Hogwarts Legacyhas achieved immense success but not escaped controversy. The recently released RPG has become the top bestseller across multiple gaming platforms and has achieved near-universal critical and fan acclaim - a difficult feat. However, Hogwarts Legacy’s fame could be due to the Harry Potter franchise’s success. WhileHogwarts Legacydeveloper Avalanche Software attempted to distance itself and the game from the discussion aroundHarry Potter,there is virtually no way to escape thebigoted and hateful comments ofHarry Potterauthor J.K. Rowling. WhileHogwarts Legacyattempts to overcome Rowling’s influence, it doesn’t do enough to support the Trans gamers who are most at risk.
While some fans of theHogwarts Legacyhave been able to separate the game from J.K. Rowling, many members of the Trans community have faced the success of a game that seems to perpetuate the financial and intellectual resurgence of a transphobic figure. The long-standing debate around the moral implications of aHarry Pottergame has been simmering underneath the surface of gaming culture for years. Now thatHogwarts Legacyhas been released- and the parties involved in its development are richly rewarded - Trans players have not had their voices heard.
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Avalanche Software Needs More Than Performative Representation to Support Trans Gamers
Among the deluge of controversies that have emerged afterHogwarts Legacy’srelease is the appearance of one specific character in the game. In the game’s first act, playerstravel to Hogsmeade and meet Sirona Ryan, the proprietor of “The Three Broomsticks” tavern. Given that Sirona does not have a significant role in the events ofHogwarts Legacybut is openly Trans, some gamers have alleged that her character is simply the developer’s way of undercutting J.K. Rowling’s transphobic and bigoted views. Unfortunately, adding one Trans character into a video game does not erase the hurt that J.K. Rowling has caused, no matter how pure the intentions were behind Sirona’s character.
Not only have gamers been underwhelmed with the performative representation inHogwarts Legacy,but there have been issues within the game’s fan community. For instance, oneHogwarts LegacyDiscord Moderator allegedly told players to stop talking about Trans rights. In this example, developers may want to avoid negative discourse by controlling how gamers interact within their social media communities. However, in doing so, they effectively silence the voices of marginalized groups who may be negatively affected by the game.
Developers Need To Be Aware That Video Games Have A Real-Life Impact
While manyHogwarts Legacyplayers have purchased the game because they have lifelong connections toHarry Potter,some have bought it to support the anti-Trans movement. SomeHogwarts Legacyfans may be unaware that despite J.K. Rowling being uninvolved with the development of the RPG, she will still receive some amount of money. Because the game is set in theHarry Potteruniverse, there is no natural way for Avalanche Software and Warner Bros. Games to separateHogwarts Legacyfrom the author. While it might be challenging to comprehend, any attention ormoney that J.K. Rowling receives from the sales ofHogwarts Legacymay be taken as justification for her beliefs.
Regardless of thebacklash thatHogwarts Legacycreators are receiving, Trans gamers are most at risk of having their lives endangered and their voices lost. If one thing can be gained from the controversy aroundHogwarts Legacyand any futureHarry Potterprojects, it is that video games have significant cultural and financial influence. But it’s not enough for developers to boycott buying a game they contributed to. Given the number of horror games that controversial author H.P. Lovecraft influences - and the many potential similarities to theHogwarts Legacycontroversy - it might be time for creators to consider writing wholly original stories.
Hogwarts Legacyis out now for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X with PS4 and Xbox One versions coming April 4 and a Switch release dropping July 25.
MORE:Hogwarts Legacy’s Gender-Neutral Character Customization Is Not Enough to Distance Itself From J.K. Rowling
