Video game forum Resetera is banning all discussion ofHogwarts Legacy, the upcoming open worldHarry Potteraction-RPG in development at Avalanche Software.Hogwarts Legacyhas been the source of much controversy since its announcement. While there are certainly many who are excited about the game, others have called for boycotts in response toHarry Pottercreator J.K. Rowling’s transphobic comments.
J.K. Rowling’s transphobic comments are part of the reason why Resetera initially banned discussion ofHogwarts Legacypromotional material (trailers, gameplay videos, etc.) in 2021. The forum also citedpast comments made by formerHogwarts Legacylead designer Troy Leavitt, who uploaded YouTube videos that seemingly took a pro-Gamergate stance. Now that the game is nearing release, Resetera mods have decided to ban all discussion ofHogwarts Legacyperiod.
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This was announced on the Resetera site by general manager B-Dubs. B-Dubs explained that the mods determined that not only wereJ.K. Rowling’s views bigoted, but that she was “pushing, in her position as a wealthy and famous individual, for legislation that will hurt trans people.” B-Dubs added that Rowling uses the money and influence gained fromHarry Potterto push transphobic legislation, so there will be no discussion ofHogwarts Legacyallowed on the forum at all.
Harry Potterwas once a highly-regarded franchise, with billion-dollar box offices and record-breaking book sales. Unfortunately,J.K. Rowling’s repeated transphobic commentshave cast a dark cloud overHarry Potter’s legacy, and this has seemingly hurt the franchise’s drawing power. The latest entry in the movie franchise,Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, failed to generate much interest from audiences, making it the lowest-grossing film in the entireHarry Potterfranchise to date. There were plans to produce at least fiveFantastic Beastsfilms, but now the film franchise’s future has been called into question.
While there are calls to boycottHogwarts Legacy, it does seem unlikely that the game will run into the same financial trouble as otherHarry Potterprojects have in recent years. Even with boycotts and being surrounded by controversy,Hogwarts Legacystands a good shot at being the best-selling new game release of the year, especially ifCall of Dutyskips 2023 as has been rumored.Hogwarts Legacypre-order sales are strong, indicating that there are still many fans who are anxiously awaiting their chance to play an open worldHarry Pottergame despite Rowling’s comments and other controversies surrounding the project.
Hogwarts Legacylaunches February 10 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X with PS4 and Xbox One versions coming April 4, and a Switch port dropping July 25.
