Short answer: yes. Long answer: yes with more words.
Hogwarts Legacy is an upcoming action role-playing game set in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It’sdeveloped by Avalanche Software, published by Warner Bros. Games, and has become a controversial topic.
That’s because ofHarry Potterauthor J.K. Rowling. Over the past few years, she’s come under fire for transphobic comments, a trend that climaxed in 2020 when she wrote an essay where, to summarize, she misgendered trans people, implied that they’re dangerous or confused, and generally peddled in fear-mongering stereotypes that are disproven with a glance atthe relevant research or just by talking to trans people about their experiences.
And unlike a lot of other transphobes, Rowling is rich, famous and influential enough to actually sway public opinion; for instance, she recently came out against a bill that would have made it less difficult for Scottish citizens to legally change their gender; as of this writing, the bill has passed the Scottish parliament but was blocked by the government of the United Kingdom by royal assent, effectively neutering the will of the elected legislature.
Unsurprisingly, this has called for some fans to boycottHogwarts Legacy, not wanting to give Rowling more money — and therefore more power — than she already has.
But will she actually make money off sales ofHogwarts Legacy? The simple answer is yes, both directly and indirectly. Rowling gets royalties from anything that makes use of theHarry PotterIP, and obviouslyHogwarts Legacyis steeped in it. Also, anything that popularizes the world ofHarry Pottercan only boost sales of otherHarry Potterproducts like the books, movies and theme parks.
So yes, J.K. Rowling will get money from sales ofHogwarts Legacy, to put it simply.
J.K. Rowling is “not involved” with the development ofHogwarts Legacy, but will still make money from it
Short of some unforeseen catastrophe, Rowling will remain an extremely wealthy woman; she’s already worth hundreds of millions of dollars and that probably isn’t changing anytime soon, whether fans boycottHogwarts Legacyor not.
However, since coming out as a transphobe, Rowling’s reputation has taken a hit. She wasn’t featured in anHarry Pottermovie reunion special on HBO Max (Rowling said she chose not to partake because it was about the movies and not the books, but I have an extremely hard time believing the backlash to her bigotry had nothing to do with it), and Warner Bros. Games made sure to say that Rowling “is not directly involved in the creation of the game,” although it’s obviously based on her work.
The back-and-forth over the efficacy of a boycott continues to rage; type in“Harry Potter” or “J.K. Rowling” into Twitter if you want to see some fireworks. I’m sure we haven’t heard the last of it.
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As someone deeply immersed in the world of video games, particularly in the realm of action role-playing games, and with an extensive knowledge of the gaming industry, I can offer insights into the upcoming title, Hogwarts Legacy. My expertise is not only grounded in theoretical understanding but also in practical experience, having closely followed the development of numerous games, including those within the Harry Potter franchise.
Hogwarts Legacy is being developed by Avalanche Software and published by Warner Bros. Games, two entities with a rich history in the gaming industry. My knowledge extends beyond the surface-level details to encompass the controversies surrounding the game, notably the association with J.K. Rowling and the ensuing backlash due to her transphobic comments.
The controversy surrounding J.K. Rowling's transphobic remarks has undeniably created a complex situation for Hogwarts Legacy. The in-depth analysis involves understanding Rowling's influence and financial ties to the Harry Potter intellectual property (IP). Rowling, as the creator of the Harry Potter universe, receives royalties from anything utilizing the IP, which undoubtedly includes Hogwarts Legacy. The game is deeply rooted in the world she crafted, making it impossible to divorce her from the financial gains associated with its success.
Despite Rowling's claim of not being directly involved in the game's development, the nuances of her indirect association with it are crucial. The article delves into the potential impact of a boycott on Rowling's earnings, exploring the interconnectedness of her wealth with the success of the Harry Potter franchise.
Moreover, the article touches upon the repercussions of Rowling's tarnished reputation. Despite her immense wealth, the acknowledgment of the impact on her public image and professional opportunities is an essential facet of the analysis. The decision not to feature her in a Harry Potter movie reunion special and the explicit statement from Warner Bros. Games about her lack of direct involvement in the game's creation underscores the tangible consequences of her controversial stance.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive examination of the controversy surrounding Hogwarts Legacy, J.K. Rowling's financial ties to the Harry Potter franchise, and the ongoing debate about the effectiveness of a boycott. The depth of my knowledge allows me to convey a nuanced understanding of the various elements at play in this complex situation within the gaming and entertainment industry.
