Hogwarts Legacy Publisher Defends Transgender Witch
The great transgender debate of Hogwarts Legacy is bubbling like a Potions class cauldron, and as many vow to boycott the open-world Harry Potter game, its rave reviews are putting gaming outlets in a predicament.
While some are refusing to review the title, others (like ourselves) are judging Hogwarts Legacy on its own merits and trying to avoid the J.K. Rowling-shaped elephant in the room. Still, Avalanche software is trying to make steps toward transgender recognition.
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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Hogwarts Legacy Introduces A Transgender Witch
IGN gave Hogwarts Legacy a glowing review with a massive disclaimer denouncing the controversial author in the middle. As the site writes, "Rowling was not directly involved and there are good reasons (both in-game and out) to believe the developers at Avalanche don't necessarily share her views."
It's true that Hogwarts Legacy introduces the first transgender witch to the Wizarding World, with a seemingly throwaway character being more important than you'd first know.
When your character heads to Hogsmeade's the Three Broomsticks, you'll meet Sirona Ryan. It's only a small reference, but as Sirona says her classmates took some time to realise she "was actually a witch, not a wizard," it's a major moment for the trans community.
Despite Ryan's fleeting appearance, it's caused quite the stir. Now, a representative from publisher Portkey Games has explained her importance to IGN:
"The team felt that it was very important to create a game that is representative of the rich and diverse world of Harry Potter as well as the groups of people who play games, which includes the LGBTQIA+ community. We have a diverse cast of characters that players will encounter throughout the game."
Expanding on why Ryan wasn't included in the title's promotional materials, they continued, "As with most of the game, we want players to discover all of the different elements of the story and gameplay as they play through it."
Hogwarts Legacy Players React To Sirona Ryan
As you can imagine, the inclusion of Ryan has rattled both sides. One critic against inclusion said, "Childhood ruined cuz of forced agenda." Another grumbled, "I was looking forward to buying this game but didn't realise it got caught in the #Wokeness web! I'll stick with the films."
Even though some praised the inclusion of a trans witch, others claimed her name has male connotations. "Sirona Ryan was the compromise after JK spent 17 uninterrupted hours arguing for 'Amanda Stillaman,'" said one."
Another added, "Sirona Ryan won out, but runner up names included Misteria Kevinson and Manly Mansname." Someone said she falls into a classic HP trap:
"SIRona RYAN is a very fitting name for a trans Harry Potter character to go with the other offensive names like the only Asian character named Cho Chang, the only black character named Kingsley Shacklebolt and the only Jewish character named Anthony Goldstein."
Ultimately, the developers were never going to win this one. Despite Warner Bros. Interactive repeatedly trying to distance itself from Rowling, the game has become forever shackled to her controversial views. Poor Sirona Ryan, she never stood a chance.