New Details About the Upcoming Harry Potter RPG Revealed, Including JK Rowling Backlash

Interested in the upcoming Harry Potter AAA game? Here's what we know so far.
This article is over 4 years old and may contain outdated information

Warner Bors. Interactive Entertainment is reportedly working on a massive Harry Potter RPG and while much of what this magical world will have to offer is still a secret, we do have new details as to what fans can expect. We also now know how the developers feel about the recent backlash regarding the author of the books and her commentary against part of the LGQTB+ community. 

Recommended Videos

According to a recent report from Bloomberg, the upcoming project is still unconfirmed but “very real” – as mentioned by two devs allegedly attached to this project – and according to them, this game is going to be massive and very exploratory. The RPG experience will be an immersive one, with never-before-seen areas to explore and a ton of new characters to meet alongside fan favorites. The plan is to launch late next year for all platforms, including next-gen consoles and is one of the major projects that Warner Bros. is currently invested in. 

Bloomberg reports that Warner Bros’ Avalanche Software is currently at the helm of this project with a completely open-world take on Hogwarts and the world around it. This game is also distanced from author J.K Rowling, a decision reinforced after the recent backlash when the author made a public statement against trans members of the community. 

“The studio’s management has not addressed recent comments from the author J.K. Rowling that were widely viewed as transphobic, the people said,” reads the report, though both Warner Bros. and Rowling have refused to comment. “The situation made some members of the team uncomfortable and sparked private discussions among staff over the pandemic water cooler, the workplace communication app Slack.”

This isn’t the first time Rowling has come under the spotlight in a negative way, she’s been previously accused of saying certain characters were a part of the LGQTB+ community post-launch to garner favor with a wider audience without actually giving those characters that same dillegence within the book series itself. Her actions and her past commentary has led many of her fans to believe the author is disingenuous when it comes to her approach to inclusivity, something that the devs and fans alike are struggling with when it comes to the upcoming game.

Related: Batman: Court of Owls Game By WB Teased Again

The upcoming Harry Potter RPG was initially meant to be showcased during this year’s E3, though COVID-19’s rapid spread has caused most events to be pushed back until next year. Because of that, the new reveal will be after the DC FanDome even wraps up, since that reveal will center around the upcoming Batman game under the same publishing umbrella. 

What do you hope to see most in the upcoming Harry Potter RPG? Does recent backlash with the author dim that excitement at all? Sound off with your thoughts over on Twitter @PrimaGames


Prima Games is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

About the Author

Liana Ruppert

With an arguably unhealthy obsession with Dragon Age and Mass Effect, Liana is wildly passionate about all things in the gaming community. From shooters, to RPGs, if it's out - she's playing it. A medically retired US Sailor and now full-time hoarder of gaming collectibles, Liana's passion for everything in the gaming industry is palpable. Also, if you lose her in a crowd, just casually mention any BioWare game and the crazy pterodactyl screech will without a doubt follow. You can follow her on Twitter @DirtyEffinHippy or email her for editorial inquiries at [email protected]!