The Harry Potter RPG that became 2023’s best-selling game despite boycott attempts. Avalanche Software’s open-world action-RPG, announced September 2020, released February 10, 2023, sold 22+ million copies in 2023.

Controversy & Success

J.K. Rowling anti-trans comments led to boycott campaigns (“don’t stream/buy”). However, massive sales ($850M revenue first 2 weeks) proved IP’s enduring appeal. Top Twitch game at launch despite many streamers avoiding it.

Gameplay Excellence

1890s Hogwarts setting, character creation, house sorting, attending classes, exploring castle/Hogsmeade/Forbidden Forest. Combat combined spells, dodge mechanics, ancient magic. 84/100 Metacritic—solid but not groundbreaking.

Cultural Divide

Became litmus test for Harry Potter fandom. “Boycott Hogwarts Legacy” vs “separate art from artist” debates. The hashtag split: gameplay clips, exploration screenshots vs social justice discussions.

Sources: 22M sales Warner Bros report, Revenue figures NY Times