The highly anticipated game, Hollow Knight: Silksong, is set to launch on September 4. Players can look forward to its release on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Xbox, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.
Though the announcement of the game’s release date might not seem particularly extraordinary, the wait of six years between its initial announcement and the upcoming release has certainly fueled discussion. While lengthy development periods are not scarce in the gaming industry, titles like Metroid Prime 4, Duke Nukem Forever, and the long-mooted Half-Life 3 have all experienced even longer waits, contributing to the phenomena surrounding Silksong.
Fans of the original 2017 title, Hollow Knight, have turned the lengthy wait for Silksong into a cultural meme. The buzz can be attributed to the game’s anticipated scope, the original game’s massive success, and the minimal updates provided by Team Cherry, its developer.
What fuels this obsession?
Silksong originated as a planned downloadable content (DLC) expansion for Hollow Knight, a side-scrolling Metroidvania in which players navigate the desolate insect kingdom of Hallownest. The original game, which garnered funding through Kickstarter, gained acclaim for its unique 2D art, immersive soundtrack, engaging gameplay, and intricate lore, igniting curiosity about the world it portrayed.
Referred to as Hornet, the character from the planned DLC was initially a non-playable character but was later transformed into a playable entity. Team Cherry announced in February 2019 that the DLC concept had evolved into a full sequel, citing its ambition as the reason for the change.
Following this announcement, updates regarding the game’s progress dwindled. While the development of the original game was quite transparent, updates for Silksong became sporadic, with the occasional assurance from Team Cherry that work on the project continued.
Since its announcement, the popularity of Hollow Knight has skyrocketed, with sales reportedly exceeding 15 million copies. Meanwhile, Silksong has become the most-wishlisted game on Steam, gaining nearly five million wishlists.
The combination of rising expectations, the original game’s legacy, and the scarcity of information about Silksong led to exhaustive speculation. Fans meticulously analyzed every minor mention, including updates from Steam databases and the ESRB ratings, in hopes of gleaning insights about the game’s release timeline.
Some fans have even created content focused on the absence of news, exemplified by a YouTube channel dedicated to Silksong updates, which humorously addressed the lack of developments with regular postings.
Tensions within the community peaked in mid-2023 when an update revealed that Silksong would not meet its expected release window. Fans expressed their frustration and continued to engage in humorous banter during game showcases, often sharing memes and jokes related to their wait for the anticipated game.
Understanding the delays
Recent discussions surrounding the game’s protracted development are clarified in an interview with Team Cherry co-founders Jason Schreier. The developers revealed that their extended timeline was driven not by typical industry challenges, but rather by their immense enjoyment in creating Silksong.
“You’re continually inspired to add new ideas, items, and challenges,” Pellen stated. He shared that stopping was challenging due to their excitement about the game’s possibilities.
Despite expectations for a smaller map, Silksong grew in complexity due to the addition of over 200 distinct enemies and a new quest system designed to encourage exploration. The team had to ensure consistency and polish throughout the developing project, leading to increased development time.
The natural evolution of the game complicated their ability to estimate a release date. Additionally, Team Cherry opted for minimal communication to prevent spoiling any surprises for future players.
With the game’s release on the horizon, anticipation has begun to build. An Australian museum recently announced it would feature Silksong in an exhibit, coinciding with upcoming announcements from Team Cherry.
While the developers have acknowledged the fervor surrounding the title and the communities that have formed, they remain focused on delivering a polished experience. Their plans include a potentially extensive array of post-launch DLC, similar to that of the original Hollow Knight.
As the game becomes available, the enduring question within the fan community remains: “Silksong when?”