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Fans 'exit the loop' after Hogwarts Legacy video game descends into toxic sludge as JK Rowling trans battle spills over

Hogwarts Legacy, features a character called Sirona Ryan, a witch who is the owner of the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade village

SAN FRANSISCO, CALIFORNIA: Hogwarts Legacy has been one of the most anticipated open-world role-playing games set in the world of 'Harry Potter'. The game is all set to launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on Friday, February 10, and would definitely be a treat to the fans of the 'Harry Potter' universe.

The new game will feature a trans character Sirona Ryan, who is a witch that serves as the owner of the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade village, according to Entertainment Weekly. The introduction of a transgender in the game, which is based on 'Harry potter' written by JK Rowling, who has earlier made transphobic comments, is now creating heated discussions on social media regarding if they should purchase the same or not.

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Sirona can be seen saying in the game, "I've known [Lodgok] for years. We met when I was waiting tables here as a student — well before I bought the place," Sirona says. "He was cordial enough, but we weren't friends then. His mistrust of wizardkind ran deep... Hadn't seen him in years when he came in a few months ago." They further added, "But, he recognized me instantly. Which is more than I can say for some of my own classmates. Took them a second to realize I was actually a witch, not a wizard," hinting that they could be a transgender. 

What are the transphobic comments by JK Rowling?

The writer wrote in a set of controversial tweets in 2020, “‘People who menstruate.’ I’m sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?" Further, Rowling added, "If sex isn’t real, there’s no same-sex attraction. If sex isn’t real, the lived reality of women globally is erased. I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. It isn’t hate to speak the truth."

The writer went on to mention, "The idea that women like me, who’ve been empathetic to trans people for decades, feeling kinship because they’re vulnerable in the same way as women—i.e., to male violence—‘hate’ trans people because they think sex is real and has lived consequences—is a nonsense.” In addition, she claimed, “I respect every trans person’s right to live any way that feels authentic and comfortable to them. I’d march with you if you were discriminated against on the basis of being trans. At the same time, my life has been shaped by being female. I do not believe it’s hateful to say so.”

What is the response of Hogwarts Legacy director Alan Tew?

Alan Tew claimed, "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," as per IGN. 

'I’m outta the loop': Internet debates on whether they should buy Hogwarts Legacy

The Internet is engaging in serious discussion over this news. A user said, "Awwwwwwww. The outcry because of Hogwarts Legacy makes me want to buy that game even though i was never an HP fan." Another added, "Since I see a lot of posts regarding Hogwarts Legacy from trans/LGBTQ+ creators, I would like to make a suggestion. You’re not going to hurt JK by not playing the game, she’s got her money from the franchise already. So why not kill two birds with one stone. Play the game." A user stated, "I’m outta the loop, but I assume all the controversy around Hogwarts Legacy is because you can’t play as the goat?" Someone noted, "due to the fact that her work is old, it isn't getting publicized so you can't stop her books from getting sold as a protest. Hogwarts Legacy isn't transphobic per se, obviously, but the person behind it is and she deserves people going against her."

However, some people were seen speaking in support of the video game. A user noted, "When people who tried to boycott Hogwarts Legacy realize, that they just promoted it for free." Another said, "Hogwarts Legacy is so fun Omg." A user wrote, "Hogwarts Legacy is the Harry Potter-universe-related video game that I’ve always wanted to play. Lumos is my favorite spell to cast so far; the animation and sound on it is just like on the movies." 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.