The extended development of Hollow Knight: Silksong, a topic of much speculation among fans, boils down to creative freedom rewarded. Contrary to rumors of “development hell,” the game’s seven-year gestation period was a deliberate choice by Team Cherry, enabled by the unexpected and continued financial success of its predecessor. According to Eurogamer, the co-founders enjoyed the creative process and were under no external pressure to rush the game’s release.
The Evolution of a Sequel
What began as a modest expansion for the critically acclaimed Hollow Knight organically transformed into a full-fledged sequel. Team Cherry’s co-founders, Ari Gibson and William Pellen, speaking with Eurogamer, explained that the scope of the game expanded significantly as they delved deeper into the world and quest systems. This iterative process, driven by creative passion rather than external mandates, is the primary reason for the extended development timeline.
From Expansion to Standalone
The initial plan for Silksong was far more contained. However, as the team explored new ideas and mechanics, the project’s ambition grew. This organic growth, while time-consuming, allowed Team Cherry to craft a sequel that surpasses the original in terms of scope and depth. The studio has not disclosed specific details on the original planned size of the DLC, but the current size is a full game, with many new features.
Financial Freedom and Creative Control
A crucial factor enabling this extended development was the phenomenal success of Hollow Knight. The game’s sales, which skyrocketed from 2.8 million copies at the time of Silksong’s announcement in 2019 to an impressive 15 million copies, provided Team Cherry with the financial security to pursue their creative vision without compromise. This financial cushion allowed them to resist external pressure to release the game prematurely.
Skyrocketing Sales, Extended Timeline
The financial success of Hollow Knight cannot be overstated. These sales figures gave the studio the freedom to prioritize quality and innovation over strict deadlines. According to Eurogamer, this allowed the developers to focus on making the best game possible, even if it meant a longer wait for fans. The increased sales also meant the team could expand, allowing more man-power on the project.
Busting the “Development Hell” Myth
Ari Gibson, in the Eurogamer report, explicitly refuted the notion that Silksong’s development was plagued by significant obstacles or internal strife. He emphasized that the project was consistently progressing and that there was no singular, dramatic event that caused the delay. Instead, it was simply a matter of a small team undertaking a large and ambitious project.
Steady Progress, Ambitious Scope
The perception of “development hell” often arises from a lack of transparency and communication. However, in Team Cherry’s case, the extended development was a deliberate choice driven by their commitment to quality and their desire to fully realize their creative vision. The project was always moving forward, with new features and improvements being implemented regularly. The team could have continued to expand the game further, but they decided to end the development to ensure the game’s eventual release, with plans for additional content post-launch.
The Future of Silksong
While the wait for Hollow Knight: Silksong has been considerable, the reasons behind the extended development point to a studio dedicated to crafting a high-quality gaming experience. Rather than succumbing to external pressures or facing insurmountable obstacles, Team Cherry leveraged its creative freedom and financial stability to create a game that lives up to the expectations of its passionate fanbase. The developers have plans for additional content post-launch, so the game will continue to grow even after its release.
