NetEase's collectible card RPG, Harry Potter: Magic Awakened, is shutting down in select regions. The end-of-service (EOS) announcement impacts the Americas, Europe, and Oceania, with servers officially closing on October 29th, 2024. Players in Asia and certain MENA regions can continue playing.
Initially launched in China in September 2021 to positive reception, the game saw global pre-registrations begin in February 2022 but faced delays before its worldwide release on June 27th, 2023. This delayed launch impacted its initial momentum.
Reasons for the EOS:
While the game initially captivated players with its Clash Royale-inspired gameplay, wizarding duels, and authentic Hogwarts atmosphere, its popularity waned. Reddit discussions highlight player frustration with a shift towards pay-to-win mechanics. A controversial rework of the reward system negatively impacted free-to-play players, slowing progression and nerfing skilled gameplay.
The game has already been removed from the Google Play Store in affected regions (as of August 26th). However, players in unaffected regions can still experience the game's features, including dorm life, classes, uncovering secrets, and student duels.
