Troy Leavitt, lead designer on Avalanche Software's Harry Potter open-world RPG will transport players to the Wizarding World There, they will be able to learn magical spells and explore the iconic Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Similarly to Leavitt, Harry Potter creator J. K. Rowling has found criticism in recent years due to her public transphobia, so many remain skeptical about any new entry in the Wizarding World franchise. Last month, it was revealed that Troy Leavitt, Hogwarts Legacy lead designer, runs a YouTube channel that expresses anti-feminist, pro-Gamergate, and more unpopular views. The videos on Leavitt's channel range from problematic to downright hateful, promoting such ideas as ignoring sexual assault claims and placing armed National Guard soldiers in schools. The designer's presence at Avalanche Software was troubling to many fans who felt that the Harry Potter series was already on thin ice.

Related: Hogwarts Legacy Character Creation Allows For Trans Witches & Wizards

Now, Troy Leavitt has announced via Twitter that he will be leaving Avalanche and his role in Hogwarts Legacy's development. Leavitt claims that he personally made the decision to leave developer Avalanche Software, and the developer has yet to comment on the situation. Leavitt says he "will be releasing a YouTube video about this soon" to explain the situation, and clarified in a follow-up tweet that he remains "in excellent spirits and very pleased" with the developer and publisher WB Interactive.

Despite the controversy surrounding both J. K. Rowling and Troy Leavitt, Avalanche Software seems to be distancing themselves and Hogwarts Legacy from any regressive and harmful political sentiments. In the game's FAQ, an obvious attempt is made to distance Hogwarts Legacy from J. K. Rowling herself, with the author having no direct involvement in the game's development. It was also recently reported that the game's character creation system will allow players to create transgender witches and wizards, which directly contradicts Rowling's TERF ideology. Sources indicate that characters' physical appearance, voice and how they are addressed by others can all be chosen separately, allowing players to fully customize their characters' genders and characteristics.

The Harry Potter franchise is beloved by countless readers and watchers across the world, and accessibility plays a huge role in that success. By revealing their exclusive personal views, J. K. Rowling and Troy Leavitt risk alienating fans who would otherwise feel at home within the expansive Wizarding World. By severing ties with Leavitt (under whatever circumstances), Avalanche Software can ensure that Hogwarts Legacy keeps real-world hate and the fantasy property separate.

Next: Is Hogwarts Legacy A Single-Player Game Or A Harry Potter MMO

Hogwarts Legacy will be available on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC in 2022.

Source: Troy Leavitt/Twitter

Editor’s Note: Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling has been accused of transphobia by those in the LGBTQ+ community. Although not directly involved in the development of Hogwarts Legacy, Rowling does stand to earn royalties from the game. We would like to reiterate our for trans rights and that trans identities are valid. services are listed below for trans people impacted by discussions of transphobia.

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