{"id":4851,"date":"2025-07-29T08:51:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-29T07:51:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/boardgamewire.com\/?p=4851"},"modified":"2025-07-30T11:28:48","modified_gmt":"2025-07-30T10:28:48","slug":"reviewers-including-no-pun-included-shut-up-sit-down-boycott-codenames-publisher-cge-for-releasing-new-harry-potter-game-while-ignoring-jk-rowlings-anti-trans-rhetoric","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/boardgamewire.com\/index.php\/2025\/07\/29\/reviewers-including-no-pun-included-shut-up-sit-down-boycott-codenames-publisher-cge-for-releasing-new-harry-potter-game-while-ignoring-jk-rowlings-anti-trans-rhetoric\/","title":{"rendered":"Reviewers including No Pun Included, Shut Up & Sit Down boycott Codenames publisher CGE for releasing new Harry Potter game while ignoring JK Rowling’s anti-trans rhetoric"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Some of board gaming’s biggest and most influential reviewers are boycotting Codenames publisher Czech Games Edition<\/a>, after the company decided to release a new Harry Potter-themed version of the game despite years of anti-trans campaigning from the character’s creator, JK Rowling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CGE faced an immediate online backlash after unveiling Codenames: Back to Hogwarts on social media site BlueSky on July 23<\/a>, with the announcement receiving hundreds of responses attacking the decision before the Codenames account locked comments, and switched off the function allowing users to share the post alongside their own remarks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The continued online criticism intensified two days later when CGE released a short statement attempting to justify its decision to release the game<\/a> – which was panned for going out of its way to avoid mentioning Harry Potter or JK Rowling by name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It said, “When we embarked on creating the newly announced version of Codenames many years ago, it was a dream coming true for many of us at CGE. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The vast world of magic featured in the upcoming Codenames has been a source of inspiration. It ignited a passion for learning English and exploring new worlds through reading. It shaped our childhoods, sparked imagination, or gave comfort in difficult times. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“We know many people around the world share the same sentiment about this universe, even among those who have been hurt by the public views and actions of its creator. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Deciding whether those feelings should also transfer to the once-beloved world is up to everyone, and we fully respect and understand those who do not wish to engage with this game. We still believe in the magic of stories and the connection they create between people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“As this is an ongoing conversation, we encourage everyone to approach discussion with care, empathy, and respect\u2014both online and in person.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That statement also immediately came under fire online for its attempt to separate the art from the artist, while failing to address that Rowling – a dollar billionaire thanks to Harry Potter – has used financial proceeds from her creation to directly fund organisations attempting to strip trans people of their rights<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite describing the situation as an “ongoing conversation”, CGE has blocked commenting on the statement on Facebook, Twitter and BlueSky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Codenames BlueSky account has also blocked more than 200 users since making the Back to Hogwarts announcement<\/a>, including board game video review site No Pun Included<\/a>, veteran tabletop gaming reviewer Matt Thrower and a mass of trans and trans rights-supporting profiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A wave of large and small board game reviewers alike have since vowed to boycott Czech Games’ titles in their future coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Efka Bladukas, the co-creator of No Pun Included – which has more than 96,000 subscribers on YouTube – told BoardGameWire they hoped NPI’s boycott would persuade other board game media makers to follow suit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Efka Bladukas from No Pun Included<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

He said, “Boycotting someone sounds like a big thing, but we want to make it clear, from our side it isn\u2019t. We\u2019re simply choosing to no longer cover an established publisher who made business decisions that are resulting in harm to a marginalized community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“It\u2019s not the first one and sadly it won\u2019t be the last. Czech Games Edition chose to carry a Harry Potter themed game. We don\u2019t know over what circumstances they got the license, how long it has been in their hands or what their contract looks like and we dare not speculate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“But somewhere, somehow, we presume, a decision was made by them to carry on with this in 2025. And it is a decision that will hurt many people who enjoy board games and Codenames specifically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“We don\u2019t want to be contributing to that harm, so our decision is automatic. At NPI our output is curated and small and because of that, we choose carefully what we cover. In an environment where more board games are being made than can ever be played, eliminating a publisher\u2019s catalogue from the roster allows for space for other voices to be showcased. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“We hope that as a byproduct of this decision, we can show an example to others who make media about board games, and if they made similar decisions, we think this is to be celebrated.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tom Brewster, the editor in chief of board game reviews giant Shut Up & Sit Down, told BoardGameWire the site would also be boycotting CGE’s games – a huge blow given its huge, longstanding popularity and 449,000-strong subscriber base<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Shut Up & Sit Down editor in chief Tom Brewster<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

