Harry Potter: Magic Awakened Shuts Down After One Year

In a surprising turn of events, Warner Bros. Games has announced the closure of the mobile game "Harry Potter: Magic Awakened" just over a year after its global launch. This collectible card role-playing game, developed by Zen Studio, made its debut in the western market in June 2023 under the Portkey Games publishing label. Players took on the role of new students at Hogwarts, collecting cards to cast spells during duels. However, the excitement surrounding the game has quickly turned to disappointment for many fans.

As of August 26, 2024, "Harry Potter: Magic Awakened" has been removed from both the iOS App Store and Google Play Store, with its servers set to shut down on October 29, 2024. This means that players can no longer make in-game purchases, and the game will no longer be accessible in the Americas, Europe, and Oceania. Interestingly, the game will still be available for players in Asia, including regions like the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, as well as other select territories in Asia and the MENA region.

Warner Bros. expressed gratitude towards players in a statement, saying, "We have shared the magical journey of Harry Potter: Magic Awakened with millions of fans around the globe. The time has come for Harry Potter: Magic Awakened to officially close its servers in the Americas, Europe and Oceania territories on October 29, 2024." Despite this closure, the company emphasized its pride in the enthusiasm and passion shown by fans worldwide.

However, the announcement has not been met with approval from the gaming community. Many players have voiced their disappointment, seeking refunds and urging Warner Bros. to allow NetEase, the Chinese company responsible for the game's Asian release, to publish it in the west or facilitate server transfers. Unfortunately, Warner Bros. has ruled out the possibility of server transfers and refunds, leaving many fans feeling frustrated and unheard.

It is also noteworthy that the closure of "Harry Potter: Magic Awakened" comes just ahead of the launch of another game, "Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions," which is set to release on September 3, 2024, across PC and console platforms. This timing raises questions about the future of the Harry Potter gaming franchise and how it will evolve in the coming years.

The abrupt shutdown of "Harry Potter: Magic Awakened" serves as a reminder of the volatile nature of mobile gaming. While the game captured the hearts of many fans, its closure highlights the challenges developers face in maintaining player engagement and satisfaction. As the gaming landscape continues to change, it will be interesting to see how Warner Bros. navigates the future of its Harry Potter titles and whether they can regain the trust of their dedicated fanbase.