A Twitch Streaming couple that was livestreaming their gameplay of Hogwarts Legacy, had to stop after receiving an influx of abuse from viewers.
Many Harry Potter fans have been excitedly awaiting Hogwarts Legacy, but it has also received a lot of negative press, with many calling for a boycott due to J.K. Rowling’s controversial past comments about trans people.
Some have claimed that an artist should be kept apart from their creations, while others have remained steadfast in their belief that by playing the game, people are accepting the remarks Rowling has made about gender identity, which led to accusations of transphobia against the author.
Due to the hostile remarks they received while livestreaming the game, streaming pair Matt and Shelby decided to stop playing mid-way through. According to a recording, Matt made the decision as the comments in the chat were “bothering” him.
“Maybe we can do a quick be right back, or a little break or something,” Shelby could be heard saying before breaking down in tears.
Before they began playing the game, they addressed the negative comments, saying that they knew people weren’t “feeling this choice.”
They continued: “If you go to our stream you’ll see we are raising money for the Trevor Project while we play this game we spent no money on. We’ll play it (again, for free) so you can know how it is without having to!”
But obviously, it didn’t go down well with viewers.
Some countered that harassing someone for participating in the game is not the most effective approach to support trans rights.
One person said, per UNILAD: “There are more effective ways to support #TransRights than to bully and harass content creators who want to play a game that means a lot to them. I grew up with Harry Potter and Hogwarts, I am also interested in playing the game…doesn’t mean I support JK Rowling’s views..
“I support people who want to boycott the game. I also respect people who want to play the game and not join in on the boycott because it’s not a cause they are passionate about. There’s other ways to get a message across, other than shaming, harassing, and bullying ppl online.
“I support trans people and their fight for equality. But the vitriol and negativity being thrown at people who want to relive their childhood through a video game is a bit much and counterproductive to the overall cause they are fighting for.”
While another said: “Ah, bullying innocent people who are just trying to have fun playing a game, definitely the way to get people to support your cause.”
Others, on the other hand, were certain that the game ought to be boycotted.
One said: “Shaming is actually a very efficient and valid way to express dissatisfaction on some issues. If there is shame to be had, then maybe some more introspection is necessary, don’t you think? If one feels shameful, maybe it means one understands the issue.”
“You also casually put money in the pockets of people who fight against them, but uh, whatever you do you I guess. Yeah HP was cool and all but I haven’t spent a dime on it since she showed her true colours. It’s not difficult,” another added.
While a third said: “If people want to play it’s their own prerogative. JK did say she sees sales as supporting her and her views so many are cutting ties with good reason. An effective way to support trans rights is not to give those who profit off their bigotry further money.”
