Hollow Knight was originally conceived as a modest project, targeting roughly two hours of gameplay. However, the success of its Kickstarter campaign allowed Team Cherry to significantly expand the game, enhancing the overall experience. The anticipated sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong, has been in development for over six years and is projected for release sometime in 2025. Team Cherry has shared that the acclaimed Hollow Knight could have remained a “very small” game without support from its community.
Instead, it evolved into a rich Metroidvania experience filled with diverse content. Players explored the underground kingdom of Hallownest, encountering a variety of unique and often dangerous creatures. Featuring precise controls, an expansive world, and a compelling narrative, Hollow Knight achieved remarkable success, establishing itself as one of the top-selling titles in the Metroidvania genre. Since its launch, Team Cherry has also released several DLCs, further enriching the game for fans.
Recent insights into the game’s development reveal intriguing details about its initial scope. In a 2018 interview, team members Ari Gibson and William Pellen discussed their original funding goals. They initially set a target of AU$35,000, reflecting their vision of a smaller project. Gibson mentioned that they actually considered lowering this goal, as the game was expected to have limited content.
Fortunately, as funding accumulated, Team Cherry was liberated to broaden the scale of Hollow Knight. This influx of resources enabled the developers to dedicate two years to the project, resulting in a game that ultimately takes over 20 hours to complete. The enhancements made possible by this funding included unique areas and exciting boss battles that may not have existed otherwise. As for Hollow Knight: Silksong, anticipation continues to build.
Recent glimpses of the sequel have been well-received, but a specific release date is yet to be announced. Following a recent Nintendo Direct, fans are hopeful for a 2025 launch that will bring the next chapter in Team Cherry’s incredible journey.