Hogwarts Live Blog

Look, we thought we were done. We really did. We unleashed the first major Hogwarts Live redesign in over 20 years, dramatically wiped the sweat from our brows, and prepared to retreat into the dark abyss from whence we came.

But no. That would be too easy. Instead, like a Hogwarts staircase deciding it's had enough of your nonsense and moving just as you reach the top, we realized: there were still things to fix. And there may be more to come.

The Updates You Didn't Know You Needed (and Might Still Not Appreciate):
First off, the blog design now actually matches the main game. That's right. No more weird dissonance where you felt like you had stumbled into Bizarro World every time you clicked from the game to the blog.

Secondly, minor tweaks to improve the mobile experience. Because apparently, you all keep insisting on playing this game on your phones instead of carving ancient runes into stone tablets like reasonable people. So we made it slightly less painful to navigate, which means less accidental button mashing, less weird formatting, and fewer moments of existential dread as you try to click a link and instead open eight different pages at once. (No promises, though. Chaos finds a way.)

On a final note just because you ask for something doesn't mean we'll do it. Not because we don't love you (we don't), but because democracy is a lie and we're running this place like a slightly benevolent dictatorship. (If enough people scream the same thing at us, though, we might listen. Maybe.)

Yes, you can still complain, but it won't change the fact that this update is happening. Your options are: adapt, accept, or stage a dramatic protest.

So go forth, explore, break things (preferably not on purpose), and if you find any bugs, remember: they're not bugs. They're features.

And if you've read this far? You either have impeccable taste or far too much free time. Either way, you belong here.

I know it has felt like Hogwarts Live's old design had been running since the dawn of the internet or at least since the age of dial-up, which is basically the same thing. If you're reading this, congratulations, you're witnessing history. For the first time in over two decades, we've updated the website's design. That's right. The old version has finally gone the way of VHS tapes, floppy disks, and whatever dignity we had left.

Why the update, you ask? Because apparently, time moves forward and people don't just sit at their desktops anymore. Some of you maniacs actually leave the house and expect to play Hogwarts Live on tiny, glowing rectangles. Ridiculous, but fine. So, like the benevolent gods that we are (at least on HL), we have bestowed upon you a mobile-friendly version of the site.

Yes, this means you can now duel, cast spells, and waste your life away in HL while pretending to listen in meetings, ignoring your family at dinner, or avoiding responsibilities in ways previously thought impossible. You're welcome.

Now, let's address the elephant or Thestral (if you have the sight) in the room. Things Look Different. We know change is scary. Some of you have been playing this game since the Bush administration--pick one (well not quite that old). You probably have muscle memory for the old layout. And yes, this is like coming home only to find that someone rearranged all the furniture, replaced your chair with a slightly comfier one, and burned your favorite old sock in a ritual sacrifice to the CSS gods.

Look, we tried to keep things familiar while making sure your precious experience is less likely to break if you so much as breathe near a mobile browser. It's a delicate balance. Like keeping a Dementor as a pet--possible, but you'll probably still lose most of your soul in the process.

What You Need to Know:

- You can now use HL on your phone without feeling like you've traveled back to the GeoCities era. That's right-no more zooming in and out like a lunatic just to read the text.
- If something's broken, we totally meant to do that. No, really. But also, maybe tell us if it's broken so we can pretend to fix it.
- You can send us feedback, but we will ignore 80 percent of it. Democracy is an illusion. However, if enough people request the same thing, we might consider it. Otherwise, your suggestion will be tossed into the same void as why doesn't Hogwarts have normal high school subjects like Math.
- The game is still the same ridiculous, chaotic, text-based nonsense you know and love. Just, you know, with less suffering on mobile (hopefully).

If you're struggling to adjust to the changes, just remember. Dumbledore changed the entire House Cup standings overnight based on pure favoritism, and people survived that. You'll survive this. And if you don't, well, someone else will take your place. That's the circle of life at Hogwarts (Live).

So go forth, explore, break the new layout in ways we didn't expect, and if you find any bugs, just tell yourself they're features or petition for help and we'll get to it when we have time.

I'm making some necessary updates to our DNS settings over the next 72 hours. During this time, you may experience temporary difficulty accessing the site or notice minor data loss for recent actions.

I'm working hard to minimize disruptions and appreciate your patience. If you have any issues, please petition for help, though they'll likely be resolved after 72 hours.

Thank you for understanding!

This is the first time since 2013 that we're accepting applications for new volunteer staff members!

We're looking to put together a brand new development team to help revamp the site, alongside expanding our administrative staff and moderator team, who play a vital role in the day-to-day safety and enjoyment of the site. This team will focus on monitoring chats, ensuring players follow the rules, and keeping the community safe and welcoming.

We're looking for enthusiastic, imaginative, and passionate individuals to help us create the next stage of Hogwarts Live.

Please note these positions do come with in-game perks, but are otherwise unpaid as HL is a labor of love.

Roles We Are Looking to Fill:

Administrator/Moderator

Description: Responsible for moderating chats, ensuring players follow site rules, and addressing any issues to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all.

