Hogwarts Legacy has already topped the best-selling lists on multiple game platforms, including Steam and the PlayStation Store. Many gamers widely anticipated the release of the action-adventure RPG, as it has been teased as one of the most in-depth video game adaptions in recent years. Although, the game is receiving criticism from critics of Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, whose hurtful and transphobic comments have soured the Harry Potter franchise - and new Wizarding World products - that use her work. While Hogwarts Legacy has attempted to navigate the controversy by toting the addition of diverse character customization options, there's not enough substance to remedy the issues at play.
Hogwarts Legacy appears to have been developed with player freedom and customization in mind - going so far as to set the game in the 1800s. In addition, the game has received positive user reviews, specifically for the expansive open world, the dynamic spell-casting system, and the creation of an authentic Hogwarts experience. Even still, while the Harry Potter books are nowhere to be seen in Hogwarts Legacy, J.K. Rowling's influence is difficult to overcome. In fact, one voice actor in Hogwarts Legacy is a controversial figure and public supporter of J.K. Rowling, creating doubt about if the game has done enough to distance itself.
Hogwarts Legacy's Character Customization System Undercuts Any Open Support For The Trans Community
Although Hogwarts Legacy has been under scrutiny ever since the game was announced, developer Avalanche Software has performed a delicate balancing act. While the Warner Bros Studio-owned game studio has worked to distance itself from J.K Rowling's transphobic rhetoric, they have benefited from the use of her IP. Gamers have been strongly divided by the game, with some fans even taking to editing the Hogwarts Legacy Wikipedia page to reflect their beliefs that the game itself is transphobic as well. Avalanche Software and Warner Bros have been quoted as showing support for the Trans community through the game's gender-neutral character customization options, but the system lacks nuance.
For instance, while Hogwarts Legacy does not overtly refer to gender norms during the character customization process, the preset options are firmly fixed along the gender binary and players cannot change body type, height, and more. Compared to more sophisticated character creation systems in games like Cyberpunk 2077, there are no advanced options in Hogwarts Legacy to make a character's identity outwardly presented, especially if players want a fully androgynous or gender-fluid appearance. To add to this, if a player chooses a feminine character preset, many of the outfits in the game then include skirts and other femme clothing. On the other hand, players using masculine presets are seemingly not able to wear skirts or other femme accessories.
Hogwarts Legacy Player Customization Should Not Engage In The Same Erasure J.K. Rowling Endorses
Although the lack of gendered language in the character customization system is a big step forward, this creates more potential for Trans erasure in Hogwarts Legacy. While the use of only "they" pronouns is gender-neutral by definition, some Trans folks use a mix of pronouns or a specific set. Another example is seen in how the Hogwarts dormitories are set. During the character customization process, players must choose for their character to either be a "Witch" or "Wizard." Not only is this gendered language, but there is no reason why the dormitories need to be gender-segregated in the first place. Both points demonstrate the nuances of holistic Trans and gender-neutral representation.
Fortunately, there is still time for Hogwarts Legacy to add sophisticated character customization mechanics - especially those that support the layered identities of Queer and Trans individuals. I Was A Teenage Exocolonist is an excellent example of how to meld player freedom with storytelling. It could also provide inspiration for how Hogwarts Legacy can avoid the erasure of complex identities that J.K. Rowling has encouraged. For instance, Hogwarts Legacy could include the addition of customizable pronouns and the freedom for characters to wear the clothing they most identify with in a future update. NPC students in the game should break free from gender stereotypes as well.
Hogwarts Legacy is available now for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. Ports for PS4 and Xbox One will release on April 4, and Nintendo Switch on July 25.
