ResetEra, among the world's largest gaming forums, has banned all reference to Hogwarts Legacy because of Harry Potter author J.K. Rowlings' reported anti-trans views.
Due for release the following month, Hogwarts Legacy has already seen Warner Bros. Games try to distance the studio from Rowling, while Heartstopper actor Sebastian Croft apologised after the news he was set to voice from the game's two playable characters was met with widespread backlash.
Following the announcement of Hogwarts Legacy, ResetEra banned all promotional activity for that game in 2023, including announcements, trailers and general hype threads.
It's now been confirmed that ResetEra, “the internet’s premier gambling forum destination” with more than 50,000 members, is going to be extending that ban to pay for all reference to Hogwarts Legacy.
A statement posted by ResetEra general manager B-Dubs on behalf of the moderation team reads: “After continued internal discussion, we started to start outlining the issues help with by Rowling and the game in question and every time, so that as we discussed it all, we kept coming back to the simple proven fact that Rowling is not only a bigot but is actively pushing, in her own position like a wealthy and famous individual, for legislation that will hurt trans people.”
“She uses the influence and money gained from her success with Harry Potter to push transphobic legislation. Therefore, the mod team will quickly expand our prior ban on promotion for that Hogwarts game to incorporate the game itself,” it continued. Comments on the announcement were switched off.
The controversial Harry Potter game is set to launch February 10 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. A Playstation 4 and Xbox One version will follow on April 4, while Nintendo Switch players have to hold back until July 25.
However, many players are boycotting the sport in protest of Harry Potter author J.K Rowling's repeated anti-trans comments.
The lead actors of Harry Potter (Rupert Grint, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson) were amongst people with condemned her views.
According towards the FAQs, Hogwarts Legacy is not written by Rowling, although it does stay true to her “original vision”.
In other news, Mimimi Games, the team behind Desperados 3 and Shadow Tactics, has confirmed swashbuckling strategy game Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew – browse the first gameplay trailer here.
