Hogwarts Legacy has officially crossed 40 million units sold, marking a rare achievement in the gaming industry and cementing its place among the best-selling video games of all time.
Quick Summary – TLDR:
- Hogwarts Legacy has sold over 40 million copies worldwide.
- It’s now one of the best-selling games ever, beating major 2023 titles like Call of Duty.
- The game’s performance boosted by its recent release on Nintendo Switch 2.
- News comes amid a possible $72 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, with Netflix and Paramount in the mix.
What Happened?
Warner Bros. Games confirmed that Hogwarts Legacy, the 2023 open-world RPG set in the Wizarding World, has sold more than 40 million units globally. This sales milestone puts the game in elite company, far exceeding typical AAA game performances. The announcement also arrives during a pivotal moment for Warner Bros., as it faces a potential acquisition by either Netflix or Paramount.
WB Games announced Hogwarts Legacy has sold over 40 million units worldwide. pic.twitter.com/HtKSajMt4P
— Stealth (@Stealth40k) December 17, 2025
Hogwarts Legacy’s Magic Sales Run
Developed by Avalanche Software and published by Warner Bros. under its Portkey Games label, Hogwarts Legacy launched across multiple platforms, including a recent release on Nintendo Switch 2, which significantly helped push its sales from 34 million (as last reported in March) to over 40 million.
The game places players in the 1800s as a fifth-year Hogwarts student, offering deep customization, spell-casting, exploration, and moral choices. It lets players tame magical creatures, attend classes, and uncover a secret that threatens the Wizarding World. This flexible gameplay and the strong appeal of the Harry Potter universe drove enormous interest globally.
Key highlights:
- Available on PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
- Outsold Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III in North America for 2023, an unusual feat in today’s gaming market.
- Positioned among the highest-selling games ever, though not yet in the top 10.
Despite its success, Warner Bros. and Avalanche Software reportedly canceled a planned expansion for the game amid a restructuring of its games division. However, a sequel is reportedly a top priority for Warner Bros. Games, though nothing has been formally announced yet.
Warner Bros. Games in the Middle of a Mega Acquisition Deal
The game’s massive commercial success adds a bright spot to a tumultuous time for Warner Bros. Discovery. The company has reportedly received a $72 billion acquisition bid from Netflix, with Paramount also making an offer, although less favorable. Interestingly, Warner Bros. Games was reportedly barely mentioned in acquisition pitch materials, despite Hogwarts Legacy‘s success.
This highlights the ongoing tension between corporate strategy and creative output. While the gaming division also suffered setbacks like Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, Hogwarts Legacy proves there’s still massive potential in Warner Bros.’s gaming properties.
Controversy Behind the Scenes
Although author J.K. Rowling was not involved in the development of Hogwarts Legacy, the game has been caught in public controversy due to Rowling’s remarks about transgender issues. While she stands to profit from the game’s success, the development team made efforts to distance the project from her personal views.
SQ Magazine’s Takeaway
I’ve got to say, seeing Hogwarts Legacy reach this level of success is not just impressive, it’s groundbreaking. Beating out juggernauts like Call of Duty in North America is no small feat. It tells us that players are hungry for deep, immersive experiences that let them live out their fantasy worlds. I’m also curious to see how Warner Bros. handles this momentum, especially with the company being eyed for a potential $72 billion buyout. If this game doesn’t convince execs of the power of video games, I don’t know what will. Just give us the sequel already.
