Early copies ofHogwarts Legacyare seemingly out in the wild, with a fan channel dedicated to providing updates about the fast-approaching open-worldHarry Pottertitle assuring followers that no spoilers will make it to their feed from them. The highly-anticipatedHogwarts Legacyis not due to release for up to months depending on the platform, but it’s not uncommon for early copies to be distributed by retailers on accident.Hogwarts Legacyis at the height of online cultural discourse and, as is typically the case, not for the best of reasons. Controversies have followed Avalanche Software’s foray into the Wizarding World since it was first announced and the debates have only intensified as its launch nears. ResetEra recently decided toban any and all discussion ofHogwarts Legacyon the popular gaming forum, citing that J.K Rowling “uses the influence and money gained from her success withHarry Potterto push transphobic legislation.” It was the most recent flashpoint in a saga that is only likely to explode with recent reports of leaks.RELATED:Hogwarts Legacy Insider Answers Fan QuestionsThe news comes courtesy of Hogwarts Legacy World, a fan page on Twitter dedicated to “further insights and analysis on all updates” that pertain toHogwarts Legacy. It states that following the distribution of early copies, “Hogwarts Legacyis beginning to leak online.” Subsequently, “to minimize leaks being shared with this community we will be disabling comments from now until launch.” The image also suggests that fans wishing not to be spoiled change their Twitter accounts to “‘private’ and mute keywords such as ‘Hogwarts Legacy.'”
HogwartsLegacyis no stranger to leaks, and discoveries made last year about a possible Goblin rebellion led some to criticize the game for playing into antisemitic stereotypes. The developers have tried to distance themselves from Rowling, stating that their game is intended to be inclusive. It is arguably a clear indication thatfutureHarry Pottergames should be as divorcedfrom the author as possible.
The leaks could prove quite damaging toHogwarts Legacygiven it is still nearly two weeks away from launch. Furthermore,PS4 and Xbox One owners will have to waituntil early April to access the title, as the last-gen versions were delayed to “deliver the best possible game experience across all platforms.”
Hogwarts Legacylaunches February 10 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, April 4 for PS4 and Xbox One, and July 25 for Nintendo Switch.
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