“Fantastic Beasts: Cases from the Wizarding World”, New Case Released!
Fantastic Beasts: Cases from the Wizarding World is adding a brand new case to the game! The title of the new case is called “A Piece of Cake,” and it will allow you to explore more areas of the wizarding world that you know and love! I was able to interview the director of product at WB Games, Mary Casey, and get the whole scoop on the game and all the new adventures that you will soon be able to unfold.
For those who don’t know, Fantastic Beasts: Cases from the Wizarding World is a free-to-play mobile game, available in the app store and on Google Play. It is a puzzle-solving game where you have to find objects, crack clues, and interrogate characters, all while discovering new areas of the wizarding world. You work as a new recruit for the Ministry of Magic in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures and solve mysteries to find fantastic beasts.
Besides getting to step into a different division of the wizarding world, you get to meet a new crop of characters. Mary Casey explained, “Matilda, the main character of the game, for anyone who hasn’t played, is someone who really loves and cares for these creatures and has dedicated her life to mak[ing] sure that these creatures are rescued and saved. We use her to introduce the players into this lesser[-]known corner of the wizarding world.”
Casey, a proud Slytherin and avid Harry Potter fan herself, is one of the creators of the game and is so excited to release the newest case to the public. An exciting new addition to the game was also confirmed: “Something else that fans may recognize […] is one of the new locations: Zonko’s [J]oke [S]hop.”
When asked about what other new surprises we might find in this edition to the game, she responded, “We are hoping that fans will recognize some of the beasts coming up in these new cases, particularly if they have seen the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them film.” She also confirmed that there are a few more cases that will be released soon. One case is even said to “include a certain bank.”
The game draws inspiration from all things in the wizarding world, including Newt’s relationship with Fantastic Beasts from the film, as well as the Harry Potter books and films. From film scores, new and old creatures, wizarding landmarks (like the Leaky Cauldron), and familiar spells, it fits well into the universe while simultaneously having its own story. “It was important for us to create something new, fresh, and interesting for players. Rather than revisiting the books and movies that people know and love, we decided to take those elements and create a new slice of life inspired by all the wonderful, imaginative things that J.K Rowling has written both for Newt and for Harry,” said Casey. “And I think by placing it in the Ministry, we kind of opened the door a little bit on something that is mentioned and is important in the original books but seeing it from a different perspective.”
Casey made clear how much the creators of the games love the world they are able to work in. They constantly refer to the original books and films while they are creating the game. She hopes that it comes across that this game was made “for fans, by fans.” In fact, the whole staff would often have a House Pride Day, where everyone was expected to show their Hogwarts colors. “We care massively that when players play the game, it feels true to the incredible world that J. K. Rowling created.”
Additional cases are said to be released in early February and early March, so keep cracking those cases in the meantime!