Why Hollow Knight: Silksong Went Silent Before Launch – Team Cherry’s Real Reason
Many fans have wondered why Hollow Knight: Silksong, one of the most anticipated sequels of the decade, had almost no promotion or updates from the developers before its release. After years of silence, the reason has finally been revealed, and it is surprisingly simple. The small but dedicated team at Team Cherry was focused entirely on developing the game to its fullest potential.
Former Hollow Knight technical director David Kazi, now founder of indie studio Ember League, explained in an interview with the New York Times that Team Cherry is known for its strong work ethic. He said, “If they are not saying anything right now, it means they are working extremely hard in the office.”
This silence was not due to a lack of progress but rather a conscious decision that reflected their dedication. Co-creator Ari Gibson added that Team Cherry still has ambitious plans for future DLC expansions for Silksong. In the meantime, the team has also worked to fix low-quality Simplified Chinese translations that previously led to review bombing.
While fans grew impatient during the long wait, the choice to stay quiet may have been the best strategy. The Hollow Knight community kept the excitement alive through endless debates, discussions, and the now-famous “Silkposting” memes long before the game officially launched.
After Silksong’s release, however, another major discussion began. Many players quickly pointed out that the game feels significantly more difficult than the original Hollow Knight. Hornet’s faster movement and bosses that pressure players early on created an intense challenge that became one of the most talked-about aspects of the launch.
Hollow Knight: Silksong, which originally began as planned DLC before expanding into a full standalone title, puts players in control of Hornet as she journeys through a mysterious kingdom ruled by silk and song. Captured and transported into this strange land, Hornet must battle ruthless enemies, uncover ancient secrets, and ascend to the kingdom’s highest peak. The game offers a vast Metroidvania-style world full of exploration, combat, and survival.
Final Thought
Team Cherry’s silence before launch reflects a philosophy rooted in passion and quality over marketing noise. The gamble kept fans hungry but also ensured that the final product spoke for itself. However, the higher difficulty could divide the player base, with some praising the challenge while others feel locked out from the experience. In the end, Silksong’s quiet path to release may have tested patience, but it proves that sometimes the loudest statement a developer can make is through the game itself.
