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We're only a few days away from going back to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry once again... but this time everyone is included.
While open-world role-playing game Hogwarts Legacy is set in the 1800s, well before Harry Potter's time, you could consider it ahead of its time.
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There's a shake-up coming for JK Rowling's Wizarding World in the form of a transgender character in the wake of several transphobic remarks from the author in recent years.
Let us to introduce you to Sirona Ryan, the NPC owner of the Three Broomsticks pub in Hogsmeade.
During one quest the helpful publican explains how she knows a goblin named Lodgok and reveals some of her background story in the process.
"Hadn’t seen him in years when he came in a few months ago. But, he recognized me instantly," she says, as per GameRevolution.
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"Which is more than I can say for some of my own classmates. Took them a second to realise I was actually a witch, not a wizard."
Game developers have assured fans JK Rowling was 'not involved in the creation of the game', according to the RPG's official website.
The site goes on to add: "While remaining true to JK Rowling’s original vision, Portkey game developers chart new territory by creating fresh ways for fans to immerse themselves in the Wizarding World."
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Rowling initially made headlines back in 2020 when she wrote on Twitter: "If sex isn't real, there's no same-sex attraction.
"If sex isn't real, the lived reality of women globally is erased.
"I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives."
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As a result, Rowling was panned by many and labelled a TERF (a trans-exclusionary radical feminist), or a feminist who rejects the assertion that trans women are women, the inclusion of trans women in women's spaces, and transgender rights legislation.
Her comments saw Harry Potter stars like Daniel Radcliffe speak out against her to declare trans women are women and that they should be supported.
In October 2021, Rowling doubled down in her condemnation of pro-trans rights activists after a 'Let Women Speak’ event in Brighton, England, turned violent.
But, like it or lump it, Rowling, get ready to meet Sirona Ryan.
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Hogwarts Legacy drops on February 10 worldwide for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC.
It'll be available on PS4 and Xbox One on April 4, followed by Nintendo Switch on July 25.
Topics: JK Rowling, Gaming, Harry Potter
Rachel Lang