Portkey Games Addresses Hogwarts Legacy's Transgender Character

Warning: The below contains some vague details about an early Hogwarts Legacy mission, but no major spoilers.

Adding a new wrinkle to the ongoing debate over the upcoming Hogwarts Legacy, IGN has learned that a transgender woman features prominently in an early mission.

The character, Sirona Ryan, runs the Three Broomsticks tavern and is first encountered in the second main story quest.

Sirona's inclusion in Hogwarts Legacy is particularly notable given the controversy surrounding the game, which has ignited debate because of Harry Potter author and primary rights holder J.K. Rowling's consistent anti-transgender rhetoric for the past few years. Many Harry Potter fans have vowed not to buy Hogwarts Legacy as not to benefit Rowling and her anti-trans views.

Curiously, Sirona was not included in any pre-release marketing for Hogwarts Legacy, and the development team at Portkey Games has largely remained mum on Rowling and the controversy at large. IGN asked Portkey to comment on Sirona's inclusion in the game, and a representative for the developer responded via email:

Can you talk about the creation of Sirona Ryan? How early in development was she conceived?

"It has been a high priority throughout the development of Hogwarts Legacy to create a game that is representative and diverse, aligning with our wonderful fan community. Offering players choices in the way they play the game is an element that we have worked on since the start of development. The Character Creator is just one example of that and of course, the large, diverse cast of characters present throughout the game have also had a huge amount of thought from Avalanche and Warner Bros. Games, as well as counsel from outside D&I experts."

Sirona is coded as transgender in her appearances throughout the story. How deep does Hogwarts Legacy delve into her background?

"The best way to get to know any character is to delve into the game."

Can you talk about what Sirona Ryan means for Hogwarts Legacy, particularly in light of J.K. Rowling's vocal opposition to transgender people like her.

"The team felt that it was very important to create a game that is representative of the rich and diverse world of Harry Potter as well as the groups of people who play games, which includes the LGBTQIA+ community. We have a diverse cast of characters that players will encounter throughout the game."

Why wasn't she featured in the promotional marketing?

"As with most of the game, we want players to discover all of the different elements of the story and gameplay as they play through it."

Ultimately, what do you hope will be the reaction to Sirona Ryan?

"The team is very excited about the launch of the game overall and can’t wait for fans and gamers to experience their own Hogwarts Legacy."

Previously, speaking to IGN as part of a preview, Hogwarts Legacy director Alan Tew also didn't mention Rowling by name and used fairly similar language, saying they made the game for a diverse audience.

"I think for us there are challenges in every game we've worked on. This game has been no different. When we bumped into those challenges, we went back and refocused on the stuff that we really care about. We know our fans fell in love with the Wizarding World, and we believe they fell in love with it for the right reasons," he said. "We know that's a diverse audience. For us, it's making sure that the audience, who always dreamed of having this game, had the opportunity to feel welcomed back. That they have a home here and that it's a good place to tell their story."

Hogwarts Legacy releases on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on Feb. 10. PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch versions will follow. For more, check out our official final preview of the game, our review, and how Harry Potter fans have been coping with the complicated situation.