A Modest Beginning for a Monumental Game
Team Cherry’s critically acclaimed Hollow Knight wasn’t always destined to be the expansive Metroidvania fans know today. Originally envisioned as a compact indie title, the game was planned to offer just a few hours of gameplay, according to developers Ari Gibson and William Pellen. In a resurfaced 2018 interview with Source Gaming, the duo revealed that the initial goal for the game’s development was AU$35,000—a budget that reflected their ambition for a small-scale project.
“It was really like a small thing,” said Gibson. Pellen added that they had even considered lowering the funding goal by AU$5,000, given how modest their vision was at the time. The game was expected to last around two hours, with limited content and scope. At that stage, Hollow Knight was just a simple indie idea, far removed from the sprawling underground kingdom of Hallownest that players would later come to explore.
Kickstarter Success Fueled a Creative Expansion
Fortunately for fans and developers alike, the direction of Hollow Knight changed dramatically thanks to the overwhelming support of its Kickstarter campaign. As funding began to exceed expectations, Team Cherry saw an opportunity to significantly expand their ambitions. Additional backing from Indie Fund and their own financial flexibility allowed the team to extend development for two years, transforming the original concept into a full-scale adventure.
The financial boost enabled the inclusion of rich, interconnected environments, challenging boss battles, and intricate world-building that became defining features of the game. What was once intended as a quick and simple experience evolved into a deeply immersive and content-rich Metroidvania, now considered one of the genre’s best entries. The base game alone can take over 20 hours to complete, with additional time needed for those seeking 100% completion. Several post-launch DLCs only added to its scope, delivering even more for fans to explore.
From Small Project to Ongoing Legacy
The unexpected journey of Hollow Knight from a bite-sized indie title to an award-winning classic underscores the power of community support in game development. Team Cherry’s ability to scale their vision, fueled by the enthusiasm of early backers, not only elevated the quality of the game but also set the stage for their future projects.
Now, all eyes are on the long-anticipated sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong. In development for over six years, the upcoming title promises to build upon the foundations of its predecessor with even greater ambition. While no specific release date has been confirmed, a recent Nintendo Direct presentation hinted at a 2025 launch window—raising hopes that fans will finally get their hands on the next chapter of this beloved series within the year.
Team Cherry’s story is a testament to how a small idea, when supported by a passionate community, can grow into something far greater than imagined.
