This isn't a review of Hogwarts Legacy, it's a review of what it's like to review Hogwarts Legacy

This game is so immersive it makes you FEEL like you're in a witch hunt

r/gamingcirclejerk after sending death threats and threaten to doxx a reviewer streaming for the Trevor Project:"Yeah this will help the LGBT community!"

Never apologize to the mob, never pander, never half-ass being a normal non tribal human being.

I feel like this is the one of the most wholesome and least controversial gaming channel on the website and am surprised that this happens to you guys of all people

Honestly was shocked this happened to you guys. Love your content and just know that the number who love and support you is far greater than those who dislike you.

Been watching your content for a few years now. You guys are funny, kind, and truly bright lights in the gaming community. People suck, don't let it get you down. Plenty of people love your work.

You’re not a transphobe by buying this game. It’s okay to like something but not support every feeling or idea or the creators.

This makes me really sad. Always have seen you guys as beacons of positivity. Hope this doesn’t deter you both from continuing to do great things.

This isn't a review of hogwarts legacy, this is a review of what it's like to be bullied into submission

Please don’t stop what you’re doing because of this. The world needs more of your content.

Dude, it’s just a game. Play it.

Some people can be awful. Most people aren't. This is one of my favorite, feel-good channels. The world needs more people like you two.

I don't really like this response. You just proved what the harassers did worked, they won and they can do this again cause it works. At the end of the day your audience doesn't care about this stuff, they care about your content. And this video doesn't give your your audience what they want, which is your reviews. Personally I disagree with your opinion that Hogwarts Legacy is aggressively mediocre. That would be Forspoken. I think this is the best Harry potter game ever made and it's good. Not game of the year but good and I would've liked to hear your thoughts on the overall game.

I'm a trans woman. I hate rowling as much as anyone else, but all the harrassment was ridiculous, and paints a really bad picture of the trans community. People are free to play the game, you guys did nothing wrong, and i really appreciate you making this video. I would also like to mention that most of the people doing the harrassment are not actually trans, just misguided people who think they are being "allies" by bullying people online for playing a video game.

As a trans person I will agree that the backlash people got for playing this game was just embarrassing for the community and just made us look hateful

I just discovered you guys like a week ago, since then I binged basically every video on this channel because you guys are creating very funny, and most importantly, informative videos about games from a refreshingly new point of view. I hope you guys remember that nowadays people just post things with no regard to consequences, it's something you'll unfortunately deal with... but also remember you guys are really making a lot of people entertained and happy. Keep it up! Much love from Brazil all the way to you guys ❤️

I've watched your channel for about a year now. My girlfriend is a backseat gamer as well and I genuinely love your content. It's lighthearted, funny and you guys are just loveable. I am really sorry you have suffered through this. The internet rage machine is a genuinely nasty thing and it is depressing to see how it can crush one's soul. I don't know what to say other than "this sucks". But I honestly hope you know that I and a lot more people love what you do and I really hope you can continue to do it for a long time. Be strong and I hope for the best for you.

This is the weirdest response video I've ever seen on youtube. A group targeted, bullied continually, harassed, misinformation spread about you, got your accounts suspended and celebrated all the awful things... And you STILL choose to side with these lunatics, instead of standing up for yourself?

I’m trans. I have never once felt the slightest iota of hatred or even dislike from you two. You two are legitimately amazing people. In fact your content was a great comfort to me when I was going through the most difficult time in my life. When I was beginning to realize I’m not a man. A time when everything I have believed my whole life, being raised in the southern baptist church, was being challenged by me. I was in the middle of an internal war against the oppressive religious indoctrination I had and my true self. Your content was an anchor and a comfort and it provided a measure of normalcy to my life when I really needed it. You two are among the best people there are. So, even if there are some vocal people that chose to make baseless and untrue accusations, just know that I appreciate all that you’ve done for my life!

Just know, the Shelby/Matt duo has brought laughter to millions of people. You are not bad people for playing a video game.

Wasn't sure you would upload this, we love you Shelby and Matt

I understand that some people would be sensitive about hogwart legacy, I understand that they want to boycott the game and not finance J K Rowling's ideas, I understand that they voice their concerns and their opinion respectfully. What I don't understand, is that people who are supposed to promote tolerance of personal choices and identity become so aggressive in trying to impose their vision to others and display obviously intolerant and even violent behaviors. It is very sad that it is coming to this end.

What a nightmare. I had no idea any of this happened to you two. You seem like good people I am so sorry you are being dragged thru the mud. Wishing you the best.

