Remember how strange it seemed that you couldn't play Quidditch at Hogwarts Legacy, despite it being the most famous and popular sport in the wizarding world and central to the Harry Potter storyline? Anyway, I hope you don't mind that. In completely unrelated news, Warner Bros. has announced a brand new multiplayer game set in the world of Hogwarts called "Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions."

Quidditch Champions was announced as a complete surprise, not only by the content of the game, but also by a tweet announcing "Limited Playtest Participants Needed. Developed by Unbroken Studios, creators of the cancelled Mad Max-style battle royale Fractured Lands (open in new tab), who also supported Rocksteady in the development of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, and also supports Rocksteady in the development of Justice League. The game will be published by Portkey Games, Warner Bros.' publishing label specializing in Harry Potter games.

Somewhat surprisingly, given this sudden announcement, the FAQ (opens in new tab) says that the project has been "in development for several years" and may have contributed to the decision to exclude Quidditch from the Hogwarts Legacy, but nothing is said about that. No price or release date has been announced, but it will be available on PC and unspecified consoles, and there is apparently more to do besides play Quidditch.

"Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions" is a complete stand-alone Quidditch experience. You can enjoy the sport of Quidditch, and other broomstick adventures, with your friends in a competitive multiplayer setting."

The FAQ also strongly suggests that Harry Potter will appear in the game title but not actually in the game, attempting to distance itself from Harry Potter author JK Rowling, as in Hogwarts Legacy.

"The Portkey Game is not a direct adaptation of a book or movie, but the game is firmly rooted in the wizarding world of magic. While staying true to JK Rowling's source material, Portkey's game developers are breaking new ground by creating fresh ways for fans to immerse themselves in the wizarding world."

"Each experience offered by Portkey Games is set in and true to the wizarding world, and J.K. Rowling is a great supporter of Portkey Games, entrusting the design and production of the games to developers associated with WB Games.

Rowling's relationship with these games is controversial due to her firm transphobic politics. As we previously explained in our report (opens in new tab) on why gamers are fighting over whether or not to play The Hogwarts Legacy, this issue forces fans to make a hard and difficult choice. Leave the world you love or support the views of an author you loathe?" This has been the main point of contention surrounding "The Hogwarts Legacy" and HBO's recently announced "Harry Potter" TV series, and "Quidditch Champions" will no doubt be no different.

As of now, "Harry Potter": Quidditch Champions is accepting applications for a "limited" playtest. It is not clear what the specific restrictions are, but you can find out more on the official "Quidditch Champions" Discord server (opens in new tab).