The upcoming Harry Potter game, Hogwarts Legacy, will be trans inclusive

This story about inclusion at Hogwarts, boiled down, in 1:40 minutes.

What's the fuss?

Many are excited for the release of 2022's Hogwarts Legacy, a role-playing video game set in the world of Harry Potter. The ability to create trans characters is a win for inclusion, despite the author's transphobic comments. 

The situation

Excitement surrounding the upcoming Harry Potter video game stems from allowing players to create their own witch or wizard and enrolling in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. From getting sorted into a House, attending classes, and even hitting the Quidditch pitch, fans will be able to fully immerse themselves in the world.

According to Bloomberg, the game will allow players to customize their character's voice ("masculine" or "feminine") regardless of body type, as well as selecting gender placement. This option determines the dorm they get place in as well as how the player character is addressed by others.

Boiling it down

Although trans inclusion has existed in video games since the 80s, trans representation in video games is not completely commonplace. Video games do have their limitations in regards to the customization options they can give players on a technical level.

For the Harry Potter franchise, trans inclusion is noteworthy. Last year, the author behind the franchise was criticized for being transphobic, causing many to protest the game due to her stance. With the announcement of trans character customization as well as an official statement that J.K. Rowling has no direct involvement with the game, Hogwarts Legacy looks like it plans on being a precedent towards normalizing the inclusion of trans people in gaming.

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