Oh wow. I hope you two are ok. Over in Germany one of my long time favorite creators - Gronkh - talked about potentially playing the game on stream and that he was not really sure about whether he should do that. He asked the chat. Eventually they got to the conclusion, that Harry Potter for many is childhood, memories and so much more than the person behind it, so they did not want to miss the game entirely. This was backed up by people who have been part of Gronkh's community for years and are known to be trans. The stream during which the game would have been played would have acted as some sort of donation marathon, collecting for trans rights groups. A few days after a clip of Gronkh stating that he Rowling is completely irrelevant to him was put on twitter. The following dicussions brought Gronkh - and Hogwarts Legacy - to the front pages of the largest German media outlets, giving both more publicity than they would have had otherwise, making everyone involved unhappy. The stream with Hogwarts Legacy did not happen, with the charity thingy being put on wait but promised to follow at some point, with other games. Gronkh's first stream after this whole explosion on Twitter was extraordinary, with him going into what had happened, what the plan was and what it has changed into. Viewer numbers were double the usual and many popular streamers were supporting him, some gifting hundreds of subs. It really sucks that two stories which start out so similar could take such drastically different turns. Again, hope you're doing fine!

What dribble ... Transphobia and anti Semetic ? You arericans live in a more magical world than the characters in Hogwarts

The fact that these people are actively tracking everyone who talks about or plays the game really tells me a lot regarding the time they spend outside

Feeding the alligator just means it eats you last

Man I feel bad. You guys make great content, with no ill intent. You guys deserve better and I hope that you’ve seen all the people rooting for you both as well. Thank you guys for everything and I will continue to support for sure

Shelby you and Matt give us always such a good time with your videos. I hope this issue goes away fast so you can continue making your EXCELLENT job of making my afternoons once every tow weeks amazing ❤

Regardless of how this plays out, my girlfriend and I watched your reviews from the beginning and are big supporters. Your humor is precisely the cleverness and with that most humans lack and it tickles our souls. We're sorry to see you go through this. Although we never comment on videos, me and my now Wife (yes we've watched you as gaming boyfriend and girlfriend and are now married) love to follow your adventures. We hope you overcome bc good will always prevail. Keep up the great work.

You guys have always come across as refreshingly genuine, honest and kind. Please keep making videos. Wishing you all the best. Let us know if there is anything we as viewers can do to help out.

I'm so genuinely sorry you guys had to go through that. I want you guys to know what a comfort this channel is for me. You guys are some of the sweetest, funniest and sincerest (sincerest?) KZfaqrs I've ever seen.

To anyone seeing Jewish stereotypes in the goblins, I suggest you read Norse and medieval mythology about goblins, svarts and duergar. They’re not Jews, they’re folklore.

Can’t believe you let them win, you just allowed yourself to get bullied out of your job. Appeasing trolls online was not the move.

I’m sorry but when you said “even if I did cry, how is that news? I cry every day” that was hilarious, and relatable

this channel is filled with some of the purest, kindest vibes alongside being fun to watch, and the fact you guys have had to put up with this kinda bullshit twice now is infuriating. please continue to be the wonderful people you are despite the hate.

The fact you still try to appease these people is exactly why they’re going to keep harassing you

Pretty sad youre trying to fall back in line just because you have the same political stances as these people. They don’t care about you

Hey Shelby, hey Matt. I know this comment won't probably reach you between the thousands of other comments but still, I wanted to tell you that I started watching Girlfriend Reviews since your first videos and I showed your videos to my gf and she really enjoyed them (we both are big nerds). It saddens me that you got caught in all this storm of nonsense, and I just want to tell you that what your work is great, and for every loud maniac there are ten quieter people who enjoy what you do. Cheers from Italy!

I think y’all should have just reviewed it. You can’t give these people an inch. They will always hate you and you will never be able to do enough to please them. It’s an endless purity test that you will always lose. Don’t let them break you. Review the game and keep doing the great content y’all have been and everyone will quickly forget these trolls. They now will be looking for more and more issues with every game you review and try to shame and bully you for playing any game that they deem problematic in any way.

It's funny how the ones who claim they are inclusive and accepting can be so hateful.

People hating on jk are just as bad as her and even worse since they are hating on people just playing a video game.

The world really doesn't deserve the wholesomeness that is Matt and Shelby. Much love to you guys ❤️

You two are fun, caring, and genuinely a joy to watch. Such a shame to see some jerks try and hurt you guys for doing what you do.

Imagine being bullied, belittled, and made to feel subhuman, only to then turn around and say "I love you" to them...

