Hogwarts Legacy will allow players to create a transgender character, according to a report by Bloomberg.
The upcoming open-world game based on the Harry Potter series will feature various customisation options, allowing for trans representation within Hogwarts Legacy. Players will be able to customise voice, body type and gender placement, with each option not being exclusive to another. The information comes from sources close to the game’s development, who, according to Bloomberg, wish to remain anonymous.
Players will also get to decide whether they’re a “witch” or a “wizard”, which will ultimately determine what dorm they’ll stay in at Hogwarts. While it sounds like Hogwarts Legacy is going to be reasonably gender-inclusive, the same can’t be said for the franchises’ creator, J.K Rowling. The author has made various transphobic comments in the past and has actively supported anti-trans viewpoints.
According to WB Games, JK Rowling isn’t directly involved with the game. The company made the following statement last year, shortly after the game’s reveal:
“JK Rowling is not directly involved in the creation of the game, however, her extraordinary body of writing is the foundation of all projects in the Wizarding World. This is not a new story from JK Rowling.“
Sadly, it looks like Rowling isn’t the only problematic figure associated with Hogwarts Legacy.
Last month, journalist Liam Robertson revealed that the game’s lead designer, Troy Leavitt, is a far-right YouTuber. Leavitt allegedly used to make videos supporting anti-feminist views, many of which support the gamergate community. ResetEra has placed “a total ban on threads for promotional media” in response to the revelation about the game’s designer and Rowling’s previous comments.
Harry Potter original entered the gaming scene in 2001 with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Hogwarts Legacy is set to be an entirely new experience. It features an 1800’s aesthetic and open-world mechanics.
The news about the game’s inclusive character creator is a step in the right direction, but Hogwarts Legacy will likely still be overshadowed by its controversy.
Hogwarts Legacy is coming to PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC in 2022. Will you be making a trans character in Hogwarts Legacy?
Featured Image Credit: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment