
NetEase's collectible card role-playing game, *Harry Potter: Magic Awakened*, has announced its End of Service (EOS) for certain regions. The EOS affects players in the Americas, Europe, and Oceania, with servers scheduled to shut down on October 29th, 2024. Meanwhile, players in Asia and select Middle East and North Africa (MENA) territories can continue enjoying the game. Initially unveiled in 2020 at NetEase Games’ annual event and developed by Zen Studio, the game made its debut in China in September 2021, followed by global pre-registrations in February 2022. Despite a worldwide launch on June 27th, the game struggled to maintain its initial momentum due to delays.
Why Did They Announce The EOS Of Harry Potter: Magic Awakened?
*Harry Potter: Magic Awakened* showcased promise with its unique blend of Clash Royale-style gameplay and magical wizard duels. Early on, the card-battling mechanics and the immersive Hogwarts atmosphere were well-received by players. However, the game failed to sustain its popularity, resulting in the decision to shut down just over a year after its global release.
On platforms like Reddit, players have expressed frustration over the game's shift towards favoring those who spend money over those who rely on skill. A significant point of contention was the reworking of the rewards system, which previously allowed skilled players to compete effectively and earn substantial rewards. Changes, including nerfs and a slower progression pace for free-to-play players, contributed to player dissatisfaction.
As of August 26th, *Harry Potter: Magic Awakened* has been removed from the Google Play Store in regions facing the EOS. However, players in unaffected regions can still immerse themselves in the game's world, attending classes, exploring secrets, and engaging in duels.
Before the game's closure in certain regions, take a moment to check out the upcoming SpongeBob-themed season in *Brawl Stars*, where you can enjoy the fun of going jellyfishing!