Why are you making excuses to bullies? You don't owe these misogynist witch hunters anything, yet you're meeting them 40% of the way by explaining how your choice of game is valid. And if on top of that you accept at face value that Rowling is a transphobe for siding with her sisters against patriarchy, you've now met them 80% of the way. When you know how these gender ideologues work, you know that this fits perfectly within patriarchy : Those were men, attacking a woman, for not submitting to their embargo on another woman".

I am saddened, shocked and deeply disturbed and disappointed by what all has happened, you all did not deserve this at all and I wish you the best. I’m not a violent person but I wish I could line everyone up who participated in slandering the good name of Girlfriend Reviews and give them all a very FIRM slap on the wrist. You two are shining lights in the KZfaq community, keep being amazing 💕

I had no idea about any of this happening to you until watching this video. I’m so incredibly sorry. I’m a huge fan of your content and you two as kind thoughtful humans, and have been since your very first video. If there’s anything I can do to help, I’m here for you

I dont understand why u try to defend the people that do this to you, a game s a game whats behind it has nothing to do with the product. All the political stuff just seems like smoke and mirrors ...if u abusive poeple for something u dont agree with then how are u better then the people doing it to you ? The whole trans thing just seems to create more hate for everyone instead of providing a solution or place to talk about it. But thats just imo

The fact that you are putting down one set of bullies while defending another is a bit concerning here. It doesn't matter who is doing the bullying, it is still wrong no matter how much you try to sugarcoat the bullying. There are a lot of trans activist bullies and everyone knows it. Never apologize for not allowing bullies to dictate what you are and are not allowed to do. Pandering to the activist bullies is what started this entire issue, to begin with. It's why so many innocent people's lives have been ruined by the insane activists who do nothing to help and only hurt the people they claim to be fighting for. There is no winning with them. It doesn't matter how supportive you try to be or how hard you're willing to fall on your own sword for them, it will never be good enough. You'll never be supportive enough and they will always demand more and then try to destroy you if you don't pander to their every whim. If Twitch wants to pander to them then screw twitch. As a gamer, I decided a long time ago I would never use their platform because of the way they treat their content creators. There are other streaming sites that you can be just as successful on. I'd highly recommend choosing one. The fact of the matter is the amount of people that bought this game alone proves how unpopular the insane activists have become. You can come out of this smelling like roses. That will never happen if you continue to allow yourself to be berated into submission by a bunch of psychopaths who start screaming and yelling every time someone refuses to kiss their ring though. You don't have to support or root against anyone to play this game. And playing the game says literally nothing about who you are as a person.

As a member of the LGBT community, I need to tell you that your community has been one of the safest places I've ever found on the internet. I always have a blast whenever you upload a video, whenever you stream, and whenever you post on social media. All of the time. Even if these sorts of people are getting heard more than they should, they have nothing against your true values as people and as content creators. Matt, Shelby, you are both amazing and funny as heck. It's easier said than done, but don't let this get you down. Light belongs where it can shine the brightest, and you both shine a lot by yourselves already.

Y’all are the best and my heart breaks for you guys, the fact that you guys got suspended on Reddit just shows how messed up that platform is

Like how do these idiots have this power? Can't we just ignore the crazies?

Yikes. This comes across as you siding with the very people who bullied you into tears like some battered wife crawling back to the husband that beats them. The only way you get rid of those people is to ignore them or out right stone wall them. Giving them any sympathy or showing any affect it had on you will only make it worse. Now they know you’re easily manipulated and easily forced into capitulation. I’m sorry for the future you’ve just laid out for yourself. Truly. Good luck because now they’ve got the taste of your blood it’s only a matter of time until the feeding frenzy comes back for seconds, thirds, fourths, fifths until you’ve got nothing left to give. Bringing out the “I’m a bigger victim than you” card is pretty cringe too honestly and 100% isn’t going to change a thing in their eyes. I really hope you get lucky and they forget you ever existed but it’s not likely.

I had no idea you two were going through this. I’m so sorry, but you’ll always have my support. Please keep up the great content!

I’m sorry you guys are dealing with this. I’ve always loved this channel for making me laugh while providing great insight to games.

Let’s get this video trending. Playing a free review copy of the game on stream while raising money for an LGBTQ charity should not get you cancelled.

