NetEase's collectible card role-playing game, *Harry Potter: Magic Awakened*, has recently announced its End of Service (EOS) in select regions. The shutdown affects servers in the Americas, Europe, and Oceania, with the final day set for October 29th, 2024. Players in Asia and certain Middle East and North Africa (MENA) territories can continue to enjoy the game. Initially unveiled during NetEase Games' annual event in 2020, *Harry Potter: Magic Awakened* was crafted by Zen Studio and released in China in September 2021. Global pre-registrations began in February 2022, but delays pushed the worldwide launch to June 27th of the same year, which somewhat dampened the initial excitement.
Why Did They Announce The EOS Of Harry Potter: Magic Awakened?
Despite its promising start and unique blend of Clash Royale-style gameplay with magical elements, *Harry Potter: Magic Awakened* struggled to maintain its momentum post-launch. The game initially attracted players with its engaging card-battling mechanics and the allure of wizard duels, successfully capturing the essence of the Hogwarts experience.
However, the game did not achieve the expected success. Within just over a year of its global release, it faced closure. Community feedback, particularly on platforms like Reddit, highlighted a shift in the game's dynamics, which began to favor players who invested money over those who relied on skill. A significant point of contention was the revision of the rewards system, which previously allowed skilled players to outperform and earn better rewards. The changes included numerous nerfs and a slower progression pace for free-to-play players, which contributed to player dissatisfaction and disengagement.
As of August 26th, *Harry Potter: Magic Awakened* has been removed from the Google Play Store in the regions scheduled for shutdown. However, players in unaffected regions can still dive into the magical world, experiencing life in a dorm, attending classes, uncovering secrets, and engaging in duels with fellow students.
Before saying goodbye to *Harry Potter: Magic Awakened*, take a moment to check out the upcoming SpongeBob season in Brawl Stars, where you can enjoy the fun of Go Jellyfishing!
