Follow-up to our open letter regarding the launch of Hogwarts Legacy

On the 3rd of February, 2023, Out Making Games wrote an open letter regarding the launch of Hogwarts Legacy and re-affirming our support for the trans community.

In it, we called on the game’s studios and publishers WB Games, Portkey Games and Avalanche Software to show their solidarity with the trans community by making a clear public statement of their support and making a significant public donation to trans charities. The letter was sent to key individuals at the studios and published across numerous sites and social networks.

Whilst Out Making Games acknowledge a transgender character was incorporated into the title, to date we have received no response from anyone associated with the game, that any form of donation has been made to support the transgender community or charities - something that would actually make a difference.

This month, it was reported that the Hogwarts Legacy sold over 12 million copies within its first two weeks of launch, amounting to a reported $850m in sales. Whilst the title was born from the hard work and effort of a team of many game developers and workers over multiple years who should be commended, it is undeniable that its sales will increase Rowling's already substantial personal wealth. This will further enable her to spread disinformation, support transphobic organisations and campaigns, and amplify her words which materially hurt the trans community.

So, once again we call on WB Games, Portkey Games and Avalanche Software to show their solidarity with the trans community by making a clear public statement of their support and making a significant public donation to trans charities.

If trans rights are an issue you care about or you’d like to understand more, read up on J. K. Rowling’s history of transphobic activism. Trans and non-binary people account for less than 0.7% of the UK population yet Rowling continues to use her privilege to punch down on them. 41% of trans people in the UK have reported experiencing a hate crime or incident because of their gender identity within a 12-month period. 92% of trans young people have thought about taking their own life.

You can also show your support for the trans community by donating whatever you can afford to a trans charity of your choice. UK charities which support the trans community include Mermaids, Gendered Intelligence, Stonewall UK and AKT.

The original letter addressing the release of Hogwarts Legacy can be read here.

Out Making Games - (“OMG”), is the UK’s network of LGBTQ+ games professionals.