London, UK - The release of the Harry Potter-inspired video game Hogwarts Legacy is on the horizon. But in the wake of JK Rowling's controversial stance on the trans community, some fans are divided on whether the game is a good purchase.

Hogwarts Legacy, which will be available on February 10, has been a source of controversy amid the 57-year-old author's repeated disapproval of the trans rights movement.

While she has denied being transphobic, many have labelled her comments as just that.

Ever since Rowling's first public statements, many Potter fans have looked to distance themselves from supporting the writer directly.

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Several actors from the Potter films, including Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson, have expressed their disagreement with Rowling's beliefs and shared their support for the trans community.

Many fans have followed suit as they look for ways to continue enjoying their favorite series while seeking to distance themselves from the author and avoid monetarily supporting her.

Though Rowling was not directly involved with the creation of Hogwarts Legacy, she still profits from the use of the Harry Potter IP, leading many to argue that supporting the project is still supporting her.

The controversy heightened online with the announcement of a star-studded list of voice actors, including Shaun of the Dead star Simon Pegg and Potter alum Luke Youngblood.

Also in the cast is Sebastian Croft, who rose to fame as Ben on Netflix's Heartstopper.

His casting drew particular criticism, as the adaptation of Alice Oseman's graphic novels is known for its predominant LGBTQ+ representation among both the show's characters and cast members. Many fans of the show felt that supporting a project Rowling profits off of undermines the core messages of Heartstopper.

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The 21-year-old actor took to Twitter to apologize to fans who were hurt by his participation.

"I was cast in this project over 3 years ago, back when all Harry Potter was to me, was the magical world I grew up with," he wrote. "This was long before I was aware of JK Rowling's views. I believe whole heartedly that trans women are women and trans men are men."

The online controversy has renewed the debate weighing heavy on the minds of many Potter fans: is it really possible to separate the art from the artist?

Supporters of the LGBTQ+ community have encouraged fans not to support any new Harry Potter-related projects to avoid supporting Rowling directly.

Of course, the author is far from the only person with any involvement in Hogwarts Legacy, and some argue that boycotting the project just for her hurts others who have dedicated their time and talent to the project.

"J.K. Rowling is going to be completely fine even if #HogwartsLegacy were to completely flop. The only people who'd be hurt would be the passionate game developers that poured their heart into bringing the Wizarding World into this next generation of gaming," one fan wrote.

But the fact still remains that Rowling will benefit from the game's success. And for many, she has forever altered the connection they have with the beloved Harry Potter book series.

The decision to boycott the game remains within the discretion of each fan, but anyone looking to support the trans community should back up whatever action they choose with meaningful support offline, as well.