Silksong development has been one of gaming’s most anticipated and lengthy journeys, spanning seven full years from conception to release. Recent insights from gaming journalist Jason Schreier reveal the fascinating truth behind this extended timeline – and it’s not what most fans expected.
The Quality-First Philosophy Behind Silksong Development
According to Schreier’s reporting, the extended Silksong development period wasn’t due to development hell, technical issues, or team burnout. Instead, Team Cherry made a deliberate choice to prioritize quality above all else. The small three-person team wanted to ensure that Silksong would be exactly the game they envisioned, regardless of how long that process would take.
This approach stands in stark contrast to the modern gaming industry’s rush-to-market mentality. While many studios face publisher pressure and tight deadlines, Team Cherry enjoyed the rare luxury of developing without external constraints, allowing them to craft their vision methodically.
How Scope Creep Shaped the Development Timeline
One of the primary factors extending the Silksong development was scope expansion. The team continuously added new ideas and features they didn’t want to cut. What started as a Hollow Knight DLC evolved into a full sequel with interconnected systems that multiplied development time exponentially.
Team Cherry’s perfectionistic nature, already evident in the original Hollow Knight, meant that every new addition required extensive polishing and integration. The developers found themselves in a cycle of creation and refinement that, while time-consuming, resulted in a more ambitious final product.
The Financial Freedom Factor
Unlike their situation during the original Hollow Knight’s development – when the team was so financially strained that arranging daily meals became problematic – Team Cherry now had the resources to develop at their own pace. This financial stability removed the pressure to rush the game to market, allowing for the extended development period.
Having unlimited funds combined with developers susceptible to feature creep can result in prolonged development timelines, but it appears Team Cherry managed to leverage this situation positively. The outcome seems to justify the extended timeline, with early impressions suggesting the game lives up to its predecessor’s legacy.
Developer Passion Remains Strong After 7 Years
Perhaps most remarkably, Team Cherry’s passion for the project hasn’t diminished despite the lengthy development cycle. The developers report that they still find the work enjoyable even after seven years. They haven’t experienced burnout or shown any desire to take a break from the project.
In fact, the team is already making ambitious plans for post-launch content additions. They’ve expressed excitement not just about finally releasing Silksong, but about what comes next for the game’s continued development.
What This Means for Future Game Development
The Silksong development story offers valuable insights into alternative approaches to game creation. While a seven-year development cycle isn’t feasible for most studios, Team Cherry’s experience demonstrates the potential benefits of prioritizing quality over speed.
Their approach contrasts sharply with the industry trend toward live service games and day-one patches. Instead of releasing an unfinished product and fixing it later, Team Cherry chose to perfect their game before launch – a philosophy that’s becoming increasingly rare in modern gaming.
Community Response and Industry Implications
The gaming community’s reaction to the extended development timeline has been mixed. While some express frustration at the lengthy wait, many appreciate Team Cherry’s commitment to quality. The success of this approach could influence other independent developers to prioritize polish over rapid release schedules.
Industry observers note that this development model only works for studios with sufficient financial backing and no external pressure. Most developers simply cannot afford to spend seven years perfecting a single project, making Team Cherry’s situation somewhat unique in the current gaming landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Silksong take 7 years to develop?
Silksong took 7 years to develop because Team Cherry prioritized quality over speed. They wanted to ensure the game met their exact vision and continuously added features without cutting content, leading to scope expansion that required extensive development time.
Was Team Cherry stuck in development hell during Silksong’s creation?
No, Team Cherry was not in development hell. The extended timeline was a deliberate choice to perfect the game rather than the result of technical problems or team dysfunction.
How many people worked on Silksong?
Silksong was developed by Team Cherry’s core team of three people, making the seven-year development timeline more understandable given the small team size and ambitious scope.
Will Team Cherry continue working on Silksong after release?
Yes, Team Cherry has announced plans to continue adding content to Silksong for months and years after launch, indicating their long-term commitment to the project.
Did financial constraints affect Silksong’s development like they did Hollow Knight?
No, unlike during Hollow Knight’s development when the team faced severe financial constraints, Team Cherry had sufficient resources during Silksong’s development, allowing them to work without financial pressure.
Is the extended development time normal for indie games?
While not typical, extended development times aren’t uncommon for ambitious indie projects, especially when developers have the financial freedom to prioritize quality over quick releases.
Looking Forward
The Silksong development story serves as a fascinating case study in modern game development. Team Cherry’s quality-first approach, enabled by financial stability and creative freedom, resulted in a seven-year journey that prioritized vision over velocity. Whether this model proves sustainable or replicable remains to be seen, but it certainly offers an alternative to the industry’s typical rush-to-market approach.
As the gaming industry continues evolving, Team Cherry’s experience with Silksong development may inspire other studios to reconsider their own balance between development speed and final product quality. The true test will be whether the finished game justifies the extended timeline – and early indicators suggest it very well might.