During PlayStation 5’s showcase event, the official trailer for the long awaited open-world Harry Potter video game was released. The game, titled Hogwart’s Legacy, will be an immersive open-world game with spellcasting, potion making, familiars, and a whole other slew of fantastical immersive experiences for the player to sink their claws into. It’s a long awaited game many have been expecting, and wanting especially considering the Harry Potter Universe begs to be put into a video gaming format. Yet still, fans are hesitant.
In bad light of author J.K. Rowling’s transphobic tweets, her fans have been dumping her in droves, including many of the actors who have portrayed her loveable fictional characters. Daniel Radcliffe, Evanna Lynch, Eddie Redmayne, Emma Watson, Bonnie Wright, and a slew of many other actors came out against Rowling’s stance on transgender rights.
Now, Hogwart’s Legacy’s publisher, Warner Bros. Games, has distanced themselves from author and creator J.K. Rowling in an FAQ on their website.
“J.K. Rowling is not directly involved in the creation of the game, however, her extraordinary body of writing is the foundation of all projects in the Wizarding World. This is not a new story from J.K. Rowling.”
“Each experience offered under Portkey Games will take place in the Wizarding World and will be authentic to the Wizarding World. J.K. Rowling is supportive of Portkey Games and has entrusted the design and creation of the games to WB Games and the developers involved.”
Warner Bros. Games’ stance of distancing themselves from Rowling and her transphobic comments demonstrates a healthy way of how fans can be critical of Rowling’s work while still appreciating a work that has influenced millions of people’s lives, especially considering the giant industry the Harry Potter universe has created.