Skills: Communication, Conflict Resolution, Fairness, Ability to Handle Sensitive Situations, Familiarity with Site Rules and Policies.

To apply, Petition for Help explaining why you'd be a good fit for this role and any relevant experience.

Software Engineer/Developer/Programmer

Description: Responsible for programming new features for the game.

Skills: JavaScript, PHP, MySQL, HTML, CSS

Note: If you program in another language such as Go, Java, C, C#, C++, Ruby, Python, etc., please apply (especially if you have experience building web services or mobile apps).

To apply, Petition for Help with code samples, links to applicable work, or a resume.

Project Manager

Description: Responsible for gathering feature requirements, making sure features are delivered on time, and making the public aware of new features. Will help prioritize when and what features are built.

Skills: Organization, Communication, Time Management, Project Management

Note: The ideal PM will keep tabs on everyone involved in a project and ensure tasks are completed on time.

To apply, Petition for Help with examples of how you've helped teams deliver projects on time.

Digital Illustrator

Description: Responsible for designing game art such as characters, objects, backgrounds, icons, and other graphics. Can use generative AI art, but should be skilled enough at image manipulation to fix the mistakes AI makes.

Skills: Image Manipulation (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, Figma, etc.), Illustration

To apply, Petition for Help with links to custom graphics or artwork you've created.

Game Scenario Writer

Description: Responsible for creating game scenarios/storylines.

Skills: Imagination, Good Ideas, English, Grammar, Detail-oriented, Descriptive

To apply, Petition for Help with writing samples or links to applicable work.

Web Designer

Description: Responsible for the design and layout of HTML and CSS pages.

Skills: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Image Manipulation (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, Figma, etc.), Layout Design, Information Design, Usability, User Experience Design

To apply, Petition for Help with screenshots or links to websites designed.

It would be helpful if any of you who apply include a personal statement describing why you would like to volunteer for Hogwarts Live and why you think you're qualified to do so.

Would really appreciate it if you could fill out this survey about what keeps you playing HL:
https://forms.gle/g4Yoy7rRgHqvJBVq5

Hogwarts Live has been a magical experience for many over the years, and we want to understand what keeps you playing and how we can make it even better. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us explore ways to revitalize the game, enhance its features, and keep the magic alive for both current and future players.

By sharing your thoughts, you'll help shape the future of HL and ensure it continues to be a place where fans can explore, compete, and connect. Whether you're a long-time player or have taken a break, we want to hear from you!

Thank you for being part of this journey and for making HL special. Your voice matters!

Celebrate Harry Potter's Birthday with Our Magic Wand Raffle!

In honor of Harry Potter's birthday, we're thrilled to announce a raffle that will transport you straight into the magical world.

Magic Wand Raffle Details

Prizes:
We will have 7 lucky winners, each receiving their very own Magic Wand! Winners can choose from a variety of magical designs. (Note: If you're a muggle, the wand may not perform actual magic, but it will still be a spectacular addition to your collection.)

Shipping:
Shipping costs will be covered up to $15 (USD), ensuring that your magical prize reaches you without issue, no matter where you live.

Raffle End Date:
The raffle will end on August 7, 2024. Make sure to get your entries in before then!

How to Enter

1. Visit Our Raffle Page:
From any location or village--be it Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, or your home location--navigate to the Candy Raffle section under -Global- in the game.

2. Use Your Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans:
These delightful beans aren't just for eating! Use them to purchase raffle tickets and increase your chances of winning a Magic Wand.

Grab your Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, and enter the raffle!

Happy Birthday, Harry Potter, and best of luck to all our entrants!

May the odds be ever in your favor (I know, wrong franchise)!

Raffle Winners:
Queen Of Flowers Sherry (Ticket 1202)
buried under wine gums Dragon (Ticket 9944)
RAB (Ticket 5827)
&Unknown Rose (Ticket 1793)
Goddess CinderSara (Ticket 646)
Mad Hatter magica (Ticket 2433)
Prankster FoolscapFolio (Ticket 2905)

Congratulations to our winners! :)

The Hogwarts Live web server is very old and I'm in the process of moving Hogwarts Live to a new server. In the event that something isn't working as expected or as it did before, please report any weird issues you encounter by petitioning for help.

As per magica's comment below I created a Discord server for Hogwarts Live called HL if you're unable to access the petition for help link:
https://discord.gg/FaXDKysdvA

The Halloween mounts are now available until November 2nd at every mount shop. There is a Wicked Witches Broom available for every major mount, with the same stats, at the same price.
If you don't know which mount each Wicked Witches Broom corresponds to, you can find out by reading the description.

Just want to remind everyone to read the FAQs, especially these topics noted below.
Don't want to hear any excuses, especially most of you have been here for a long time.

Appropriate content
Keep your comments and actions appropriate for all ages. This means watch your language, watch your sexual content, and absolutely, NO CYBERING ANYWHERE ON THE SITE. Owls and dwellings are not excluded from this. If we have evidence, or in some cases even just suspect that you are here only for sexual reasons, you WILL be banned.