He said, “I fail to see Harry Potter: Codenames as anything but a soulless cash grab that’s tremendously insulting to the trans folks JK Rowling has been trying her best to oust from public life. It’s a product to sell to people who prioritise their nostalgia for children’s fantasy over the culture their trans friends and family live in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Rowling is a miserable bigot who has routinely chosen to create a more dangerous world for trans people. She wields real influence, and has used it to set us back as far as possible, every single time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“To tie your well respected brand to such a visibly horrible individual is a just a shockingly poor decision on all fronts. There are other published Harry Potter games out there – but I can see many of them being made before – or whilst – Rowling gestated into the frightful transphobe she’s become. CGE’s attempt to have a bite of the apple has likely been created entirely within this era of blatant, all-out transphobia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Electing to block trans people and allies on their socials is perhaps the most grim part of it all – a clear signifier of hearing and not listening, or not caring, followed by a pathetic company statement that says nothing at all. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“So SU&SD is electing not to cover CGE games for the foreseeable. I don’t know when or how that will change, but it starts with a real acknowledgement of the tangible harm Rowling has done. Until then we’ll simply cover other games.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jarrod Carmichael, who has more than 93,000 subscribers to his 3 Minute Board Games YouTube channel<\/a>, said on BlueSky that we was currently preparing to throw out work on a pair of CGE reviews in the wake of the Back to Hogwarts announcement, saying, “There’s a binary choice here, support trans people or sell [Harry Potter] merch.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Jarrod Carmichael from 3 Minute Board Games<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

He told BoardGameWire, “3 Minute Board Games has had a public policy against JK Rowling since 2019 when [3MBG co-creator] Stephanie first mentioned it in her top 25 games video. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“She did that because of Joanne’s growing transphobia and general awfulness to trans folk. Six years later and Joanne has gone from awful comments to actively using her financial might to suppress trans folk in the UK and in other countries as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“She has boasted online about how her royalty cheques are used to fund the suppression and exclusion of trans folk from society. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“To us, this is a very simple ethical decision. We cannot use our platform to promote a product that will funnel funds into her warchest for promoting bigotry. And we can’t support a company that endorses this either. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“This has nothing to do with Harry Potter itself and everything to do with Joanne Rowling and her personal decisions to use her fortune to promote transphobia on a global scale.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ilya Ushakov, one half of board game review and influencer duo Kovray<\/a>, told BoardGameWire it was an “easy decision” to stop covering CGE titles across its YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook channels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, “Tylor and I started Kovray to spread the joy of gaming and support building more inclusive communities. At a time when trans communities are under relentless attack, including legislation changes, it’s more important now than ever that creators and publishers take a stand for inclusion and belonging. None of us are perfect and will make mistakes, but learning from them and taking steps to be better is important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Choosing to license a Harry Potter version of Codenames directly funds JK Rowling, who continues to use her influence AND MONEY to harm the most vulnerable people in our communities. CGE’s statement was, frankly, spineless. It avoids accountability and erases the very real impact of their decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“With thousands of amazing games out there, it’s an easy decision for us to stop covering CGE titles and instead support publishers who better align with our values to help shape the tabletop space to be welcoming and safe for all.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other board game media committing to scrap future coverage of CGE titles include the Cardboard Time podcast, while the Shelf Stable podcast said on BlueSky it would cancel its planned upcoming segment on fellow CGE title Galaxy Trucker in order to discuss the company’s recent statement instead, adding, “Friendly reminder to all: trans rights are human rights”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Notable board game professionals to call out CGE for its decision include Blood Rage and Chaos in the Old World designer Eric Lang, who said on BlueSky, “Making a Harry Potter game in 2025 without acknowledging the harm of transphobia at a bare minimum is a political statement. Intent doesn\u2019t matter.