The Legacy of Hollow Knight and the Potential for Silksong’s Launch Strategy
The success of Hollow Knight has set a high bar for its upcoming sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong. As a highly anticipated metroidvania game, it has been in development for years, evolving from an initial DLC concept into a standalone title. Since its 2019 announcement, there have been very few updates on its progress, and no official release date has been confirmed. However, recent news has provided some clarity—Silksong is expected to arrive this year by December 25, though a more precise date remains unannounced.
This release window is a positive step forward, especially considering Team Cherry’s previous approach to launching their games. In 2017, the studio took an unusual but effective strategy with the release of Hollow Knight, which ultimately helped shape its success.
A Unique Launch Strategy in 2017
The original Hollow Knight was announced on February 10, 2017, across several platforms, including a post on the official Team Cherry account on X. This was later confirmed by SteamDB, which showed that the game’s release date category was updated on Steam the following day. While the timing varied slightly due to time zones, the game was officially released on February 24, just two weeks after the announcement.
This short gap between announcement and release had a significant impact. It allowed fans to build up anticipation while also giving them time to prepare financially for the purchase. Additionally, the game’s quality played a major role in its popularity, as word-of-mouth marketing helped spread its name quickly.
Team Cherry’s decision to keep quiet about the game’s development during this time also contributed to the hype surrounding its launch. This silence created a sense of mystery and excitement among players.
Why Silksong Should Follow the Same Strategy
Given the success of the original launch, it makes sense for Hollow Knight: Silksong to adopt a similar strategy. A two-week gap between the announcement and release could provide several benefits. For one, it would allow players to plan their purchases and ensure they are ready to play when the game launches.
A day-one release, where the game is available on the same day as the announcement, can generate immediate hype. However, it may also lead to some fans missing out if they aren’t able to purchase the game right away. A two-week gap offers a balance—keeping the excitement alive without risking fans forgetting about the release.
Moreover, the wait is short enough to maintain momentum. Players who have been eagerly waiting for Silksong will appreciate the opportunity to look forward to the game without feeling like they’ve been waiting for too long. This approach could help Team Cherry create even more excitement around the release, building on the legacy of the original game.
The Importance of Timing in Game Launches
There are reasons why Silksong has faced delays, but the fact that the game is now close to release means that Team Cherry has a chance to repeat the successful launch strategy used for Hollow Knight. By doing so, they could not only maximize hype but also ensure a smoother transition for players.
As the gaming community continues to follow updates, the question remains: Will Silksong take the same path as its predecessor? If Team Cherry chooses to follow the two-week gap model, it could be a smart move that benefits both the studio and the players.