Hogwarts Legacy Has Been Banned From Speedrunning Events
There will be no running through the corridors of Hogwarts this year, as any fast-paced trotting is completely out of bounds.
Despite the overwhelming success of Avalanche Software's Hogwarts Legacy, a troll in the dungeon has caused quite a disturbance against what could have been the most magical of Great Feasts the Wizarding World has ever seen.
Now, the overarching Ministry of Magic has been stupefied by many bodies around the globe, and the game industry is expelliarmus-ing Hogwarts Legacy from speedrunning events.
Disclaimer: While the creator of the Harry Potter franchise was not directly involved in the creation of Hogwarts Legacy, their comments on social media around transgender people are hurtful and dangerous given the size of their platform.
We’d implore you to read our explainer of the controversy so far, and consider supporting trans rights charities where possible.
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Why Is Hogwarts Legacy Banned From Speedrunning Events?
Click to enlargeFlying through the rings into the RPG category, Hogwarts Legacy was destined to be overrun by adrenaline junkies looking to cast spells at break-neck speed. To no surprise, speedrunning has already begun to become popular.
However, if players were hoping to put their best efforts into a competitive market, it's not looking likely. Leading speedrunning charity event Games Done Quick has banned Hogwarts Legacy from featuring in its upcoming and any future events.
The charity placed Hogwarts Legacy on the list of "Disallowed Games." The 2023 title joins a growing list alongside the entire Five Nights at Freddy's series and 2005's God of War. There are plenty more, including any game with an ESRB rating of Adults Only.
All Harry Potter Games Banned From Speedrunning competitions
If all of that wasn't enough to rub the Floo powder into their wounds, it also placed a blanket ban on every other Harry Potter game that's been released or could be in the future. As pointed out by The Gamer, GDQ hasn't made an announcement but has added Hogwarts Legacy as an amendment.
According to the GDQ website, disallowed games "have content, views, or an origin that we have deemed unsuitable for our stream." It's clear to see this is a vocal stand against the controversial views of Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling.
Given that anti-Hogwarts Legacy people have been widely outspoken on Twitch, it's no big surprise that the event wanted to disconnect itself from Rowling and her universe. This will allow competitors to focus on other titles and speedrunning favourites like Super Mario 64.