Anonymous sources have confirmed to Bloomberg that Avalanche Software is working on a new Harry Potter game, after discussing controversy surrounding comments made by author J.K.Rowling .
Prior to the cancellation of E3 2020, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment (also known as WB Games) were reportedly planning to show new games. These included the previously teased new Batman game, a new title from Rocksteady, and a Harry Potter game.
Now, Bloomberg reports “according to two people currently working on it” that a new Harry Potter game is in development. The developer is Avalanche Software (Disney Infinity); closed by Disney Interactive Studios in 2016, and acquired and re-opened by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment in 2017.
Along with confirmed leaked footage of the game from 2018 was genuine (though “most of” the rumors since then are not); the anonymous pair reportedly stated the game is (in Bloomberg’s words) “a big-budget Harry Potter game that will let players role-play as wizards and roam a vast, open-world re-creation of Hogwarts and its surrounding areas.”
The game is set to be revealed this year, some time after the DC FanDome in August, when the new Batman game will supposedly be revealed “a person with knowledge of the plans” stated. It is unclear whether the individual is one of the anonymous pair, or another who would know of Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment’s plans.
Avalanche Software staff reportedly felt “uncomfortable and sparked private discussions” when studio management did not address a recent controversy surrounding Harry Potter author J.K.Rowling.
Rowling had taken issue with an article that used the term “people who menstruate“to differentiate between women and male to female transgender women.
“The ‘inclusive’ language that calls female people ‘menstruators’ and ‘people with vulvas’ strikes many women as dehumanising and demeaning,” Rowling stated in a post on her website. “I understand why trans activists consider this language to be appropriate and kind, but for those of us who’ve had degrading slurs spat at us by violent men, it’s not neutral, it’s hostile and alienating.”
The new Harry Potter game will allegedly launch late 2021 for PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X. This is in spite of AT&T reportedly looking to sell Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment’s gaming division for $4 billion USD.
We will keep you informed as we learn more.
Image: Twitter
