Publisher Of 'Harry Potter Codenames' Commits '100% Of The Profits' to Charities Supporting Transgender People After Backlash

Czech Games Edition, the publisher behind the hit party game Codenames, announced it will donate “100% of the profits” from its new Harry Potter-themed edition to “appropriate charitable organisations,” including charities that provide direct support to transgender people, following a wave of backlash from fans, reviewers, and LGBTQ+ advocates.

The commitment came alongside a lengthy apology the company posted on August 8, in which Czech Games Edition (CGE) said it was “devastated” that the project “caused harm instead of joy,” and acknowledged that “in our excitement about creating a game within a universe many of us still treasure, we failed to see how that universe no longer brings joy to others.” CGE added: “We apologize unreservedly for not doing more to consider that possibility, and for subsequently announcing the game without taking preemptive actions to mitigate the pain it would cause.”

The new title—referred to by outlets and CGE communications as Codenames: Back to Hogwarts or variations thereof—was first revealed on July 23 and quickly drew criticism due to the franchise’s association with J.K. Rowling, whose public statements about transgender people have sparked widespread concern among LGBTQ+ communities and allies. CGE said it issued statements on July 25 and July 30, and then a more comprehensive post on August 8, reflecting the mounting criticism and its evolving response.

The controversy broadened when several influential tabletop reviewers, including No Pun Included and Shut Up & Sit Down, announced boycotts of CGE over the licensed release, arguing that Rowling’s rhetoric has harmed transgender communities and that licensing fees can be perceived as supporting those views. Their stance amplified pressure on the publisher, particularly within the board gaming community, which often relies on trust and dialogue between creators, reviewers, and players.

CGE also acknowledged criticism that it had blocked or muted social media users who posted objections. In its August 8 statement, the company wrote: “Frankly, we were not prepared for the volume of the response. As a result, multiple accounts and comments were blocked or muted that should not have been.” The publisher indicated it is reassessing its community management practices in light of the feedback.

PinkNews reported that CGE’s pledge specifies that charities benefiting from the profits will offer “direct, practical help” to transgender people, including emergency support for LGBTQ+ youth, though the company had not listed specific organizations at the time of publication.

For LGBTQ+ audiences, the pivot by CGE illustrates a broader trend: brands and entertainment companies are being asked to assess the real-world implications of licensing deals and celebrity associations, especially when those relationships potentially affect marginalized communities. The tabletop sector, while smaller than film and television, has significant cultural reach, and Codenames remains one of the most widely played modern party games globally. CGE’s decision to redirect profits situates the company among publishers attempting to reconcile fan attachment to major franchises with the ethical concerns raised by parts of those fan communities.