Hollow Knight Silksong’s Lengthy Development Journey Might Actually Be a Stroke of Genius

Last year, during GamesRadar+’s Big In 2023, I predicted the release of Hollow Knight: Silksong within the year. In the article titled ‘Hollow Knight Silksong will probably release this year – and that’s all that matters’, I argued that the anticipation for the next installment of Team Cherry’s long-awaited Metroidvania was more important than trailers, teasers, or any official updates. However, it’s now 2023 and we still have no information about Hornet’s role in Pharloom’s empire. Since its reveal at E3 2022, there has been very little communication, with the last developer update on social media in May 2023 stating a “first half of 2023” release window that didn’t materialize. As we move into 2024 without a release date, we can only speculate about when we will hear more. Nevertheless, the increasing number of similar Metroidvania games has inadvertently raised Silksong’s profile, making the long wait more bearable and setting the stage for another impressive performance from Team Cherry.
Major in 2024
GamesRadar+ is highlighting the most anticipated video games of the year and Big in 2024, with new announcements dropping daily in January. As a huge fan of the original Hollow Knight, I’m eager for the next installment. However, over the past year, I’ve become engrossed in many other Metroidvanias, which has increased my anticipation for Silksong even more. Despite its flaws, Benedict Fox’s The Last Case presented an intriguing premise with its approach to detective work. Similarly, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown marked a departure from the regular series, delivering a fresh reboot and exploring a new genre. Although I wasn’t entirely sold on The Lost Crown, its understanding of what makes Metroidvania games successful, in their intense and quiet moments, impressed me. Worldless was another standout title last year, capturing attention with its unique and understated beauty while challenging players with its expansive combat. If there’s a Metroidvania game that shouldn’t work but does, it’s Worldless. Lastly, Blasphemous 2, while not my favorite Metroidvania game of last year, proved to be one of my favorite games overall, demonstrating how to take a great idea and exceed the boundaries of a standard genre.
It’s worth noting that using two paragraphs to praise other games within the context of Hollow Knight: Silksong speaks volumes about the new variety that’s available. Silksong will have to follow its formidable peers when it does eventually release, not to compete with them, but to elevate the brand’s prominence at this time. Similar developments have been witnessed in recent years, and it appears that the Metroidvania space is currently experiencing a surge of excitement, with Ultros, The Mobius Machine, and Tales of Kenzera: Zau set to release in the coming months.
To be clear, Hollow Knight Silksong has generated significant anticipation among fans over the years, but to (hopefully) launch amidst a mini-Metroidvania renaissance is an unintentional advantage for Team Cherry and the rest of the industry.

Author: OpenAI