Following a controversy that sees Harry Potter author, J.K. Rowling, getting flak over her transphobic sentiments on the social media, Warner Bros. Games laid out Hogwarts Legacy FAQ that mentions of the author’s influence in the project.
The issue arose in light of a book release which Joanne Rowling herself penned under a different pseudonym, Robert Galbraith. The book titled “Troubled Blood,” features a cross-dressing serial killer who masquerades as a woman.
A Word to the Audience
In an attempt to appeal to the audiences who vow not to by the game due to the author’s connection to the game, the FAQ tackles Rowling’s role in it. Specifically, the game development company downplays her part in it, merely acknowledging her as the mind behind the game’s universe. A fact that will be the foundation of all projects that revolve around the Wizarding World.
Q: What is J.K. Rowling’s involvement with the game? Is this a new story from J.K. Rowling?
A: J.K. Rowling is not directly involved in the creation of the game, however, her extraordinary body of writing is the foundation of all projects in the Wizarding World.
This is not a new story from J.K. Rowling.
As for the game itself, as it appears that it takes place long before the events at Harry Potter. A prequel that J.K. Rowling might not really had partaken in. An idea that could, somehow, save the game from losing a significant player base.
Controversial Author
Used to be a beloved writer who gave birth to a phenomenal series of books, J.K. Rowling had been getting on the bad side of the LGBTQ community. An issue mostly stemming from her stern view against transgenders. Pointing to male trannies, specifically, whom she once referred to as “men in dresses” and, indirectly, people who don’t menstruate.
As the author’s following is spread across different demographics, the resulting aftermath of the controversy has some of her fans choosing to boycott the game. An aftereffect of the recently named trend that is the “cancel culture”.
While, in practice, the cancel culture is not particularly different from an old means of protesting against a public figure, its naming is definitely something new. The term itself got its name from a social media trend propagated by the black community as an act of dissent against certain types of individuals.
The cancel culture draws from previous movements, such as the #MeToo campaign, that demand accountability from public figures. Typically, involving politicians and celebrities who were delved in scandals.
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