Silksong Development | 7-Year Journey to Awaited Success
Edited By
Darius Kingston
The indie gaming world is buzzing as Silksong continues to garner attention after its seven-year development stretch. Team Cherry, the creators behind the highly acclaimed Hollow Knight, confirmed that the extended timeline was not due to typical development woes but rather their determination to create an outstanding sequel.
No Development Hell, Just Good Times
In a candid discussion, Team Cherry members shared that their approach to game development was more about enjoyment than frustration. Developer Gibson noted, “We had money and didn’t want to rush making a good game.” The team aimed to create something they loved without the pressure of constant updates, choosing instead to focus on the game rather than engage incessantly with fans.
Silence Over Speculation
The decision to limit communication was intentional. Gibson further explained, "We felt like continued updates were just going to sour people on the whole thing.” The developers wanted to avoid disappointing their audience with vague progress reports. They describe their experience as a joyful creative process, with no significant conflicts holding them back.
"The whole article is really about a jolly good time!" – Commenter
The game, which has seen updates in its features over the years, now boasts over 200 unique enemies compared to the original’s 140. Many fans respect Team Cherry for embracing this slower, more thoughtful development cycle.
A Record-Breaking Success
Interestingly, Hollow Knight has sold over 15 million copies, placing it among the top ten best-selling indie games ever. Responses indicate that users appreciate the pressure-free environment that allowed the developers to explore ideas without a looming deadline. As one fan put it, "I’d rather wait seven years to get a masterpiece than one year for a buggy demo."
Rethinking Expectations in Game Development
Some criticism has emerged regarding the lack of communication during the development process. Fans expected more frequent updates, especially considering Team Cherry’s previous successes with timely releases. Critics noted, “They should have never released the trailer in 2019,” referring to how expectations built over time, rendering the wait increasingly frustrating.
A Balanced Outlook
Despite mixed sentiments from the fanbase, most comments reflect admiration for the developers’ style. Many support their decision to focus on quality rather than quantity of communication. “They were just having fun making the game,” noted a user, highlighting the developers’ passion that arguably enhances the final outcome.
Key Insights
💡 15 million copies sold of Hollow Knight shows immense popularity.
🔄 Limited updates aimed at maintaining excitement, yet led to some fan frustration.
🎉 Team Cherry’s development ethos emphasizes fun and creativity over industry pressures!
🌍 This lengthy development timeline aligns with modern indie trends, where prolonged milestones are becoming more usual.
The anticipation for Silksong is palpable, with many welcoming the approach Team Cherry has taken. As fans eagerly await the final product, the conversations around this title spark a larger dialogue about the balance between creator independence and audience expectations in the gaming industry.
What’s Next in the Silksong Saga
Moving forward, there’s a strong chance that Team Cherry will continue to keep a relatively low profile until their launch date approaches. Experts estimate around a 70% likelihood that the team will release gameplay footage in the coming months, especially as excitement builds around Silksong. The developers may opt for a more impactful reveal to complement their initial trailer release, potentially using community feedback to fine-tune the final product. This choice could help mitigate earlier frustrations over communication while still maintaining anticipation.
A Surprising Twist on History’s Canvas
In 1970, the release of The Beatles’ last studio album, Let It Be, showcased a similar dynamic: the band’s internal struggles led to a long wait filled with speculation. Yet, when the project finally dropped, it was celebrated for its raw emotion and artistic integrity. Just as The Beatles took their time to ensure their final mark on music remained lasting and true, Team Cherry finds itself in a comparable situation. Their journey through joy and creative freedom hints at a memorable gaming experience that may redefine expectations, reminding fans that sometimes, a longer wait can result in brilliance.