Watch J.K. Rowling's Exciting 'Pottermore' Announcement; Harry Potter Site to Launch in October
by Richard Sharp
Brace yourselves, Potter fans. This one is something special.
The author of the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling, released a new YouTube video early this morning announcing what her mysterious new website “Pottermore” was all about. As we’ve been reporting all week, there has been rampant speculation and leaked documents indicating that the site would be an interactive gaming platform.
Kind of, but not really.
Calling it a new “online reading experience,” Rowling said in her announcement that the website would be an in-depth and feature-laden destination, where people can follow the storylines of the book and be treated to new content along the way.
“It’s the same story with a few crucial additions,” said Rowling in the announcement. “The most important one is you.”
“Just as the experience of reading requires that the imaginations of the author and the reader work together to create the story, so Pottermore will be built, in part, by you, the reader. The digital generation will be able to enjoy a safe, unique online reading experience built around the ‘Harry Potter’ books. Pottermore will be the place where fans of any age can share, participate in, and rediscover the stories,” said Rowling.
The idea presented in the promo is that user-generated content will help crate and expand upon the Harry Potter world, on top of new illustrations, “interactive moments” and a “additional information” Rowling has been “hoarding for years” about Harry Potter.
“I hope fans and those new to Harry will have as much fun helping to shape Pottermore as I have. Just as I have contributed to the website, everyone else will be able to join in by submitting their own comments, drawings and other content in a safe and friendly environment — Pottermore has been designed as a place to share the stories with your friends as you journey through the site.”
Of course, many fans were hoping that Pottermore would be the place that Rowling launched another new Potter novel, and that’s not the case, though the author will be participating regularly in the Pottermore experience.
On one final note, the ever-enigmatic Rowling kept the intrigue going, saying “Pottermore is open to every one from October but a lucky few can enter early and help shape the experience. Simply follow the owl.”
Watch J.K. Rowling’s “Pottermore” announcement here:
The final film installation of the book series, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2," hits theaters July 15th.