Few games are as anticipated as Hogwarts Legacy. It has received significant attention since its reveal in September 2020. And while the game looks like something from a Harry Potter fan’s dreams, it hasn’t been without controversy — with some even arguing for a Hogwarts Legacy boycott.
But what’s the boycott all about? Why has Hogwarts Legacy been the subject of so much controversy and outrage?
Before we explain everything you need to know about the Hogwarts Legacy boycott, let’s rundown the game itself.
What is Hogwarts Legacy?
Hogwarts Legacy is an action role-playing game (RPG) set in the Harry Potter/Wizarding World universe. It is being developed by Avalanche Software. Prior to Hogwarts Legacy, Avalanche primarily made licensed games as part of Disney Interactive Studios.
Avalanche was closed by Disney in 2016, before it was acquired by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and reopened the following year.
Hogwarts Legacy will feature an open-world, meaning players are free to explore the eponymous school and its surrounding areas. Players will also be able to create their own character, learn spells, tame beasts, fight enemies, and develop their magical skills.
Additionally, you will be able to choose your house and your relationships with other students will be a key part of the game.
When is Hogwarts Legacy set?
The plot of Hogwarts Legacy takes place in the 1800s. According to the game’s official website: “The story has players experiencing life as a student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry like never before, as they live the unwritten and embark on a dangerous journey to uncover a hidden truth of the wizarding world.”
What platforms will Hogwarts Legacy be on?
It is currently scheduled to be released for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC. However, it will be released on Nintendo Switch after other platforms.
When is Hogwarts Legacy coming out?
Following Hogwarts Legacy‘s reveal in 2020, the game was scheduled to launch in 2021. This was later pushed back to 2022. However, the game was delayed again in August 2022. Hogwarts Legacy will now be released on February 10th 2023 for all platforms except Nintendo Switch.
Is Hogwarts Legacy multiplayer?
Hogwarts Legacy looks like a game that would lend itself perfectly to multiplayer. However, Avalanche has confirmed the game is a single-player experience.
“Hogwarts Legacy is a single player experience and does not have online or co-op gameplay.”
Hogwarts Legacy official website
While that may be disappointing, it stands to reason that this will make Hogwarts Legacy a better game overall. That’s because multiplayer modes often require significant additional resource to implement. And without multiplayer, every effort can be focussed on single-player.
Hogwarts Legacy Boycott explained
With all that out of the way, let’s get into the controversy. If you’ve been on social media since the game was announced, you will have surely seen some of the discussion about it. Anger around the game has recently escalated, with many Harry Potter fans stating they will boycott the game.
So, why are people boycotting Hogwarts Legacy? It’s all because of Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling and her political views regarding transgender people.
Rowling has been outspoken in recent years about trans people and their rights. Many of her opinions have been widely condemned as transphobic, with critics deeming her a TERF (trans-exclusionary radical feminist).
This has caused significant upset among the LGBTQ+ community. Many fans of the Wizarding World universe have fallen out of love with the franchise as a result.
Rowling’s views have also been criticised by cast members of Wizarding World films. Perhaps most notably, Daniel Radcliffe wrote an article responding to the Harry Potter author’s tweets on the matter:
“Transgender women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people and goes against all advice given by professional health care associations who have far more expertise on this subject matter than either Jo or I.”
Daniel Radcliffe, The Trevor Project
Many Potter fans have now simply heard enough of Rowling’s opinions and are refusing to purchase the game in protest.
Is J. K. Rowling involved in Hogwarts Legacy?
You’re probably wondering if J. K. Rowling is involved in Hogwarts Legacy. No — J. K. Rowling is not involved in Hogwarts Legacy. However, her team has been consulted during its development. The game’s official website provides the following explanation:
“J.K. Rowling is not involved in the creation of the game, but as creator of the wizarding world and one of the world’s greatest storytellers, 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, however we have collaborated closely with her team on all aspects of the game to ensure it remains in line with the magical experiences fans expect.”
Hogwarts Legacy official website
The fact that Rowling (and her team) have any part in the game’s creation may be enough to turn some players off. However, Hogwarts Legacy’s appeal is undeniable and it will undoubtedly be one of the biggest video game launches of 2023. Many fans remain excited for it despite Rowling’s political stances.
Racism and antisemitism accusations
In addition to the controversy surrounding J. K. Rowling’s views on transgender issues, some Potter fans have pointed out the game’s arguably problematic representation of goblins.
Accusations of antisemitism have previously been directed towards the way goblins are portrayed in the Wizarding World. And goblins are central to the plot of Hogwarts Legacy — the player will be fighting against the Goblin Rebellion. This has generated further controversy, given that the Goblin Rebellion was all about goblins revolting against the discrimination and prejudice they face.
Will you boycott Hogwarts Legacy? Let us know in the comment section below and don’t forget to check out our other gaming articles…
Joe
1 September 2022 11:50 BSTThe woke mob are the ones preaching hate and discrimination. Here is what Rowling actually said:
“I respect every trans person’s right to live any way that feels authentic and comfortable to them,” she went on. “I’d march with you if you were discriminated against on the basis of being trans. At the same time, my life has been shaped by being female. I do not believe it’s hateful to say so.”
And there is absolutely no evidence that she’s anti-semetic.