Harry Potter fan sites geek out for new game [update 1]
by Kyle Orland 
{ Aug 30th 2006 at 12:25PM }
In a masterful bit of marketing, Electronic Arts invited representatives from eight Harry Potter fan sites to their UK studios for a sneak preview of the upcoming game based on Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. There the fans were divided into Hogwarts houses and entertained by an enthusiastic PR representative who is "known to do air-magic (as opposed to air-guitar)."Not surprisingly, the writers geeked out on the "spine-tingling and spell binding" environments in the game and new features like the ability to wander around Hogwarts and some of its surroundings. The write-up also hints at some of the new characters and mini-games that will be represented in the game, before delving into some truly trivial Harry Potter minutiae.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix will be available for a mind-boggling eight systems (PSP, GBA, Nintendo DS, PS2, PC, Xbox 360, PS3 and the Nintendo Wii) when it comes out, likely in time for the July 2007 movie.
[Update: Picture replaced with one of our own Conrad Quilty-Harper to protect the innocent]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
jp007 @ Aug 30th 2006 12:59PM
I was wondering about the licensing for Harry Potter after the story about the Lego Star Wars guys talking about doing additional Lego series of games. Harry Potter was suggested as a possible route, due to the existance of Harry Potter Lego sets, but some joystiqers shot down the possibility, saying EA owns the license.
But does EA have a license for the Harry Potter BOOKS, or the Harry Potter MOVIES? Remeber the different sets of Lord of the Rings games? EA's series is based on the movies, I believe, and others, such as Vivendi were able to make games based on the books.
Does anyone have a clue exactly what EA has the rights to do? Is it possible that another company (such as the fine folks behind Lego SW) could make games in the Harry Potter Universe? It would be great to have a Potter game that wasn't typical EA shovelware..
mandarin @ Aug 30th 2006 1:21PM
You can actually ruin this guy's life by saving the picture and black mailing him 20 years from now.
reebo @ Aug 30th 2006 1:23PM
The kid in the pic looks pretty stoned.
I haven't played a Harry Potter game since Chamber of Secrets, but this 'wander around Hogwarts' thing sounds interesting.
Jeff @ Aug 31st 2006 5:27AM
Warner Bros. owns all trademarks and usage rights for the entire "Harry Potter" brand. JK Rowling retained publishing rights only.
The "master toy license" for Harry Potter is moving from Mattel to NECA -- see http://www.hpana.com/news.19517.html.
I'm pretty sure videogames is a separate license.
Mag @ Aug 30th 2006 2:06PM
I hardly think that she let you use her photo for this article. I suggest you replace it with something that you have permission to use.
Gonzo @ Aug 31st 2006 9:56AM
That kid is stoned. Isn't that a bowl in his hand?
I'm definitely getting this one for the Wii. You'll see me in my robes weilding around the wiimote like a want.
EXPELLIARMUS!!!
Judd @ Aug 30th 2006 3:51PM
It's gonna be out on the GBA but not on the Gamecube.
yhancik @ Sep 2nd 2006 7:23PM
oooooooooh Harry Potter on the Wii !
Wiimote as a magic wand !
Konami @ Aug 31st 2006 1:05AM
Mag: That's a female?
Additionally, I don't feel we need anymore Harry Potter garbage. Seriously, people. Go read/play/watch something that's actually GOOD.
griffinsbridge @ Aug 31st 2006 1:43PM
We run one of the biggest Harry Potter fansites in the UK: http://www.thewhompingwillow.com .
They didnt invite us along :(
Their loss!!