For years, the mere mention of Hollow Knight: Silksong has conjured a mix of fervent hope and a healthy dose of skepticism among the gaming community. It became less a game and more a whisper, a distant promise hanging in the digital air. Now, Team Cherry, the enigmatic developers behind the beloved Metroidvania masterpiece, has finally broken their six-year silence on Kickstarter, not with vague assurances, but with a concrete plan: codes for their original backers.
The Pledge Fulfilled: A Long-Awaited Reward for Early Supporters
In what can only be described as a significant gesture of loyalty, Team Cherry has confirmed that those who backed the original Hollow Knight Kickstarter campaign in late 2014 will indeed receive a download code for its highly anticipated sequel, Silksong. This news marks the first official update on the platform in half a decade, a testament to the extended, and often quiet, development cycle this title has undergone.
For the uninitiated, six years without a Kickstarter update might sound like a recipe for collective anxiety. Yet, for the dedicated fanbase of Hallownest, it was a familiar silence, interpreted as focused development rather than abandonment. Team Cherry has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to quality, a philosophy that appears to extend to their initial supporters.
Platform Specifics for Backers
The distribution of these coveted codes comes with a caveat, albeit a reasonable one. Keys for Hollow Knight: Silksong will be available for:
- PC (via Steam and DRM-free options)
- Nintendo Switch
- Nintendo Switch 2 (future-proofing at its finest)
Team Cherry has stated they will be reaching out “in the (very) near future” to gather platform preferences and email addresses, ensuring that backers receive their chosen version. This proactive approach underlines a thoughtful consideration for their earliest supporters.
A Broader Horizon: Silksong`s Multi-Platform Launch
Beyond the Kickstarter fulfillment, Hollow Knight: Silksong is slated for a widespread global launch on September 4 (year unspecified, but the current gaming landscape implies a release within the near future). The game will be available across a comprehensive range of platforms, catering to a vast audience:
- PlayStation 4
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox One
- Xbox Series X|S
- Game Pass
This multi-platform strategy ensures that as many players as possible can experience the next chapter in the Hollow Knight saga, building on the immense success and critical acclaim of its predecessor.
The Unconventional Path: Critics, Backers, and Unprecedented Hype
Further fueling the intrigue around Silksong`s release is an intriguing detail regarding pre-launch reviews. Reports suggest that critics may not receive review copies significantly ahead of the game`s official launch. This decision reportedly stems from Team Cherry`s desire to avoid a scenario where reviewers could play the game before the very backers who helped bring the original to life. It`s an unusual stance in the industry, reflecting a developer who values community fairness over traditional marketing cycles. One might almost say, with a touch of irony, that Team Cherry continues to forge its own path, even when it comes to the established rituals of game releases.
The palpable anticipation for Hollow Knight: Silksong is evident across the gaming world. The original Hollow Knight recently experienced an all-time peak in concurrent players on Steam, exceeding 22,000 individuals, a remarkable feat for a game released years ago. Moreover, at least three independent game studios have reportedly pushed back their own release dates to avoid clashing with Silksong`s launch window. This speaks volumes about the perceived impact and drawing power of Team Cherry`s upcoming title.
The silence was long, but the dedication appears to have been longer. Team Cherry`s latest update is a quiet affirmation that good things, truly great things, are worth waiting for.
The Enduring Legacy and Future of Hallownest
Hollow Knight captivated players with its intricate world-building, challenging combat, and melancholic beauty. Silksong promises to build upon this foundation, introducing a new protagonist, Hornet, and an entirely new kingdom to explore. The dedication of Team Cherry, from their initial Kickstarter success to this latest act of backer appreciation, solidifies their reputation as a developer deeply connected to their craft and their community.
As September 4 approaches, the collective anticipation will undoubtedly reach a fever pitch. For the loyal backers, the wait is almost over. For the wider gaming world, a new journey into a captivating, perilous realm is about to begin. The long vigil may finally yield its magnificent reward.
Callum Darby