The soon to be released Harry Potter-themed video game “Hogwarts Legacy” will feature the franchise’s first transgender character.
This highly anticipated open-world role-playing game is set in the 1800s Wizarding World, which was originally dreamed up by billionaire author J.K. Rowling. The new game will introduce players to the character Sirona Ryan, proprietor of the Three Broomsticks pub in Hogsmeade Village, per a report from Variety. That’s where players learn how classmates may be confused at first to find that Sirona had “transitioned.”
When the player asks Sirona about a goblin named Lodgok, the character apparently replies, “Hadn’t seen him in years when he came in a few months ago. But, he recognized me instantly. Which is more than I can say for some of my own classmates. Took them a second to realize I was actually a witch, not a wizard.”
The publication notes how this immersive game invites players to explore Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, the Forbidden Forest and the surrounding Overland area as they work on spells and potions.
“Players will experience life as a student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the 1800s as they embark on a dangerous journey to uncover a hidden truth of the wizarding world,” the game description says. “They will grow their magical abilities by mastering spells, brewing potions, taming magical beasts and more.”
Game creators note how Rowling was not involved with the video game’s development.
“J.K. Rowling is not involved in the creation of the game,” the FAQ page on the game’s official site says.
“While remaining true to J.K. Rowling’s original vision, Portkey game developers chart new territory by creating fresh ways for fans to immerse themselves in the Wizarding World.”
Rowling’s non-involvement is noteworthy as she’s become an outspoken critic of left-wing gender theory and has been labeled by the Left as a “TERF” (trans-exclusionary radical feminist) for defending the rights of women. While some of the “Harry Potter” actors came to her defense, most distanced themselves from the series creator and pledged their allegiance to the pro-trans movement instead.
Despite pushback from her fanbase and the media, Rowling has stood firm in her convictions.
“Men defining what a woman is, what women should and shouldn’t fear, what women should and shouldn’t say, what rights women should be fine with giving up and, of course, what constitutes ‘real’ misogyny: get a bloody mirror,” she tweeted recently. “That’s real misogyny, looking right back at you.”
“Hogwarts Legacy” is scheduled to launch February 10 worldwide for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. It will be available later in the year on PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.