Hogwarts Legacy: to play or to boycott?
9.2.2023
Translation: Katherine Martin
Hogwarts Legacy has sparked a fiery debate about whether the game can be separated from author J.K. Rowling’s transphobic views. I’ve asked gamers and Harry Potter fans what they think.
Her books have enchanted readers young and old across the world, and the movie adaptations have sent billions flooding into the box office. That’s right, I’m talking about J.K. Rowling, the British author who penned fantasy saga Harry Potter. In Hogwarts Legacy, we’re seeing the release of a promising open-world game set in what’s probably the most famous magical universe of all time. So, is this cause for celebration for gamers and Harry Potter fans?
Not necessarily. Ever since Hogwarts Legacy was announced, the game has been marred by Rowling’s transphobic remarks (link in German), with a number of people calling for the game to be boycotted (link in German). At the end of the day, Hogwarts Legacy may not have been written by Rowling herself, and the studio behind the game may have distanced itself from the author, but she was the one to create the world in which it’s set. As the copyright holder, she’ll continue to earn money through the game, and it’s likely to be great advertising for the books and films. So what should be done? Should the gaming community boycott the game? Can art be separated from the artist? Or do most people simply not care about the debate?
Looking at the pre-order numbers on Steam, most gamers seem to have answered «yes» to options B and C. On that particular platform, the game has taken the top spot. I’ve asked people from the trans community as well as fans in our editorial team where they stand in the debate.
Source: Avalanche Software
Many fans are disappointed
For Sigmond Richli of Transgender Network Switzerland (TGS), Rowling’s comments have an impact on how trans Harry Potter fans react to new products emerging from the Potterverse. And, Sigmond adds, it doesn’t just affect trans people. «A lot of people have come out against J.K. Rowling’s remarks, including some of the cast of the Harry Potter movies. The discussion isn’t just taking place within the trans community.» It is, however, a particularly impassioned issue for the community, given how many Harry Potter fans there are within it. «Many queer people say the books were a life raft for them at times, because there were so many characters they could identify with. The world of Harry Potter was a safe haven for them. That’s why so many people are disappointed with J.K. Rowling,» says Sigmond.
Sascha Rijkeboer is trans and one of the fans of the magical world. «Rowling’s views definitely affect me. I can’t just enjoy new creations, such as films or books. I don’t want to keep supporting her. Luckily, she can’t take away what Harry Potter meant to me during my childhood and adolescence.»
Another person TGNS contacted for me, who goes by the name of Night, has drawn a clear line in the sand. «I don’t play Harry Potter games anymore, unless they’re older ones I’ve already bought. Even that leaves a bad taste in my mouth.» A diminished enjoyment of the game aside, Henrik Amalia takes a more positive view of things – thanks to the community, in fact. Henrik, too, refrains from using pronouns. «The Hogwarts fan community is made up of so many amazing people who stand up for trans inclusiveness.»
Source: Avalanche Software
Rowling’s remarks have also put a dampener on things for our editorial team’s TV guru, Luca Fontana. «I’m really disappointed with J.K. Rowling, her obstreperous lack of contrition and unwillingness to distance herself from her antiquated comments.» Even so, he doesn’t want to miss out on the fun of immersing himself in the world of Hogwarts Legacy. «I’ve grown up with this universe since reading the first Harry Potter book when I was 10. For me, this is a dream come true. After 20 years, I can finally let myself fall under the spell of an open-world game.»
Critical debate over boycotts
Can the art be separated from the artist? Opinion is divided. Luca thinks everyone should decide for themselves. Sigmond from TGNS says the discussion is too complex for this setting, adding, however, that deciding to play Hogwarts Legacy or not is a personal choice.
For game editor Domagoj Belancic, the more personal the art, the more difficult it is. «For example, I can’t listen to Kanye West’s songs anymore. After his anti-Semitic remarks and declaration of love for Hitler, I can’t enjoy any of his personal content anymore.» He hasn’t completely made his mind up about Rowling yet. He’s also certain to play Hogwarts Legacy – and not just because his job requires him to. «While I’m playing the game, I’ll try to tune out the discourse around Rowling and appreciate the work of the studio, but I understand if other people can’t do that.»
Source: Wikimedia/Flickr/EasterEggRoll
Fellow editor Coya Vallejo describes herself as a Harry Potter fan, but not a gamer. In her view, the art and the artist are inextricably linked. In spite of this, she doesn’t think we should blindly turn our backs on the work of controversial creators. «Harry Potter is a special case. The saga outgrew its creator a long time ago. It’s a global cultural treasure.» Henrik Amalia agrees: «Art can’t really be separated from artists, but the fan community can. The movie nights, reenactments and book clubs have come about because of fantastic individuals who’ve shared their enjoyment of the story with others and built communities.»
Sascha adds that an artwork is always a vision of the artist, thus making it a part of them. «On the other hand, it’s important to see art as a standalone creation. It’s what other people make of it.» The key thing, Sascha says, is that we keep reflecting on it. What’s more, Luca thinks that the world view depicted in the Harry Potter books is different to the one J.K. Rowling and her ilk propagate on Twitter. «The books are about friendship, generosity, racism and celebrating the world’s diversity.» Subsequently, he still believes the books are worth reading, in spite of negative things about the author coming to light.
Does buying Hogwarts Legacy whitewash Rowling’s comments?
Night certainly thinks so, citing the importance of Harry Potter cast members choosing to distance themselves from J.K. Rowling. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, who play the infamous trio of students, Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, have publicly spoken out in support of trans people.
Source: Ilona Higgins/Wikimedia
Henrik Amalia thinks things need to be viewed in context, but draws a clear line at financial support. «If the person doesn’t stand to gain anything financially from the support, owning one of their books, CDs, DVDs doesn’t automatically gloss over their views.» However, the Harry Potter cash cow is a long way off being milked dry, as the fervent anticipation of Hogwarts Legacy has clearly shown. For Sigmond, that’s a problem. «The increasing number of Harry Potter products coming on to the market is clearly contributing to J.K. Rowling’s popularity and whitewashing her transphobic remarks.»
Sascha takes a more nuanced view – it’s the way the problem is dealt with that’s crucial. «If the reasons why these people are controversial are obscured or rewritten, their transphobic views are swept under the rug.» Coya also thinks the way an artist’s work is treated in public matters. «It has to be accompanied by balanced discourse.» Hopefully, that’s exactly what’s possible on digitec.ch.
What do you think about this issue? How should it be handled? Please keep it civil in the comments section.
Philipp Rüegg
Senior Editor
Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.chBeing the game and gadget geek that I am, working at digitec and Galaxus makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop – but it does take its toll on my wallet. I enjoy tinkering with my PC in Tim Taylor fashion and talking about games on my podcast http://www.onemorelevel.ch. To satisfy my need for speed, I get on my full suspension mountain bike and set out to find some nice trails. My thirst for culture is quenched by deep conversations over a couple of cold ones at the mostly frustrating games of FC Winterthur.
