Story and photo by Sophia-Joelle McDowell

More than two decades ago she-who-will-not-be-named created a magical universe we all enjoyed. Hogwarts was a safe place for those who felt even a little bit different, although the fictional parents who sent their kids off to school to face life-changing villains and quests might disagree. 

The young people who read these books grew up visualizing themselves in that magical universe, sipping on butterbeer while casting spells. Everyone loved different things about the world, magical or otherwise. As someone who wasn’t allowed to have a cat growing up, I enjoyed the idea of being able to finally purchase my own feline friend and bring it along with me to school. 

Many people escaped to young adult fantasy books in their younger years. Some stayed in that hallow of warmth, while others grew out of Harry Potter and leaned into the slightly more adult themes of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and Twilight (cough cough our Editor Kelcie) by Stephenie Meyer.

Whether you remained a reader of Harry Potter or separated yourself from them as you grew up, for the majority of us, this series remained a fond memory. That was until we learned how hateful the woman who penned these magical tales is.

That author (it’s J.K. Rowling if you haven’t caught on) has clearly identified herself as a TERF, trans-exclusionary radical feminist, through her comments, tweets, and essays. She’s shared anti-trans rhetoric, like mocking the term “people who menstruate” and the commentary that to get your period you have to be a biological woman. There has even been an anti-semitic controversy surrounding the goblins in her magical universe, but some debate whether her depiction was subconsciously curated or intentional. Intentional or not, those depictions are still harmful.

Even the majority of beloved cast members have spoken out against her or at least made their support of the trans community very clear. Daniel Radcliffe wrote a blog, while Emma Watson tweeted her support. 

Today there are those who despise the author and no longer invest time and money into the franchise, and those who do their best to separate her from the tale that continues to bring them peace. 

When video game Hogwarts Legacy was announced earlier this year, the encouragement to boycott the game was made loud and clear by many lifelong Harry Potter fans. The hope was for J.K. Rowling to make as little profit off the game as possible. 

When the game was announced potential players were left with questions. Can you separate the writer from the series that impacted so many young people? Are we punishing the game developers and designers for words and actions they had nothing to do with?

Some bought the game without knowing about her views and stance on these topics, while others ignored the boycott because Harry Potter fuels them in a way few other worlds can. 

If you choose to play Hogwarts Legacy, we don’t hold it against you. If you boycotted Hogwarts Legacy, but feel you are missing out on the fantastical witchy vibes, that’s where we come in! 

Remember we’re leaning into cozy and wholesome games here and they won’t play exactly like Hogwarts Legacy, but you’ll still get to enjoy a fun story while living your best spellcasting life. It’s also important to note that it is difficult to know the political stance of all of these companies and creators.We did our best, but let us know if there’s anything we missed. 

Now sit back and enjoy picking out your next cozy witchy game. 

Wytchwood

Available on all platforms

Wytchwood takes place in a land filled with gothic stories and fairytales. You play as a witch and get to use spells along your journey. You’ll enjoy crafting potions, harvesting, and completing a variety of quests. 

Wylde Flowers

Available on Switch, PC, & Apple Arcade

Wylde Flowers is a farming sim that incorporates the world of witchcraft. Throughout the game, in addition to farming, you work to solve a mystery on the island alongside your beloved grandma. 

Little Witch in the Woods

Available on Xbox, PC, & Apple

Ellie, you guessed it, a little witch, is at the center of this game. Play as an apprentice witch, making friends and exploring the forest. In Little Witch in the Woods you’ll get to enjoy daily life as a witch. 

Songs of Glimmerwick

Available on PC

Songs of Glimmerwick takes place on an island where you’ll attend classes and work to restore and grow the university garden. In this world, music is what will allow you to perform magic. You’ll also get to speak with other students and those who live on the island as you explore and uncover mysteries. 

Spells and Secrets

Available on PC, Switch, Xbox, & PlayStation

This game might be the closest to the wizarding world of Harry Potter you can get without filling the pockets of J.K. Rowling. In Spells and Secrets you’re a first-year student at a school dedicated to learning the magic arts. You can design your own character and explore the world more freely than some of the games on this list, while saving your classmates along the way. 

Tiny Witch

Available on PC, Xbox, PlayStation

In this game you’re in charge of a magical wizard store serving a town of dungeon masters. Using spells and recipes you’ll create minions for your customers. Be sure they leave happy!

Kitori Academy 

Available on PC, Switch, Xbox, PlayStation

Kitori Academy is another witchy game that takes place in a school. Here you’ll learn how to make potions and cast spells. This life sim is one of the best options for those wanting to play a game that incorporates school and the world of wizardry. 

Garden Witch Life

Insert trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXRcvXqTUhk&ab_channel=GameTrailers 

Available on PC, Switch, Xbox, PlayStation

Garden Witch Life is basically how I wish the pandemic played out for me. You lose your job and move to a small town where you live in a vacant witches house. You’ll grow a garden and use the crops as ingredients in potions and spells. The dream. 

Honorable mentions coming soon to look out for

Fae Farm 

Mika and The Witch’s Mountain

Witchbrook

---