Ever wondered what J.K. Rowling thought of all the Harry Potter fanfic and roleplaying forums? Did you imagine she might have seen them as the natural extension of the franchise once the books had finished and the last movie was beginning to air?
Right now we’re waiting to see what the next thing in the Harry Potter experience will be. There is a mysterious countdown clock on YouTube. It’s due to finish in June 23rd.
The Pottermore.com site simply promises that something is coming soon.
There are clues though. As EW.com are reporting the trademark application for the website explains a lot.
“…providing multiple-user access to a global computer information network, […] on-line chat rooms and electronic bulletin boards for transmission of messages among users in the field of general interest [and] on-line facilities for real-time interaction with other computer users concerning topics of general interest.”
It’s easy to fit keywords in Pottermore too. Potter Multiplayer Online Roleplaying Experience.
What do you think? Compelling?
Can they pull something like this off without tapping traditional RPG experts? Have they reached out to Wizards of the Coast owners Hasbro? After all; if they want to extend the franchise via forum RPGs (or something more modern) then they could tap a small fortune of gaming books.
