The developers of Team Cherry, Ari Gibson and William Pellen, have expressed their desire for players of Hollow Knight: Silksong to make discoveries without the need to consult the Internet. Their intention is to recreate the characteristic sense of mystery found in video games from earlier eras, a feeling that has been affected by the ease with which information spreads in the digital age.
It’s more enjoyable when you discover it for yourself
Gibson and Pellen grew up in an era when access to forums and social networks was limited, which influenced the way they conceptualize their games. In a recent interview, Gibson commented that information about video games at that time mainly came from friends and rumors, which fueled a sense of surprise and exploration. “You felt like there was always more to discover in the game,” Pellen stated, highlighting the importance of exploring a constantly expanding world.
Hollow Knight: Silksong becomes a shared experience between the player and Hornet, the main character, allowing both to explore a world full of secrets together. This dynamic of mutual discovery, according to Gibson, is central to the game’s proposal, where each of them finds new elements and features for the first time.
However, Team Cherry acknowledges that preserving the sense of mystery is complicated nowadays, as players can decompile and obtain information about games almost immediately. “It’s hard to maintain that magical experience of discovery when the ins and outs of the game are available within days,” Gibson stated.
Finally, the study suggests that future games in the Hollow Knight universe could coexist without a specific order, giving players the flexibility to explore them at their own pace. With Silksong, the experience promises to be both an individual adventure and a return to the essence of discovery in gaming.
