
NetEase's collectible card RPG, Harry Potter: Magic Awakened, is shutting down in select regions. The end-of-service (EOS) date for the Americas, Europe, and Oceania is October 29th, 2024. Players in Asia and certain MENA regions can continue playing.
Initially released in China in September 2021, the game saw a strong start domestically. A global launch followed in June 2022, but after a period of delays, the initial excitement waned.
Reasons for the Regional Shutdown:
While the game initially garnered praise for its Clash Royale-inspired gameplay and immersive Hogwarts atmosphere, its popularity ultimately failed to sustain itself. 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 reducing the effectiveness of skilled gameplay.
The game has already been removed from the Google Play Store in affected regions as of August 26th, 2024. Those in unaffected regions can still experience the game's dorm life, classes, secrets, and wizard duels.