The Surprising Origins of Hollow Knight: A Game That Almost Wasn’t
In a recent interview, the developers of the critically acclaimed Metroidvania game Hollow Knight revealed that the game was almost a “very small” project, with a planned scope that was significantly reduced from its final form. This revelation is a fascinating look into the development process of a game that has become a beloved classic, and it’s a testament to the power of fan funding and community support.
A Small Game with Big Ambitions
According to Ari Gibson and William Pellen, the founders of Team Cherry, the original funding goal for Hollow Knight was a modest AU$35,000. This amount was intended to support a small-scale game that would take around two hours to complete. However, as the Kickstarter campaign gained momentum, the developers were able to secure additional funding from Indie Fund and their own financial situations, allowing them to expand the scope of the game.
The Impact of Fan Funding
The success of the Kickstarter campaign and the subsequent funding allowed Team Cherry to work on the game for two years, adding more content and features that ultimately transformed Hollow Knight into the successful Metroidvania game we know today. This is a powerful example of the impact that fan funding can have on the development of a game, and it’s a testament to the dedication and passion of the gaming community.
What Could Have Been
It’s interesting to consider what Hollow Knight would have looked like if it had remained a small-scale game. Would it have still had the same level of depth and complexity that fans have come to expect from the game? Would the unique areas and boss fights that were added later have been omitted? These are questions that will likely remain unanswered, but they serve as a reminder of the importance of community support and the impact that it can have on the development of a game.
What’s Next for Team Cherry?
Fans of Hollow Knight are eagerly awaiting the release of the sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong, which has been in development for over six years. While the release date has not been announced, a Nintendo Direct revealed a 2025 release window, giving fans something to look forward to. With the success of Hollow Knight, it’s clear that Team Cherry is a developer to watch, and we can’t wait to see what they have in store for us next.
Actionable Insights
- The power of fan funding and community support can have a significant impact on the development of a game.
- Even small-scale games can have big ambitions, and it’s up to the developers to make the most of the resources available to them.
- The success of Hollow Knight is a testament to the dedication and passion of the gaming community, and it’s a reminder of the importance of community support in the development of a game.
Summary
Hollow Knight was almost a “very small” game, but thanks to the success of the Kickstarter campaign and additional funding, the game was able to expand its scope and become the successful Metroidvania game we know today. This is a powerful example of the impact that fan funding can have on the development of a game, and it’s a testament to the dedication and passion of the gaming community. With the release of Hollow Knight: Silksong on the horizon, fans of the series have a lot to look forward to, and it’s clear that Team Cherry is a developer to watch.