A new leak from an industry insider suggests that Avalanche Software may be ready to show off some new information from the development of Hogwarts Legacy, barring controversy over the franchise's creator. It isn't quite clear what this new information might be, whether it is new concept art or a new trailer, but the announcement is supposedly awaiting approval from Warner Bros. Interactive before it is released to the public.
This comes from a prominent voice online for updates on Avalanche Software's upcoming open-world title, who has leaked unseen footage and screenshots in the past. Previous leaks shared online by this leaker, Millie Amand, has teased new announcements for Hogwarts Legacy before, though information has continued to be limited from Avalanche and Warner Bros. as development moves forward.
According to Amand, an asset is currently prepped and ready for release from Hogwarts Legacy, but the final say on going public is in the hands of publisher Warner Bros. Interactive. It's unclear what this "asset" might be, but in terms of marketing, this could be anything from a showcase of concept art to a new trailer to give fans a better view of what the game might look like. While the asset is prepared for release, it would seem that Warner Bros. Interactive might be hesitant to show this to the public due to possible backlash related to series creator J.K. Rowling.
Given the consistent backlash against Rowling for the author's history of transphobic views and remarks, the leak reports that Warner Bros. is "hesitant and concerned" about the possibility of a negative response for anything Harry Potter-related. Considering that a recent controversy with the Dave Chappelle special The Closer reignited the retaliation against Rowling, Warner's hesitance is understandable here. So, it may be a while before fans still interested in Hogwarts Legacy will get any more information about the upcoming project, as Warner continues to wait for tensions to lower.
The topic of Rowling as well as her influence on and profiting from all things Harry Potter, including this newest title, is a complex topic that likely won't be solved overnight. Any news on how Avalanche Software might make good on the potential of Hogwarts Legacy would be an exciting prospect for fans of the franchise looking to explore an open wizarding world. However, as long as former fans continue to be hurt by the misinformed rhetoric of Rowling's "Gender Critical" views and statements, it will be difficult for Warner Bros. to capitalize on the massively popular IP the way the publisher used to.
Hogwarts Legacy is set to release in 2022 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.