Codenames: That wizarding school edition firestorm and resolution

[billd91]

I discovered recently that Czech Games Edition (CGE) ignited a firestorm when they announced a new edition of their Harry Potter-licenced game as Codenames: Back to Hogwarts. The disapproval was fierce and furious given JK Rowling's persistent persecution of trans women (the latest being an attack on a trans woman working in the lingerie section at a Marks & Spencer).

Initially stunned (after all, their HP edition in 2018 met with a lot less controversy), CGE put out a response today on their Instagram:
In a nutshell, they've pledged to donate 100% of the profits from the game to trans community supporting charities.

That may not be ideal since Rowling can still pocket whatever portion of the licensing fees she gets and weaponize it against trans women, at least the popularity of her creation can help drive donations to charities dedicated to helping those she's bent on hurting.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

They're probably kind of stuck now, having shelled out what I assume was a pretty penny for the licensing agreement. But I'm always amazed at someone in 2025 who's just discovering that JKR is controversial.

 

[billd91]

They're probably kind of stuck now, having shelled out what I assume was a pretty penny for the licensing agreement. But I'm always amazed at someone in 2025 who's just discovering that JKR is controversial.

I just try to remind myself that not everyone lives in the same media bubble I do. I certainly couldn't explain anything going on in the Czechia these days, literarily or in the media. So I try to extend grace, particularly when they're in countries outside of the US/UK media world.

 

[sevenbastard]

They're probably kind of stuck now, having shelled out what I assume was a pretty penny for the licensing agreement. But I'm always amazed at someone in 2025 who's just discovering that JKR is controversial.

But you still see a ton of HP stuff everywhere and its still being licensed.

Are people blasting Lego?

LEGO® Harry Potter™ Advent Calendar 2025 76456 | Harry Potter™ | Buy online at the Official LEGO® Shop US

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Feels like CGE is taking more heat than other companies.

 

[TiQuinn]

But you still see a ton of HP stuff everywhere and its still being licensed.

Are people blasting Lego?

LEGO® Harry Potter™ Advent Calendar 2025 76456 | Harry Potter™ | Buy online at the Official LEGO® Shop US

An enchanting Christmas holiday gift for Harry Potter™ fans

www.lego.com

Feels like CGE is taking more heat than other companies.

It’s because they are small, their market is niche and people think they can make a difference in their case.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Feels like CGE is taking more heat than other companies.

All of the folks doing the new HBO show are getting absolutely hammered on social media. It's not just CGE.

I suspect that each licensed product line likely has different demographic makeups. It may be the folks buying the $200 Lego kits aren't the same people who are the main audience for Codenames, etc.

 

[Tonguez]

All of the folks doing the new HBO show are getting absolutely hammered on social media. It's not just CGE.

I suspect that each licensed product line likely has different demographic makeups. It may be the folks buying the $200 Lego kits aren't the same people who are the main audience for Codenames, etc.

Which you'd think would be all the more reason that those authentically fighting for trans rights would target the Lego product to raise awareness.
Its not like Lego is some small obscure brand - a campaign focussed there would be far more impactful than CGE making a donation

 

[Pedantic]

Which you'd think would be all the more reason that those authentically fighting for trans rights would target the Lego product to raise awareness.
Its not like Lego is some small obscure brand - a campaign focussed there would be far more impactful than CGE making a donation

You've got it backwards. It's not that there's some central campaign following the licensing trail between industries, it's that a lot of individual people don't want anything to do with Rowling and react when she appears in their hobbies or media.