NetEase's collectible card RPG, Harry Potter: Magic Awakened, is shutting down in the Americas, Europe, and Oceania on October 29th, 2024. This closure is regional; players in Asia and some MENA territories can continue playing.
Initially announced in 2020 and released in China in September 2021, the game saw a strong initial launch but faced delays before its worldwide release on June 27th, 2022. Despite a promising start, leveraging a Clash Royale-esque gameplay style infused with the magic of Hogwarts, the game failed to maintain momentum.
The game's decline is attributed to several factors. Reddit discussions highlight player frustration with a shift towards pay-to-win mechanics. A controversial rework of the rewards system negatively impacted free-to-play players, slowing progression and diminishing the advantage skilled players previously enjoyed. These changes, coupled with a lack of sustained player engagement, ultimately led to the decision to end service in the affected regions.
The game has already been removed from the Google Play Store in the regions facing closure (as of August 26th). Players in unaffected regions can still experience the game, which includes dorm life, classes, uncovering secrets, and wizard duels.