Hogwarts Legacy Dev Responds To Controversy, But Doesn’t Mention JKR

Hogwarts Legacy is one of 2023’s most-anticipated games. Fans have been waiting a while for it, and following multiple delays, it’s finally set for release on February 10. The game’s upcoming release has been overshadowed in part by Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling’s comments about transgender issues. Game director Alan Tew responded to the concerns people have about the game given the backdrop and context surrounding its release.

Speaking to IGN, Tew said Hogwarts Legacy isn’t unlike other games that Avalanche Software developed previously, in that every game poses challenges to its developer. Tew said it was important to the developers that Hogwarts Legacy feels like the game Harry Potter fans might have dreamed of years ago, long before Rowling made any comments about sex and gender.

“I think for us there are challenges in every game we’ve worked on. This game has been no different. When we bumped into those challenges, we went back and refocused on the stuff that we really care about. We know our fans fell in love with the Wizarding World, and we believe they fell in love with it for the right reasons,” he said. “We know that’s a diverse audience. For us, it’s making sure that the audience, who always dreamed of having this game, had the opportunity to feel welcomed back. That they have a home here and that it’s a good place to tell their story.”

Tew did not mention Rowling by name, nor did he comment on trans rights. IGN pressed Tew, asking him if he personally had any second thoughts about working on Hogwarts Legacy after Rowling’s comments. Tew responded by saying Hogwarts Legacy was made for everyone.

Hogwarts Legacy releases on February 10 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, while the PS4 and Xbox One versions are releasing in April. The Nintendo Switch version launches on July 25.

The game takes place in the 1890s, long before the events of the Harry Potter books and films, and puts players into the magical shoes of a fifth year student at Hogwarts. Actor Simon Pegg voices the headmaster Phineas Nigellus Black.

Hogwarts Legacy is developed by Avalanche Software, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. The game has been embroiled in controversy due to transphobic remarks from Rowling. Although she is not personally involved with its development, she stands to profit from its success. For more, read our in-depth article on how Rowling’s comments have impacted the trans community. In this article you will also find links to trans creators you can support, as well as charities you can donate to.