Bullying/Harassment
Do not bully/harass someone for how they are roleplaying just because it is not how you RP or how you perceive RP has to be. You are not a RP king/queen and do not have the right to tell someone how to RP or make fun of them for how they choose to RP. As long as their RP partner(s) is fine with how they RP, it is none of your concern. If you do not like how someone RPs, do not RP with them, it is that simple. If you do not like seeing their posts, use the ignore feature.

Spam
Examples of spam:
Kdhfblagagkjlgdhasgd
Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!!!!!!!
"*love**love**love**love**love**love*"
"hahahahahahahahahaha"
"pppllleeeaaassseee"
.................
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
iliketowriterunonwordsthatgoonandonforeverandever
Posting one or two lines of a song is alright, posting more is not allowed and considered spam.

Cheating
Trying to hack into the server, trying to crack other user's passwords, or otherwise doing something detrimental to the integrity or security of HL is strictly forbidden. Do not use scripts or bots to automate game tasks as they may burden the server. You must report any bugs or exploits you discover using the Petition for Help link. Using bugs or exploits to improve your stats will result in a temp ban and/or having your account locked. Those who report bug abuse or means of doing may receive a reward.


Alternate characters (alts)
You may have UP TO 4 accounts per IP address. If you decide to make more than that, your highest account(s) will be locked until you are back down to 4 accounts. If you choose to make more than one account, they may not interact with each other. This means no arguing between your accounts, no sending gold or pets from one account to another, no PvPing yourself, etc. Don't create an alt for drama purposes either. If you do, your main may be locked. Also, do NOT refer your own account(s).*** This type of cheating is just in bad taste. Again, we may decide to lock your main account if you do. If you share a computer, Internet connection, or Network with another player we will assume there is only one person at the keyboard and you will be held responsible for all activity that originates from your account or IP address.

***This also includes your "sisters" or "brothers." Only refer people that don't live in your house.

Also, if you suspect someone of being an alt, it's not your duty to announce it in chat or ask them whose alt they are. It's none of your business. If you know someone to be an alt, keep it to yourself unless you have permission from the person to share that information with others.

(I would like to note that the only foolproof way to keep an alt a secret is to not tell anyone. I don't care if you only tell your BFF- it will get out somehow. )


The full list of rules can be found in the FAQ, located in every village. You may want to take a moment to review those as well, as not knowing them does not excuse you from having to follow them.

Thank you.

Hi Everyone,

If you're new to the game, you can create an account and select your personal pronouns. If you want to change your current personal pronouns, you can click on your character name on the top right of the blog and then click Edit Profile.

There is now a section called "What are your pronouns?" that will let you set custom personal pronouns if you don't like to be referred to as he, her, or they as well as let you change your existing personal pronouns.

These changes are new, so they might cause some unexpected issues. Please let us know if you find any bugs.

Why did I add personal pronouns to HL?

I wholeheartedly believe in the power of role-playing games to bring people together from different walks of life and we are taking this step to ensure that everyone can feel accepted and seen for who they are in our online community.

Historically, the world of gaming has been recognized as a space of escapism and self-expression. Many players create characters that mirror their real-world identities, while others use it as a platform to explore aspects of their identity in a safe and supportive environment. As I understand the profound significance of personal pronouns in gender identity, I felt it necessary to provide our users with the option to customize their pronouns according to their individual preferences.

From now on, Hogwarts Live players can set their custom pronouns in their blog profile settings. Whether it's he/him, she/her, they/them, or any other pronoun that a player feels best represents their identity, we're giving them the platform to express it. It is a small but significant change that we hope will reflect our ethos of respect, acceptance, and recognition of everyone's unique identity.

This new feature is more than just an upgrade to our game--it's a reflection of our core beliefs. At Hogwarts Live, we champion diversity and inclusivity, recognizing the vast array of identities, experiences, and perspectives within our player community. We strive to create an environment that celebrates these differences and offers a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy the magical world we've created.

I understand that with change comes a learning curve, and the Hogwarts Live staff is here to support our community throughout this process. Besides the pronoun update, we want everyone to understand the importance of correct pronoun usage and respect for everyone's chosen identifiers. Imagine if you changed your name and people kept calling you by your old name or worse, they called you by a name you find offensive? Many of us had childhood nicknames, for example, we wished people didn't use. Please check player's in-game bios or blog profiles and use their personal pronouns when referring to them in chat or elsewhere.

I also want to remind everyone that misgendering--intentionally or unintentionally using the wrong pronouns--can feel hurtful and disrespectful. I hope this new feature will encourage all players to practice consideration and understanding in their interactions with others, ensuring that Hogwarts Live remains a fun, friendly, and accepting platform for all fans of the magical world.

I thank you all for your continued support and look forward to seeing our magical community continue to evolve and grow in a spirit of understanding and respect. Remember, the strength of HL comes from the diversity and unity of its players. We are proud of our community and will continue to strive towards making Hogwarts Live the most welcoming and inclusive wizarding world out there.

Whether you're a Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Slytherin, or still awaiting your Hogwarts letter, remember this: You are valid. You are seen. You are accepted, exactly as you are. Welcome to Hogwarts Live, the magical world where everyone is welcome, and everyone belongs.