In a week where the whole world is looking forward to new game and hardware announcements, Warner Bros. and Traveller's Tales have managed to send out a new game press release that at no time mentions the phrase "E3". This morning, LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 was officially announced, bringing closure to the odyssey of a game often rumored, but until now, never official.

The game will, naturally, follow the storyline of the first four Harry Potter novels, beginning with Boy Who Lived's adventures in the Sorcerer's Stone, and concluding with the Goblet of Fire. As per usual with a LEGO game, players will take on several roles throughout the game, including copyrighted favorites like Hermione Granger™, Ron Weasley™, and good ol' Lightning Brow Potter himself; and will play in many familiar trademarked locations like Diagon Alley™, the Forbidden Forest and the village of Hogsmeade™.

Tom Stone, Managing Director, TT Games, was a happy chappy to announce the game. "With LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 we are creating an open, wide-ranging experience within Hogwarts that is full of fun and LEGO magic. Harry Potter is one of the most beloved and well-respected characters, and we look forward to bringing gamers a new way of interacting in the universe with the LEGO games’ great humour and exploration."

Personally, I wouldn't have used so many "u"s to describe my humor for the game, but I'm not British. The press release gave a vague "2010" release date for the game, and did not list the specific consoles it will be available for.

There is a trailer for the game though, full of LEGO fun and goodness. Check it out: