Why ‘Silksong’ Took Seven Years to Make

The Long Wait for Hollow Knight: Silksong

Fans of indie games have waited years for Hollow Knight: Silksong. The sequel to the hit 2017 game Hollow Knight was first announced in 2019. Since then, it has faced delay after delay. Now, after seven long years, players are still eager to know: why did it take so long?

Team Cherry’s Ambitious Vision

The main reason behind the wait is ambition. Team Cherry, the small studio behind the game, wanted Silksong to be more than a simple sequel. Instead, they aimed to create a world bigger and deeper than the first game. With only a handful of developers, every new feature meant more time, more design, and more polish.

Expanding Beyond Expectations

Originally, Silksong began as downloadable content (DLC) for Hollow Knight. But as the project grew, the developers realized it had outgrown that scope. They wanted a full game with new regions, enemies, quests, and characters. What started as an add-on turned into a massive standalone adventure. That shift alone added years to development.

A Small Team with Big Goals

Unlike large studios, Team Cherry has limited resources. With fewer than ten people working on the game, every animation, sound effect, and environment requires personal attention. The team refused to rush. They wanted every detail to reflect the care that made Hollow Knight beloved. Quality over speed became their mantra.

Rising Fan Expectations

Another reason for the delay is the huge hype around Silksong. The success of Hollow Knight built a passionate fan base. Every new trailer fueled excitement and raised expectations. Team Cherry knew they had to deliver a game that could stand tall next to the original. That pressure made them double down on testing, polish, and performance.

Challenges of Indie Development

Independent game studios often face unique struggles. Budgets are smaller, resources are tight, and timelines can stretch. Team Cherry had to balance creativity with survival. Unlike big publishers, they didn’t have thousands of employees to split the workload. Every delay reflected the reality of indie game development.

Why the Wait Might Be Worth It

While the wait has been long, it may prove worth it. Silksong promises new mechanics, fresh enemies, and a completely different setting. Hornet, the main character, will bring faster combat and new movement styles. With so much new content, fans may find the seven-year wait justified once the game finally arrives.

Conclusion

The seven-year journey of Hollow Knight: Silksong is a story of ambition, patience, and passion. Team Cherry chose not to rush, even when fans grew restless. They wanted to deliver something lasting. While delays frustrated many, the result could be a game that redefines indie gaming once again. For now, fans continue to wait with hope and excitement.