Team Cherry has expressed regret over the "unfortunate" impact the Silksong launch had on other independent game developers

The much-anticipated release of Hollow Knight: Silksong by the Australian game studio Team Cherry has influenced the timing of other indie game launches. The developer acknowledged this with regret, pointing out how the long-awaited release impacted the schedules of smaller game studios. Speaking with Bloomberg, Ari Gibson from Team Cherry explained the intense pressure and last-minute announcement surrounding the game’s launch date, which was decided only shortly before its public reveal.

According to Gibson, the studio was under immense pressure to complete the game, and the decision on the release date was made mere weeks ahead of the scheduled launch. This rush and uncertainty left the team with minimal control over the timing. The game had built up expectations over five to six years, adding to the urgency once it was deemed ready for the market.

Two weeks before Hollow Knight: Silksong's official release, the announcement caused a ripple effect among indie game developers. The significant buzz around the game led some, such as the creative director of Hell is Us, Jonathan Jacques-Belletête, to label the announcement as "callous". In response, some developers, like those behind the game Demonschool, opted to adjust their release schedules, citing that Silksong's prominence overshadowed their titles.

Upon release, Hollow Knight: Silksong's popularity was so immense that it temporarily overwhelmed several digital storefronts, including Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, and the Nintendo eShop. Team Cherry's William Pellen expressed surprise at this outcome but felt gratified by the positive reception from players.

Following the launch, the game's popularity was evident as it attracted more than half a million simultaneous players on Steam during its peak. This success underscores the significant impact and broad appeal the game managed to capture among its audience.