How Did Silksong Achieve Such a Record Launch?
Hollow Knight: Silksong’s record-breaking launch day proved that indie passion, craftsmanship, and player-first focus can still shake up the gaming industry. Team Cherry’s journey from a humble Kickstarter to setting new Steam records stands as an inspiration for creators everywhere.
The Launch
Silksong’s launch shattered expectations, reaching over 535,000 concurrent Steam players within its first 24 hours, ranking 18th in Steam history and even surpassing the recent Battlefield 6 Beta peak. The game’s $20 price point fueled accessibility, while its availability across Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Game Pass caused platform-wide server overloads, a rarity for any indie release.
- #5 in daily active users on Steam
- #1 in top sellers and wishlist activity
- Overwhelmingly Positive reviews and 41K+ total on Day 1
- 3 million Twitch hours watched and 362K peak concurrent viewers
Silksong’s launch not only sold over 3 million copies on Steam in three days but also attracted top streamers and speedrunners, cementing its place as a cultural gaming event.
Team Cherry’s philosophy focused on:
- Creative freedom: Avoiding pressure from external investors, the team prioritized internal quality and player experience.
- Minimal communication and hype: By limiting progress updates, Team Cherry’s marketing style centered around surprise and substance rather than constant teasers.
- Core values: Faithful world-building, challenging gameplay, and soul-stirring music by Christopher Larkin.
Their development process emphasized patience, meticulous polish, and a dedication to delivering games worth waiting for.
What Drove Their Success
Silksong’s record launch stems from a mix of the following:
- Fan-first pricing: At $20, Silksong was accessible yet premium, and a bundled soundtrack allowed superfans to contribute more without pressure.
- Community engagement: Hollow Knight built an enthusiastic, loyal base through honesty, minimal over-promising, and consistent quality.
- Metroidvania mastery: The studio respected and revitalized the genre, inspiring speedrunners, lore communities, and a competitive scene.
Their continued refusal to rush or compromise led to a product that resonated with both old fans and newcomers alike.
Advice for Aspiring Indie Game Creators
The Silksong story offers vital lessons:
- Quality before hype: Take time to polish, innovate, and let passion drive design choices—not deadlines or external pressures.
- Respect your players: Deliver honest communication, reasonable pricing, and content that rewards curiosity and skill.
- Build community: Encourage discourse, listen to feedback, and foster genuine excitement through substance rather than marketing alone.
- Stay adaptable: Be prepared to pivot and expand when creative ambition or fan interest outgrow early plans.
- Monetize smartly: Optional bundles, like Silksong’s soundtrack, can support your studio without alienating fans.
If indie creators stay true to their unique voice, prioritize fun, and honor player trust, they can achieve extraordinary success, just as Team Cherry did,just as Team Cherry did.
At Wallafan we support Indie game creators and provide a platform to help grow your brand and take ownership of your audience! We hope to see more new indie game developers succeed.
Works Cited
“Hollow Knight: Silksong - Steam Charts” (SteamDB)
“Hollow Knight: Silksong - Wikipedia”
“Hollow Knight: Silksong's Development Timeline Explained” (GameRant)
https://gamerant.com/hollow-knight-silksong-development-timeline-explained/
“Interview with Team Cherry for Hollow Knight Silkson” (ACMI)
“Silksong Is What Happens When You Respect Your Audience” (TheGamer)
https://www.thegamer.com/silksong-respects-its-audience/
“I Wish More Games Were Developed Like Silksong” (Steam Community)
“Why 'Silksong' Took Seven Years to Make” (Bloomberg)
About the Author
Nikki Lopez is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in the startup world, specializing in leveraging creative content and community building to empower content creators. Known for a strategic approach and a deep understanding of audience needs, Nikki has a proven track record of leading the development of engaging content strategies and guiding the growth of thriving communities. Her leadership focuses on fostering meaningful interactions and impactful journeys for both creators and their audiences.
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