Hogwarts Legacy already broke a record before official release despite controversy

Hogwarts Legacy has not been officially released, but the game has already broken records.

Based on the beloved book and film series, the open world role-playing game allows Harry Potter fans to delve into the Wizarding World like never before.

Releasing this Friday (10 February), gamers will be able to explore Hogwarts on broomsticks and learn to cast spells such as the killing curse, 'Avada Kedavra'.

Hogwarts Legacy has already broken records with the Deluxe edition being released on Tuesday (7 February).

It quickly became Steam’s number 1 presale games with over 489,000 players - a record only beaten by Cyberpunk 2077.

While that number is still rising, it has also become the most watched single player game on streaming site, Twitch.

Hogwarts Legacy is expected sell over 10 million copies, even after being delayed twice and the controversy surrounding its release.

Warner Bros Games

Some fans have even called for a boycott of Hogwarts Legacy after author JK Rowling’s trans-phobic comments in 2020.

At the time, the Harry Potter author made headlines after a tweet that read: "If sex isn't real, there's no same-sex attraction. If sex isn't real, the lived reality of women globally is erased."

She continued: "I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives."

Because of this Avalanche and Warner Brothers, the developers behind the game, have tried to distance themselves from the author.

PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

Not only was she not involved in the game’s production, the developers have included an openly transgender character, Sirona Ryan, which is a first for the Wizarding World.

The NPC will be the owner of the Three Broomsticks pub in Hogsmeade and gamers will be able learn about her backstory during a quest.

According to the RPG's official website: "While remaining true to JK Rowling’s original vision, Portkey game developers chart new territory by creating fresh ways for fans to immerse themselves in the Wizarding World."

Warner Bros Games

Though the developers have tried to be more inclusive, some fans are still calling for a boycott of Hogwarts Legacy.

Others have claimed that the inclusion of a trans character is so the franchise can rebrand itself away from its controversial creator.

One fan has even criticised the trans character’s limited screen time, writing on Twitter: “I'm told they added a token trans NPC to pivot the conversation away from JKR. They're barely in it.”

For those still eager to join the Wizarding World, Hogwarts Legacy is out tomorrow (10 February) on Playstation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC.