WB Games Clarifies J.K. Rowling’s Role in Upcoming Hogwarts Legacy RPG

Spencer Baculi |

Sep 18, 2020

Amid the recent outrage towards Harry Potter scribe J.K. Rowling due to her views on transgenderism, WB Games has clarified the extent of the author’s involvement with the recently announced Hogwarts Legacy video game.

Announced on September 16^th, Hogwarts Legacy is an upcoming RPG set in the Harry Potter universe that will allow players to enroll in the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry during the 1800s and embark on their own personal journey of magic, discovery, and adventure.

However, due to the ever-growing backlash against Rowling’s outspoken criticism of transgender social politics and defense of biological gender, WB Games felt the need to clarify the level of involvement the series’ creator would have in the game.

On the game’s official FAQ page, in response to a question that inquired “What is J.K. Rowling’s involvement with the game?” and “Is this a new story from J.K. Rowling?”, WB Games stated that “J.K. Rowling is not directly involved in the creation of the game”.

The studio then explained that “however, her extraordinary body of writing is the foundation of all projects in the Wizarding World,” and clarified that Hogwarts Legacy “is not a new story from J.K. Rowling.”

WB Games’ attempt to distance their game from Rowling was echoed by Collider in their tweet promoting their own coverage of the game’s announcement, as the entertainment news outlet attributed the series’ creation to the director of the Harry Potter film adaptations, Chris Columbus.

Hogwarts Legacy is set for a 2021 release.

What do you make of WB Games’ clarification? Do you agree with their distancing from Rowling? Let us know on social media or in the comments down below!