Gossip about “Hogwarts Legacy” – that’s why the game “Harry Potter” just makes it boil

Highly anticipated and discussed: Amid a heated debate over transgender rights, “Hogwarts Legacy,” the first major video game from the “Harry Potter” empire in years, is released on Friday. Because of critical statements by ‘Harry Potter’ author Joanne K. Rowling about trans women, activists in particular called for a boycott of the action role-playing game in advance. A discussion also flared up in the German-speaking gaming and streaming scene.

Recently, a snippet of a clip from streamer Erik “Gronkh” Range was shared on Twitter. Rowling “he doesn’t care,” he said. “Should she play a part in my life?” Range asked the camera – the criticism was praised. The Tenor: As a white man who also identifies with his ascribed gender, it’s obviously easy for him to stay out of it. A few days later, the streamer spoke again – tens of thousands watched. “Maybe I should have said: I think that woman sucks. I think their recordings are worthless,” he said, emphasizing that he didn’t care about trans people.

Trans persons or transgender people are people who do not feel at home with the gender they were assigned at birth.

Developers emphasize that Rowling has nothing to do with the game

JK Rowling made a fortune from “Harry Potter”: books, movies, merchandising, adventure worlds. In public, however, the creator of this universe has been under fire for quite some time. The 57-year-old has repeatedly spoken out against trans women’s social and legal equality with women born with female genitalia. “Harry” actor Daniel Radcliffe also distanced himself.

A debate is currently raging, especially in Scotland, where Rowling is involved in an initiative against violence against girls and women. Because a regional government law provides for simplification of the often lengthy and bureaucratic process of gender reassignment in official documents. Critics like Rowling warn that the law gives men easier access to rooms where women undress and are vulnerable. The conservative British central government wants to block the project.

Due to the close relationship with Rowling, there have long been loud calls to boycott “Hogwarts Legacy”. Gaming forum ResetEra has banned any mention of the game, and website GameSpot published an essay about Rowling’s “anti-transgender stance.”

Rowling is demonstratively relaxed. When asked how she coped with losing so many fans because of her attitude, she dryly replied on Twitter in October 2022: “I’ve been looking at my recent licensing earnings and I think the pain is going away pretty soon.” Rowling also receives online support.

The American development studio Avalanche is apparently aware of the delicate matter. On the FAQ page there is an additional question about whether Rowling has anything to do with the game. Answer: The author is “one of the greatest storytellers in the world”. Although she was not directly involved in development, Rowling’s team worked closely together.

Boycott calls are involuntary advertising

“Hogwarts Legacy” is far from the first “Harry Potter” game, but it is the first major game in more than a decade. The title is a role-playing game, the end of the game takes on the role of a student at Hogwarts Magic School. In the game’s character editor, voice, gender, and appearance can be set independently, which is now often standard in role-playing games. In addition, a trans woman plays a greater supporting role.

The boycott calls seem to do little to stop the game. Millions of people have recently watched streamers on the Twitch platform. According to the site “steamdb.info”, “Hogwarts Legacy” has been one of the top-selling titles for weeks – even before it was even released. According to “opencritic.com”, the game has received very good reviews. Gaming expert Martin Kimber spoke of a “beautifully crafted love letter” to the “Potter” universe.

Many fans are torn. Transman Asher Chelder of fan site MuggleNet admitted to Sky News that Rowling’s views hurt people. But he’s been looking forward to the game since its announcement. “I’ve found a lot of comfort in the show and it’s something I can’t shake. It’s part of me,” he said.

(dpa)