Summary
According to its ESRB rating, the upcoming fantasy sports gameHarry Potter: Quidditch Championswill feature the word “sht” for some reason.Harry Potter: Quidditch Championsis the next video game based on the incredibly popularHarry Potterfranchise, an IP primarily aimed at children and teenagers. The books and movies have occasional swear words, but it’s still odd thatQuidditch Championsfeatures the word “sht.”
For the most part,Quidditch Championshas looked like a family-friendly game. It uses a cartoonish art style to really hammer this point home. It certainly seems as though it will be avoiding the darker elements featured in some otherHarry Pottergames, like open world action-RPGHogwarts Legacy, for instance.Quidditch Championstrailershave given no indication that the game would have much of anything that would be inappropriate for a younger audience, but as it so happens, the game has been hit with a T for Teen rating from the ESRB instead of the E for Everyone that some may have expected.
TheQuidditch ChampionsESRB rating confirms that players can shift between the game’s playable characters and positions during games, which is an interesting gameplay detail, and that Beaters are able to tackle opponents and hit them with a ball (called a “Bludger” in theWizarding Worldfranchise).Quidditch Championscharacterscan become “dizzy” after taking too many hits. A victory celebration in the game sees a character hit in the face, presumably with a Bludger, and this animation includes a tooth and blood coming from their mouth. The ESRB rating notes that a separate celebration includes vomiting. The description ends by saying that “The word ‘sh*t’ appears in the game,” but provides no further context as to how it’s used or why. Ultimately, the game’s T for Teen rating is due to Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence, Language, and Mild Blood, with the rating also noting thatQuidditch Championslets users interact and that there will be In-Game Purchases.
Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions ESRB Rating
While mostHarry Potterfans likely aren’t concerned about the swearing in the game, the confirmation of microtransactions inQuidditch Championswill likely disappoint some players.Hogwarts Legacyfamously launched microtransaction-free and was much better off for it, but execs have made it clear that microtransactions will be a key component in future games. The game features extensive customization options, and so it seems likely that some of these will be locked behind a paywall, whether that’s new ones added post-launch or some of the ones that will be availablewhenQuidditch Championslaunches on September 3.
What should make the microtransactions sting a little less is the fact thatQuidditch Championsis releasing as a budget title and will be available for just $29.99. Not only that, butQuidditch Championswill be one of the free PS Plus Games for September 2024, so PlayStation gamers have the chance to play it without paying anything more than they usually do for their subscription.
Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions
WHERE TO PLAY
LIVE YOUR QUIDDITCH FANTASY: Take to the sky as one of the classic positions—Chaser, Seeker, Keeper, or Beater—each with their own unique play style. Soar into legendary Quidditch arenas, as well as maps that showcase never-before-seen areas of the wizarding world.MULTIPLE WAYS TO PLAYCareer Mode: From backyard battles in the Weasley Burrow to high-stakes showdowns at the Quidditch World Cup, rise to become a champion either solo or in online co-op with teams of up to 3 friends.Exhibition Matches: set your teams, map, and difficulty and play alone or on teams of up to 3 in online co-op.Player vs Player: Test your skills in competitive online matches against other Quidditch teams.YOUR QUIDDITCH YOUR WAYCustomize Your Approach: Level up and use skill points to tailor your play style for each role. Change your flight style by switching between and leveling up different brooms.Play As Yourself or as Iconic Harry Potter Characters: cosmetic customization options and classic character designs allow you to express your game-time personality.
