way capture its essence, regardless of the game genre.
Harry Potter Magic Awakened is another example of this with its interactive story elements. The game’s tale unfolds through animated sequences, kicking off with that iconic moment: Hagrid’s arrival to take Harry to Diagon Alley.
Every adventure crafted under the Portkey Games banner (including all three games in this article) promises players a genuine journey through the wizarding world. J.K. Rowling, the creative genius behind this universe, has given her nod to Portkey Games, and entrusted Warner Bros. with the game design and realization.
What Magic Awakened delivers is not just a game, but a heartfelt homage. Full of iconic moments from both the books and films, it’s a love letter to fans.
Customization
Another staple feature that stands out across the spectrum of Harry Potter games is character customization, including cosmetic monetization.
Magic Awakened utilizes trends. Whether it’s tweaking facial features, experimenting with hairstyles, or trying out different robes, players can mold a character that resonates with their own identity.
This personal flair allows players to truly immerse themselves, making each journey in the Hogwarts universe distinctively their own.
Beyond the joy of self-expression, this customization avenue also plays a strategic role in the game’s monetization. Players are presented with the opportunity to enhance their look by acquiring special outfits and other cosmetic items.
Card Collection
Harry Potter: Magic Awakened, being a card battler, puts emphasis on card collection. Players have the opportunity to gather over 70 distinct spell cards, add them to their spell book, and advance their levels.
Unsurprisingly, this collection process is central to the game’s monetization strategy.
Players can grow their collection through story-centric quests or by utilizing silver or golden keys for a shot at acquiring random cards. If one seeks a more direct approach, the game offers a store where cards can be purchased via a gacha mechanism.
Battle Pass
Harry Potter: Magic Awakened offers players an enriched gaming experience with its Battle Pass options. While there’s a standard free tier, those seeking added benefits can consider the Deluxe or Premium Magic Pass.
The Deluxe Magic Pass, priced roughly at $10 (though the actual cost can differ based on local currencies), provides extra rewards and perks. Meanwhile, the Premium Magic Pass, costing about $20, doesn’t just stop at additional content; it offers exclusive cosmetics, along with handy bonuses, making it an attractive offer.
Liveops
Harry Potter: Magic Awakened never lets its magic fade. The game always has fresh updates and events to keep players hooked. Every update promises a new chapter in the story, adding depth to the narrative.
Let’s take a recent update as an example.
It features the Majestic Moon event. Here, players use Flip Tokens to unveil cards and claim awesome rewards. But that’s not all. The update also includes thrilling Quidditch tournaments, time-sensitive prizes, loyalty goodies, stylish outfits, and a lot more surprises waiting for the players.
Harry Potter Games: Which One Reigns Supreme?
So, which Harry Potter game truly stands out?
All three games are well-designed mobile games, and each taps into a different gaming genre. While they don’t compete head-on due to their genres, they all compete to become the best Harry Potter game.
Historically, Hogwarts Mystery took the lead if we consider downloads and revenue, with Puzzles & Spells not far behind. However, the recent global launch of Magic Awakened is set to challenge that leadership. Its immense success in Asia is a testament to this shift. A nod must also be given to the widely popular PC game Hogwarts Legacy, even though this article focuses on mobile games. It speaks to the global popularity of the Harry Potter IP – it’s not waning even though so many years have passed.
All these games have one thing in common – their release under the Portkey Games label, owned by Warner Bros. According to the Portkey website, “The label was created to bring gamers and fans new gaming experiences that allow them to delve into the Wizarding World in immersive ways where they can create their own magical stories.”
While the Harry Potter IP seems a guaranteed recipe for success, it’s essential to emphasize that developers still need to make a good game that genuinely embodies the spirit of the franchise. Let’s not forget Niantic’s AR game, Harry Potter: Wizards Unite – it failed despite the Harry Potter IP.
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