'Trans Witches Are Witches' Bundle Raises Thousands
A video game bundle titled Trans Witches Are Witches has raised tens of thousands in protest of J.K. Rowling and Hogwarts Legacy.
13th Feb 2023 11:50
Itch.io | Avalanche Software
'Trans Witches Are Witches' Bundle Raises Thousands
A video game bundle titled Trans Witches Are Witches has raised tens of thousands in protest of J.K. Rowling and Hogwarts Legacy.
13th Feb 2023 11:50
Itch.io | Avalanche Software
As a certain wizard game continues to make enough money to fill a goblin bank, there's been an uprising of gamers coming up with ways to raise money in opposition to Hogwarts Legacy.
After one streamer asked you to donate the cost of Avalanche Studios' game to transgender support causes, someone else has come up with a bundle of trans-inclusive games that raise money for LGBTQ+ creators.
Disclaimer: While the creator of the Harry Potter franchise was not directly involved in the creation of Hogwarts Legacy, their comments on social media around transgender people are hurtful and dangerous given the size of their platform.
We’d implore you to read our explainer of the controversy so far, and consider supporting trans rights charities where possible.
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What Is In The Trans Witches Are Witches Bundle?
For those who've decided to boycott Hogwarts Legacy over the views of Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, you can head over to Itch.io and enjoy the "Trans Witches Are Witches" bundle.
Boasting the same $60 price tag as Hogwarts Legacy, the bundle offers 69 games. The description reads: "A bundle of witchcraft and wizardry without the transphobia, antisemitism, and alt-right grifters. Reject Hogwarts Legacy's bigotry and support independent LGBTQ+ creators."
So what do you get in the bundle? There are 24 digital games and 41 physical tabletops. Importantly, the "Trans Witches Are Witches" bundle also addresses the complaints that Hogwarts Legacy's goblin villains fall into antisemitic tropes.
At the time of writing, the "Trans Witches Are Witches" bundle has raised over $80,000. The main bundle has been paired with the smaller "Apprentice Edition," which has raised a further $11,000. It's been organised by Kritiqal - a games criticism outlet. Proceeds are split equally between each of the creators.
The Wizarding World Is Split Over Hogwarts Legacy
There's been a fierce argument from both sides when it comes to Hogwarts Legacy, with one being told they went too far with a site that exposed streamers for playing the fantasy title. This led to Shelby from Girlfriend Reviews leaving a stream in tears.
Felix "xQc" Lengyel has slammed those over the Girlfriend Reviews situation, while Zack "Asmongold" Hoyt has also been criticised for playing. Then again, Rachell "Valkyrae" Hofstetter hasn't been playing, adding: "I feel like I have a large audience and I want to be careful. I don't want to like, hurt anybody."
Although the official Hogwarts Legacy site official declared Rowling was "not involved in the creation of the game," the fact she was ultimately paid for the IP has left Warner Bros. Interactive in an awkward position.
The 2022 release of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore led to a critical and commercial panning, however, it largely avoided the whole trans debate. Elsewhere, Hogwarts Legacy has found itself in more hot water due to the divisive inclusion of a trans witch called Sirona Ryan.
Whether you're playing Hogwarts Legacy or not, for some, the decision to pick up a controller is harder than choosing whether to go Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, or Ravenclaw.
About The Author
Tom Chapman
Tom is Trending News Editor at GGRecon, with an NCTJ qualification in Broadcast Journalism and over seven years of experience writing about film, gaming, and television. With bylines at IGN, Digital Spy, Den of Geek, and more, Tom’s love of horror means he's well-versed in all things Resident Evil, with aspirations to be the next Chris Redfield.