The crazy thing about the controversy surrounding this game is how little people seem to care about what many game studios have been guilty of. From loot boxes preying on gambling addiction to studio heads using their money and position of power to act on their misogyny and the perhaps lesser crime on an individual basis, but far more widespread culture of time crunch causing many developers to give up on what they thought was their dream job. The power of celebrity is pretty astounding. To the point at the beginning of the video, almost every dollar you spend goes toward a powerful few people who influence the world in outsized ways, generally for their own benefit. I'm not into conspiracy theories but there's something of a hidden corporation that has their hands on almost everything commercial (and a lot more). The sad part about what's gone on with hogwarts legacy to me, is that the fight against this has been inflicted on the wrong people. So often, that's how it goes. It's like yelling at the customer service rep for policies made by higher ups while the rep is just trying to do their job to provide for their family.

Really sorry you guys had to go through all of this. Been here since the beginning honestly you guys have put a smile on my face with every video. Hope the wave of idiocy ends and you guys get your platform back on reddit

Sorry you guys went through all this, I say as a trans woman you guys have been one of mine and my boyfriends favorite channels for gaming to watch throughout our 3 year relationship we've seen all your reviews! I loved this! You guys always make my days better when I see you've uploaded something

I love that you're apologising for the people who treated you like scum, while calling the people who were sympathetic to you "mean", "weird" and "edgelords". Please don't simp for people who hate you.

People suck. I feel bad for the rational trans people who have nothing to do with all this and will now be put in the same box as the crazy irrational trans who are responsible for all the hate they get.

As someone with a Jewish background, Goblins ARE NOT ANTISEMITIC. Your take on that was really cringe.

I never comment... but this is just insane, that of all the people you two are hit with this. You are doing great and I hope stuff like this wont stop you in the future from putting out content, that brings so much joy in these general dark times. Sending some love from Germany...

The idea that this game is a strike against Jews because Goblins have big noses and run a bank is so childish. It's hard to find a source that has the courage to actually review the damn game without slathering a bunch of virtue signaling on it.

Gamingcirclejerk should be banned so toxic

Super sad to hear that you've been treated this way, you guys make some great content. Just adding one more comment to the positive support. Keep it up.

I was expecting an actual review, but oh well, for some reason, because of some haters, the fans can't have an actual review

She still defends the activists that have publicly harassed her, it's not the people who are enjoying the game and don't care about politics that are the problem here.

What's really disgusting about what happened is it highlights two things: 1. Those who vehemently attacked you showed their privilege, because instead of focusing their energy and efforts into preventing real harm via political action, they focused on people playing a videogame. If you think the biggest threat to you is a videogame and not real anti-trans legislation, and you spend your time attacking people who play said videogame instead of organizing advocacy groups to lobby local governments to stop actual legislation from being passed, you're privileged, insulated from any real harm, and not an ally. 2. Extremism in one direction begets extremism in another. Doing things like deplatforming people, harassing people, etc for playing a game and celebrating this behavior, ie: there's no such thing as bad tactics, only bad targets, will only galvanize the anti-trans movement and alienate any support from those in the middle. Doing this shit makes the trans community look unhinged, and a small, cancerous minority is ironically laying the foundation for real harm to the majority who don't believe in this esoteric, online militancy.

Please know that there is a much larger supportive community who understands and loves not only your content, but you as individuals as well. You two are incredibly kind hearted and I hope you're doing okay. ♥️♥️♥️

Absolutely love all of your content, especially when Shelby sings funny songs. People are too quick to act and rarely stop to think. I hope you're doing well and are not discouraged.

I completed Hogwarts Legacy ages ago, enjoyed it. But i dont seem to have developed hatred for Jews. I don't understand where you people are pulling this argument from. How is including Goblins in your wizards and witches related work,anti semetism? I'll never know.

Wow. First I’m hearing of this! So bummed for you two! I don’t have much time for gaming anymore, but I’ve LOVED your channel and it’s content. I hope you’re able to continue, you both bring such a fresh, fun and real lens to gaming/ couples reviews. My wife and I watch more of your videos than actual gaming these days. 🤣. We wish you many Girlfriend review to come!

It takes very few people to ruin someone's day, and it's a damn shame that they decided to ruin yours. I've been following you guys since near the very start of your channel, and have consistently been entertained by your endearing and hilarious videos. You guys are a star! I hope this drama is no more than a speedbump in your time as reviewers

Wow! I had no idea that happened.. I'm so sorry to hear that you've been treated this way..again. you two are some of the nicest most wholesome people I watch and you definitely deserve better.

I think the absolute worst about all of this is that JKR isn't even supported by people playing or Buying the game. Warner Bros has the license on Harry Potter and she receives a set amount of money every year so they can keep the license. Considering that, the hate Hogwarts Legacy got is even less comprehendable

Gotta love the witch hunting crowd. Terminally online.

