The controversial debut of Hogwarts Legacy produced something stunning: a trans-affirming bundle of games about witches and wizards at the same price point of the mainstream wizard school AAA game. The Trans Witches are Witches bundle, hosted on itch.io, offers over $300 worth of magic-related games.
For many Jewish and queer gamers and their allies, this is a fantastic alternative to the Rowling-affiliated game, which critics indicate supports transphobia and antisemitism.
As of February 15, the game bundle has surpassed $192,000 in sales — that represents a lot of financial support to marginalized creators, particularly those in the indie space. The trans witch games bundle includes 68 games: tabletop, physical, video, story, and more.
Reasons to Avoid Hogwarts Legacy
Like all new releases, it still has some bugs. It’s got its first patch, but the jury’s out on whether it’s fixed performance issues on PCs.
Why is Hogwarts Legacy being boycotted? Because Harry Potter Author J.K. Rowling is outspoken against the transgender community. Additionally, characterization of goblin characters and a game object resembling a Jewish shofar have furthered claims of antisemitism, while in real life, hate crimes against trans and Jewish people rise.
The lead developer of Hogwarts Legacy was allegedly affiliated with anti-feminist movement GamerGate.
What Are the Best Games in the Bundle?
While every game in the bundle is magical and the variety great, there are several standout games in the bunch.
- To the Wolves by E.K White: This text-based adventure is about a witchy girl who is offered up as a sacrifice to the wolves! Beautifully written, the description in this work is palpable. If you like story games, give this one a try.
- Tarot: Theo’s Quest by Appa’s Papas is a cute, simple video game that lets you become a witch and duel other witches. This BIPOC-positive journey is all about expressing yourself through magic.
- Polymute by Linker: With vibrant colors, this little video game is all about morphing and changing — an important theme for many trans gamers. Your ability to adapt is a superpower in this game, witch!
- Mystic Lilies by Will Uhl: Inspired by the popular Monsterhearts, this physical game is brilliantly illustrated. Sometimes witchcraft is about vengeful hexing, and this roleplaying game lets you tap into your shadow self to explore your own wholeness through a character.
- Casting Hearts by npckc: Casting hearts is a beautiful visual novel about going on a crystal ball date with your witchy girlfriend. This is a game that can help you cope with some covid feelings, as it’s all about connections over long distance and dealing with anxiety.
- Deadline by ScreenSavorStudios allows you to take on the role of Rebecca Tompson, investigative reporter dealing with a shape-shifter. Oh, and said shifter — it’s a murderkitty! The art and voice acting in this game are phenomenal — I’m admittedly partial to it as a writer!
Where Can You Get the Trans Witches are Witches Bundle Now?
The Trans Witches are Witches bundle went live on February 10th and is available through February 24. Find it on itch.io. Support designers creating the trans witch games bundle and other inclusive games today.
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