Harry Potter fans and gamers alike have been left disappointed with the latest video game installment, Hogwarts Legacy, due to a series of controversies that have emerged since its release on Friday. The role-playing game has faced widespread criticism for its links to J.K. Rowling, with many fans condemning her divisive views on trans rights. The latest issue with the game appears to be the omission of LGBTQ+ dialogue in its Russian-language version.
In the original game, character Nora Treadwell refers to the witch Priya Treadwell as “my wife”. However, the Russian subtitles of the game replace the word “wife” with “friend”. It is uncertain whether the change is due to an incorrect translation or a result of Russia’s ban on LGBTQ+ “propaganda”. The game is not expected to reach the Russian market due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Despite the lack of representation in the Russian version of the game, Hogwarts Legacy does feature LGBTQ+ characters. One of which, Sirona Ryan, is a trans witch who works as a barkeeper in the local tavern, The Three Broomsticks. Gamers have criticized the way Ryan has been included in the game, labeling the character “insincere”. Others have complained about the use of the honorific “sir” in Ryan’s name, with some fans deeming it offensive.