Depriving us of the content you initially set out to make means they win. The second you give them an inch they will keep coming

Matt and Shelby! Thank you for making the hard content, sorry people were so mean to you for trying to review/play a copy of a game that was sent to you for free. My family loves your content, even my mom, she enjoys all the songs comedy and sometimes she even recognizes the games. You guys bring joy to us when we are feeling down or just wanting something whole hearted and funny. Excited to see your next video and share it with my family!

Disliking this video coz I was here for "Hogwarts Legacy | Girlfriend Reviews"

Okay I agree to most of this, but why the hell did you think the goblins represented Jews? They're literally fantasy creatures they're not meant to represent anything.

Even in such a grim situation, you guys did get a pretty big laugh out of me at the end. Sending all my love! you guys are the best❤

It continues to baffle me how aggressive and petty people can be online, some times for all the right reasons, and some for the mere idea of them. You two are, and have always been, the endless source of positivity and belly-laughs for me, so if I, as a viewer and a fan, can help you in some way, please tell me, and I'll do what I can. Hope this sizzles out sooner than later, and you'll get your subreddit back. We love you, we are with you, and you are as awesome as it gets!

absolutely pathetic. We all know you liked this game but you bow down to the mob that attacked you. shame.

Not reviewing it means you're giving the power to them. Letting them win.

I’ve been waiting for this video since the stream. Love you both and hope you’re doing well

This is mind-boggling! Thanks for the transparency of showing how crazy and nonsensical the internet can be. Take a well deserved break if you can. I hope to see you making your usual content soon, stay strong 💪!

lol, hilarious, so when people were being called bigots and homophobic when the slightest criticism was lobbied at TLoUp2 and you supported the groups doing this but now you are being cannibalized by the same group who you defended. Just like most of us agree it wasn't cool to attack the voice actors on TLoUp2 *it's not cool to attack game journalist for having an opinion and doing their job. * Not a fan of a channel since then and I doubt the creators of this channel will even read this but there's probably other lessons here, maybe stick to reviewing games on their merits...or licking public doorknobs is a bad idea, I dunno.

Anyone hating on you for playing a video game needs therapy. ❤

No-one ever gained anything from bowing to the mob.

Guys, I’m so sorry that this happened to you. Honestly I found you channel just to better understand what my girlfriend thinks when she sees me play video games. I cannot tell you how happy your content has made me, even on my darkest days. Please take some time for yourselves so that you can come back from this even stronger.

You let the bullies win by making this.

You know if you title a video girlfriend **reviews** You're actually supposed to review the content in question. If you don't want to review the game that's fine but lead with that. Say right off the start that you don't want to review this content so people that are actually looking for an actual constructive review can click off. Ps. If you guys actually believe that goblins (A mythical creature that has no connection to the real world that is a metal working archetype in mythology) are promoting anti-Semitism by existing and happening to be the villains of the story. You people need a broader perspective. This game is a beautiful vibrant storytelling medium with great characters, writing, gameplay and visuals! 9.3 out of 10 the best game I've played in the last 5 years! Beating out Eldon ring just barely which I scored a 9.1

You should’ve reviewed the game like normal and just ignored them. You allowed them to control your actions, otherwise you would’ve released a normal review. I don’t want to be apart of the negative crowd, but it’s the honest truth.

I rarely comment on videos at all, but can't help myself to not want to say something. I've been subscribed to your channel since the beginning roughly 10K subs at the time. And it's been amazing to see you guys grow so much and make great, funny wholesome content about video games. You two have been so relatable in my own life with my 'then' girlfriend (now wife) who was completely lost with everything I played and showed her, haha! So it extremely disheartening to see this kind of treatment to some of the nicest people I've seen on this platform. Hope as is well now, only thing left to do is to move on, forget the trolls and bullies. They have nothing else better to do then to harass others that don't align with their views! Keep doing what you're doing, stay strong, love you two!

I’m a bit iffy bout this. I’m trans, and I don’t give a crap about this whole situation I don’t even care bout terfs. But the fact that you’re trying to please a group of people who will turn against you if you don’t do what they wanna do is a bit wierd. Why would you want an audience like that? I’m sorry but both of you need to give yourself boundaries for situations like this, people should learn how to behave and be tolerant just like how people are tolerant of us.

I love you guys. I think you're one of the most creative and funniest gaming channels on the entire platform. It's sad how something like this can have such a big negative impact on your lives and work. But I hope you enjoy yourselves while you continue to be awesome.

Stupidest drama ever created, you guys are the most safe and wholesome reviewers across all plataforms, is literally insane that people are targeting you. Most people cheer you on, so keep it up!