Hogwarts Legacy has been hugely successful for Warner Bros Games. In just two weeks, the game generated more than $850 million in revenue and smashed Twitch records to become the most-watched single-player game of all time. However, its release proved divisive. And now popular Vtuber Pikamee has found herself embroiled in her own Hogwarts Legacy controversy.
Hogwarts Legacy officially launched on 10 February, however those who pre-ordered the title got to play the game three days early. Since its announcement, the game’s association with Wizarding World creator J.K. Rowling was controversial but the debate reached its peak at launch.
J.K. Rowling has long-faced accusations of transphobia due to her comments regarding gender identity. This led to a popular – but ineffective – boycott of the new Harry Potter game.
While most who took part in the boycott simply avoided Hogwarts Legacy, others opted for a more aggressive approach. This included harassing and berating those who chose to play the game.
A website dedicated to tracking those who streamed Hogwarts Legacy was even created to facilitate the ‘cancelling’ of partaking streamers.
One such streamer was Pikamee – a popular Japanese Vtuber. Vtubers (virtual YouTubers) are online creators who use computer generated avatars.
After a three week absence from streams and uploads, Pikamee announced her retirement. This has provoked a furious reaction from a segment of the Vtuber community who are claiming trans-allies bullied her into the decision to quit.
Pikamee Hogwarts Legacy Controversy: What Happened?
To coincide with the release of Hogwarts Legacy, Pikamee planned to stream the game on 10 February for her online viewers.
However, Pikamee abruptly cancelled the stream on 8 February. “I am very sorry that I will cancel today’s stream,” the Vtuber wrote on Twitter.
Pikamee then went offline for three weeks. In the meantime, she didn’t tweet or create any online video content.
After the lengthy break, Pikamee posted a new video to YouTube on 1 March. In the video she announced her retirement from the platform.
“Today I have a very important announcement for you guys,” she said. “I, Amano Pikamee will end all activites at the end of this month, March 31st in Japan time.”
She continued, “I have been able to enjoy my Vtuber activities until today. Thanks to you guys a lot for giving me love and sweet words and VOMS_Project for supporting me. I am sorry for shocking you guys like this.”
In the short one minute and forty-three second video, Pikamee did not directly cite the Hogwarts Legacy controversy as the reason for her sudden retirement.
Fan Reaction To Pikamee Retirement
While she did not mention Hogwarts Legacy or any negative reaction to her planned stream, some of Pikamee’s fans immediately blamed the trans community for forcing her into quitting.
“They made Pikamee retire. I’m declaring a total war as I promised,” wrote one Twitter user.
Another said, “She didn’t deserve this, she’s never cause a problem in her f***ing life, let alone her online career.” They then expressed their anger by using a trans slur and remarked that they “can’t stand” them “bullying innocent people into submission.”
Cleary, some fans are furiously jumping to conclusions about the circumstances of Pikamee’s retirement. It goes without saying that whatever you think of the Hogwarts Legacy boycott and subsequent controversy, outright transphobia is totally unacceptable.
Pikamee’s shock announcement and the subsequent reaction has sparked fears of increased transphobic hate directed towards trans Vtubers and the wider online queer community.
Unfortunately, a small, hate-filled minority of the Vtuber community are using Pikamee’s retirement as an excuse to unleash a barrage transphobia.
Some Twitter users (including her own fans) are also alleging that Pikamee was a “lolicon” (member of a paedophile adjacent sub-community); although, her defenders don’t seem to care.
What do you think to the Pikamee Hogwarts Legacy controversy? Do you think it will lead to increased transphobia online? Let us know in the comment section below and check out our other Trending articles…
Bakaemon
3 March 2023 13:17 GMTGreat journalism style, putting that last accusation at the end. Very effective. Great job at being neutral!
At least I can know what’s going on, also knowing that you at least choose a side too. Intriguing.
Sam Harby
3 March 2023 13:17 GMTNot sure what you’re getting at, but the “accusations” were backed up with screenshots and actually being applauded by some fans. Regardless, thanks for commenting and glad to help you stay informed!