Sony partners with Rowling on Pottermore

Global literary superstar J.K. Rowling has today announced a new digital expansion to the Harry Potter universe, Pottermore.

Interestingly the project is being designed in collaboration with Sony, though there’s no indication of any video games tie-ins – presumably as Warner currently owns the video game rights.

Pottermore will first and foremost be an outlet for Rowling to self-publish the Potter novels digitally. The books have never officially been released on any digital platforms.

The site is described as "a unique and free-to-use website which builds an exciting online experience around the reading of her hugely successful Harry Potter books".

New material about the characters and Potter universe also form part of the offer, as will a number of unspecified Sony-produced services.

Potter novel publisher Bloomberg and film producer Warner are said to have been partners in the project, but questions are rightful being asked of the commercial implications for the pair as a result of this largely independent project.

Sony’s association with J.K. Rowling’s Pottermore brings together one of the world’s most innovative brands with the most successful book series in history, in a pioneering partnership that will help shape the future of story-telling," Sony CEO and president Howard Stringer stated.

"We are proud to be a part of it, both at this momentous announcement, and as we collaborate on its development over the coming years.”

Rowling added: As I think people know, I am very protective of Harry and have always been very selective with any new initiatives, but I am totally committed to making this partnership with Sony and this wonderful new website a success.

"There are many companies I could have worked with on this ultimate digital expression of Harry Potter’s universe, but it is Sony’s unique philosophy of creativity in harmony with technology that made them my first choice. The spirit behind Sony’s make.believe philosophy is one that rings true with Pottermore’s own values.”