New Harry Potter game Hogwarts Legacy is boycotted over JK Rowling’s stance on transgender issues – as the author compares actions to book burning
- The release of Hogwarts Legacy on PS5 and XBox One reignited culture wars
- Trans rights activists call for a boycott of author JK Rowling’s views
- The game is considered one of the blockbusters of the year when it goes on sale
With the upcoming release of the Harry Potter themed game Hogwarts’ Legacy, the culture wars have been reignited once again.
Trans rights activists have openly called for a boycott of the game, which will be available on the PS5 and XBox One consoles, as they rail against author JK Rowling’s stance on trans issues.
The game will be set to be one of the year’s blockbusters when it goes on sale on February 10, reports The Times.
The run-up to the game’s release was dominated by rumors of the boycott, as well as a ban on discussion in a prominent forum, and even the firing of an employee.
Trans rights activists have openly called for a boycott of Hogwarts Legeacy as they rail against author JK Rowling’s stance on trans issues
Hogwarts Legacy is set to be one of the blockbusters of the year when it goes on sale on February 10th
Warner Bros Games is said to have taken obvious steps to make the game feel inclusive, including allowing players to create trans wizards and witches.
Game Director Alan Tew told IGN, “We know this is a diverse audience. For us it means making sure the audience that has always dreamed of having this game has had a chance to feel welcome again.”
Although the game’s creators insist that JK Rowling was not directly involved in the development of the game, some of their team had a hand in it.
Trans YouTuber Jessie Earl, 30, who has over 200,000 subscribers, was accused of “clean thinking” by Rowling when she tweeted that “any endorsement of anything like Hogwarts Legacy is harmful”.
The author also likened her comment to book burning.
Warner Bros Games is said to have taken obvious steps to make the game feel inclusive, including allowing players to create trans wizards and witches
Elsewhere, US player Will Overgard has also called for a boycott in a video that has amassed two million views, insisting “by endorsing the title you are essentially aligning yourself with some truly vile transphobic values.” .
The game’s voiceover cast was also the subject of backlash. Sebastian Croft, who previously starred in the Netflix LGBT series Heartstopper, was forced to explain his involvement after criticism from fans.
He said: “I was cast on this project over three years ago, back when all Harry Potter was to me was the magical world I grew up with.
“That was long before I was aware of JK Rowling’s views. I believe with all my heart that trans women are women and trans men are men.”
Game forum ResetEra has notably banned discussion of Hogwarts Legacy, while also accusing Rowling of “pushing transphobic laws.”
Reviews site Games Radar has also begun posting a statement at the bottom of articles about Hogwarts Legacy: “Acknowledging… your publicly expressed, harmful views regarding the rights of transgender people.”