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That sentiment was echoed by the Tabletop Game Designers Association, a professional organisation created last year<\/a> by Wingspan designer Elizabeth Hargrave, Space Cadets creator Geoff Engelstein and Mind MGMT designer Sen-Foong Lim to advocate for designers in North America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It said, “The leadership of the Tabletop Game Designers Association was disappointed to see the publisher CGE touting Codenames: Back to Hogwarts, a new Harry Potter-themed version of Codenames. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Author JK Rowling\u2019s extreme anti-trans rhetoric has caused physical and emotional harm to a particularly vulnerable group, and the licensing fees she receives from the game will be used to support these attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“CGE released a statement about the controversy around their decision, but it fell far short of anything meaningful.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“TTGDA is dedicated to fostering diversity in designers and diversity in viewpoints. However we do not accept intolerance and demonization of a specific group as an acceptable viewpoint. This is particularly true as anti-trans rhetoric and action has been increasing in many countries around the world, including the United Kingdom and United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“We urge CGE to reconsider their plans to release Codenames: Back to Hogwarts, or at least dedicate a portion of the proceeds to organizations such as The Trevor Project to offset licensing fees that flow back to Rowling.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wingspan artist Beth Sobel also commented on BlueSky, saying, “[JK Rowling] is funding life-destroying legislation. When you license [Harry Potter] and put it on your product, the money you pay to do that is literally ruining lives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“This isn’t ambiguous, it is direct, measurable harm. I will never give a penny to a company who chooses money over the lives of my friends.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CGE timed its announcement of Back to Hogwarts to coincide with the company running a booth at North America\u2019s giant tabletop gaming convention Gen Con<\/a>, which runs between July 31 and August 3 this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That decision could end up backfiring on CGE, however, with a swell of online commenters saying they plan to address CGE’s decision to publish the Harry Potter-themed game directly with staff at the company’s Gen Con booth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Board game designer Marceline Leiman<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Marceline Leiman, a winner of this year’s Diana Jones Award emerging designer program<\/a>, has suggested a “sit in” on the expected line at CGE’s Gen Con booth, in order to “obscure the path to purchase” and “make their space uncomfortable and inconvenient”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She said on BlueSky, “I wish more creators had as much of a backbone as Elaine and Efka [from NPI] to call out bigotry and transphobia. MORE creators should be making these statements about these publishers like CGE.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“\u2026CGE has an opportunity to take accountability, and I believe they still can. But until they do, I don\u2019t think anyone should highlight or make content on their games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Designers should freeze pitching to them. Customers should freeze purchasing from them.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BoardGameWire has sent a list of questions to CGE about the Back to Hogwarts situation, but is yet to receive a response from the company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more stories like this direct to your email inbox, click here to sign up for BoardGameWire’s free email newsletter. \n\nAnd if you’ve found our reporting interesting or useful, please consider a paid subscription to help support our journalism!<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Some of board gaming’s biggest and most influential reviewers are boycotting Codenames publisher Czech Games Edition, after the company decided to release a new Harry Potter-themed version of the game despite years of anti-trans campaigning from the character’s creator, JK Rowling.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4861,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[1820,1816,1818,6,135,321,319,317,1815,1817,294,1819,306,1396,211],"class_list":["post-4851","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-3-minute-board-games","tag-anti-trans","tag-back-to-hogwarts","tag-board-game","tag-board-games","tag-cge","tag-codenames","tag-czech-games-edition","tag-harry-potter","tag-jk-rowling","tag-kovray","tag-no-pun-included","tag-reviewer","tag-shut-up-and-sit-down","tag-trans"],"blocksy_meta":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/boardgamewire.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4851","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/boardgamewire.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/boardgamewire.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/boardgamewire.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/boardgamewire.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4851"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/boardgamewire.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4851\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4869,"href":"https:\/\/boardgamewire.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4851\/revisions\/4869"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/boardgamewire.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4861"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/boardgamewire.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4851"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/boardgamewire.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4851"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/boardgamewire.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4851"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}