NetEase's collectible card game, Harry Potter: Magic Awakened, is shutting down in select regions. The end of service (EOS) affects the Americas, Europe, and Oceania, with servers officially closing on October 29th, 2024. Players in Asia and certain MENA regions can continue playing.
Initially released in China in September 2021 and globally on June 27th, 2023, the game saw a strong initial launch in China but experienced a less impactful global rollout. While its Clash Royale-inspired gameplay and wizarding world setting initially captivated players, its performance ultimately fell short of expectations.
The decision to shut down stems from a combination of factors. Reddit discussions highlight player frustration over a shift towards pay-to-win mechanics. A controversial rework of the reward system negatively impacted free-to-play players, slowing progression and diminishing the advantage skilled players once enjoyed. These changes, coupled with the game's overall performance, led to the announced EOS.
The game has already been removed from the Google Play Store in affected regions (as of August 26th). However, players in unaffected regions still have the opportunity to experience the game's Hogwarts-inspired atmosphere, dorm life, classes, secrets, and wizard duels.
