Hogwarts Legacy: website created to track which streamers have played the game sparks debate

Hogwarts Legacy’s existence has been a controversial one ever since it was first revealed, and a tool created to avoid supporting streamers who’ve played the game has now divided the internet.

In the months building up to the game’s release, many gamers have made it known that they won’t be supporting Hogwarts Legacy due to its connection to J.K. Rowling - the Harry Potter author has previously been criticised for making harmful comments about the transgender community. Now, as Dexerto reports, one web developer has made a website called ‘Have they streamed THAT wizard game?’, which allows users to check if anyone they follow on Twitch has streamed Hogwarts Legacy.

The response to this has been very divided. Some thanked the creator for making the tool, as they wanted to ensure that they weren’t following any streamers who support the game.

Introducing https://t.co/q3Qq5j7f0M - find out if anyone you follow on twitch has streamed THAT new wizard game pic.twitter.com/i1VIBU64dk

— Sam Gibbs (@iamsamgibbs) February 6, 2023

“Thank you for this. I don't feel comfortable with people who support this game and I do NOT want to support people who don't value my trans friends and family,” @paintycup said. “This is amazing,” @TTVShyteHawk added.

Meanwhile, others suggested that there could be more beneficial ways of supporting trans people, and that the tool could do more harm than good.

“This is the wrong way to go about this. If you REALLY want to protest this game, stream LGBTQ+ voices on why the game harms them and classify the stream as the Hogwarts game. Record it and stream it on repeat,” @NoFilterGames wrote. “While I totally understand wanting to protect your space… And I’m sure it wasn’t your intent, but this website (and clearly the comments here) target streamers. Just seems like a tool that will be used to harass others. How is that productive?” questioned @CrochetCali.

Just yesterday, Shelby and Matt of Girlfriend Reviews were heavily criticised by their Twitch chat for streaming the game, despite the fact that their stream was supporting The Trevor Project, a charity which provides support for young LGBTQ+ people. Since then though, many have taken to social media to support the pair, with one asking others to "give them a break".