Here's everything we know about 'Harry Potter: Wizards Unite,' the new game from the creators of 'Pokemon Go' coming later this year
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Kevin Webb
Mar 12, 2019, 02:44 IST
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Screenshot/YouTube
You may have seen this teaser for "Harry Potter: Wizards Unite" before the theatrical run of "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald."
"Harry Potter: Wizards Unite" is a new smartphone game from the makers of "Pokémon Go."
Drawing inspiration from author J.K. Rowling's Wizarding World, players will be able to search for magic in the world around them.
"Harry Potter: Wizards Unite" is expected to launch later in 2019; members of the press were able to play an early preview version of the game last week.
"Harry Potter: Wizards Unite" is a new smartphone game for mobile devices, inspired by J.K. Rowling's Wizarding World.
Co-developed by WB Games and Niantic, the creators of "Pokémon Go," the new "Harry Potter" game features similar mechanics, and will let players follow their own magical adventure wherever they take their smartphone.
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In "Harry Potter: Wizards Unite," players will take on the role of a new wizard recruit working with the Statute of Secrecy Task Force - the group responsible for solving the mystery of the Calamity, a major event that scattered magical artifacts and creatures all over the world.
Players will explore the real world searching for signs of magic, encountering iconic Harry Potter characters along the way.
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While Business Insider's Matt Weinberger had a chance to try to the game at a private event, it's not ready for a global release just yet. Niantic has said "Harry Potter: Wizards Unite" will launch this year, but there's no specific time frame. Pokémon Go launched in July 2016, which let players in North America venture out into the summer weather to explore the game during its early months - perhaps "Wizards Unite" will repeat the trick?
Here's everything we know about "Harry Potter: Wizards Unite" so far:
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In "Harry Potter: Wizards Unite" you'll explore the real world to find traces of magic at special destinations, including inns, greenhouses and fortresses.
Magical encounters use 3D graphics and nifty augmented reality effects to project each scenario onto your surroundings. Every successful encounter gets logged in your registry, granting rewards.
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Some encounters will have you aid magical creatures, like this Demiguise from "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them."
Others will force players to duel against dark wizards, like Lord Voldemort's fearsome Death Eaters.
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Players will be able to cast various spells by tracing patterns on their screen, with points for speed and accuracy.
Players will be sorted into one of the four houses of Hogwarts: Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, or Ravenclaw. Niantic has teased some social features to be announced, but it's not clear how your choice of houses will impact gameplay.
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Players will also choose a profession, like Auror, Magizoologist, or Professor, to aid on their adventure by granting them unique skills.
Players can team up to unlock special bonuses during Wizarding Challenges.
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You may not see Professor Snape in "Harry Potter: Wizards Unite," but you can mix your own potions.
Players can find portkeys, which will "teleport" them to different locations in the Wizarding World and give them the chance to look around.
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The full story of "Harry Potter: Wizards Unite" might take years to tell.
"Harry Potter: Wizards Unite" will launch later in 2019; be sure to check back for more updates as Niantic puts the finishing touches on its latest augmented reality game.
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