Next Harry Potter detailed

Publishers EA and Warner Interactive have announced that, much like the upcoming film based on JK Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, its licensed video game tie-in will come in two separate, full-length parts.

Furthermore, the publishers have pledged a darker, more action-orientated take on the series that it hopes will appeal as much to the core console market as to fans of the book and film series.

Set outside Hogwarts, EA says the title ‘represents a shift in tone for the Harry Potter games’ and will see players fighting for survival in a tense, third person action outing. It has been built using a new game engine.

The final Harry Potter adventure has given us the opportunity to make a darker and more action-oriented game than we have before,” VP and head of production at EA Bright Light Jonathan Bunney stated.

We believe we are creating a Harry Potter game that the HD console gaming generation will appreciate and enjoy. We have built new technology specifically to allow us to prove that magic is a truly potent force and, in this game, players will need to use all their skills if they want to survive.”

Harry Potter film producer David Heyman added: We have enjoyed a tremendous partnership with EA in collaborating on the Harry Potter videogames.

Over the years, the games have grown ever closer to the films in their art direction and in their spirit so it is exciting to know that the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 videogame will capture the action and suspense of the upcoming film.”

The first game is due out this autumn on Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, DS, PC and mobile. Part 2 has not yet been dated.