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 ceasing operation on 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 launch but faced delays before its worldwide release on June 27th, 2022. While its Clash Royale-inspired gameplay and wizard dueling initially resonated with players, capturing the Hogwarts atmosphere, the game ultimately failed to maintain momentum.
The decision to shut down stems from a combination of factors. Player complaints on Reddit cite a shift towards pay-to-win mechanics, with a reworked reward system disadvantaging skilled, free-to-play players. Nerfs and slower progression for non-spending players contributed to the game's decline.
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, secrets, and student duels.
