NetEase's collectible card game, Harry Potter: Magic Awakened, is shutting down in select regions. The end-of-service (EOS) announcement impacts the Americas, Europe, and Oceania, with servers officially closing on October 29th, 2024. Players in Asia and certain MENA regions can continue playing.
Initially launched in China in September 2021 and globally on June 27th, 2023, the game enjoyed a promising start but ultimately failed to maintain momentum. Despite its Clash Royale-inspired gameplay and captivating Hogwarts atmosphere, player interest waned.
Reddit discussions reveal player frustration over a shift towards pay-to-win mechanics. A controversial reward system rework penalized skilled free-to-play players, slowing progression and diminishing the appeal for many. The game was removed from the Google Play Store in affected regions on August 26th, 2024.
While the game's lifespan was shorter than anticipated, it offered players the chance to experience Hogwarts life, attend classes, uncover secrets, and engage in wizard duels. For those in unaffected regions, the opportunity to explore this magical world remains.