Wizards, Controversy, and Cancel Culture Dynamics: Player Decisions, Community Shifts, and the Impact of Cancel Culture on Content Creation During the Release of the Video Game Hogwarts Legacy

Abstract

This thesis examines how “cancel culture” affects online communities, specifically within gaming and content creation spaces, using the controversy surrounding Hogwarts Legacy as a case study. By using a mixed method research approach, combining ethnographic research, anonymous surveys, and focus group interviews, the study investigates the personal, community-driven dynamics that unfold during instances of digital backlash. The research explores how J.K. Rowling's public comments on transgender issues sparked heated debates within the Twitch and Twitter communities, leading to boycotts, “cancel culture”, and shifts in social dynamics. The study highlights the complex nature of “cancel culture”, revealing how it influences not only public behavior but also private decisions, community cohesion, and personal identity. While previous academic literature has explored “cancel culture” in various fields, this research focuses on the unique intensity of these discussions within gaming and digital content creation. This thesis aims to highlight how these digital conflicts shape personal identity and community dynamics in real time. Future research could further investigate the psychological effects of “cancel culture”, the role of mainstream media in amplifying or containing these conversations, and the lasting impact on mental health and community dynamics within these online spaces.