### From Modest Beginnings to Indie Stardom: How Hollow Knight Nailed It
Ah, Kickstarter—where dreams are funded and, occasionally, crushed under the weight of unmet stretch goals and ambitious promises. But every so often, a little gem emerges from the crowdfunding chaos to become something truly special. Enter *Hollow Knight*, the indie darling that has managed to punch well above its weight class, much to the surprise of everyone, including probably its creators.
Let’s dive into the absurdly improbable journey of *Hollow Knight*—a game that started as a humble Kickstarter campaign and ended up being one of the most celebrated indie titles of all time. Spoiler alert: this is the part where the Kickstarter backers get to feel smug.
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### The Tiny Team Behind the Massive World
In an era where triple-A developers have teams so large that their credits rival the runtime of a Marvel movie, *Hollow Knight* was developed by Team Cherry, a grand total of… drumroll, please… three people. Yes, three. That’s fewer people than the average coffee run for a Ubisoft meeting.
The game’s development team consisted of William Pellen, Ari Gibson, and David Kazi. Together, they managed to create a sprawling Metroidvania masterpiece with stunning 2D art, intricate gameplay, and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack. Oh, and they did it with a Kickstarter budget of $57,000 AUD. For context, that’s roughly what some studios spend on catering.
If you’re wondering how they pulled this off, the short answer is: magic. The long answer involves a lot of hard work, sleepless nights, and probably some questionable life choices. But hey, it worked out, didn’t it?
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### The Kickstarter That Could
*Hollow Knight*’s Kickstarter campaign launched in 2014 with a modest goal of $35,000 AUD. They ended up surpassing this goal to raise $57,000 AUD. Not exactly yacht money, but enough to get the project off the ground. And the best part? They actually delivered on their promises.
Unlike some infamous Kickstarter campaigns (we’re looking at you, *Star Citizen*), Team Cherry managed to release a finished product that not only met but exceeded expectations. The game launched in 2017 to critical acclaim and has since sold over 3 million copies. Not bad for a project that started with a pitch video and some concept art.
For those who want to relive the glory days of this campaign, here’s a link to the original Kickstarter page: Hollow Knight Kickstarter. Warning: it may inspire you to fund someone else’s pipe dream.
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### The Game That Keeps on Giving
One of the reasons *Hollow Knight* has remained so popular is its incredible depth. This is a game that practically begs you to explore every nook and cranny, then rewards you with lore, secrets, and the occasional existential crisis.
The hand-drawn art and atmospheric score create a world that is equal parts beautiful and eerie. And the gameplay? Oh, it’s brutal. But in a “just one more try” kind of way that makes you question your sanity and your reflexes.
Team Cherry didn’t stop there. They released multiple free expansions, adding even more content to an already massive game. Because why stop at good when you can aim for legendary?
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### Pros & Cons: Is *Hollow Knight* Worth Your Time?
**Pros:**
– **Stunning Visuals:** The hand-drawn 2D art is a feast for the eyes.
– **Challenging Gameplay:** Frustrating in the best way possible.
– **Rich Lore:** A world that feels alive and mysterious.
– **Free Expansions:** Because generosity isn’t dead.
**Cons:**
– **Steep Learning Curve:** Prepare to die. A lot.
– **No Hand-Holding:** Great for hardcore gamers, less so for casuals.
– **Addictive:** Say goodbye to your social life.
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### Lessons for Indie Developers
The success of *Hollow Knight* offers some valuable lessons for aspiring game developers:
1. **Start Small, Dream Big:** You don’t need a massive budget to create something amazing. What you do need is a clear vision and the determination to see it through.
2. **Engage Your Community:** Team Cherry kept their backers in the loop throughout development, building trust and loyalty.
3. **Quality Over Quantity:** Focus on creating a polished experience rather than cramming in features.
For more tips on succeeding as an indie developer, check out our guide to indie game development.
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### The Future of Team Cherry: *Silksong* Hype
Of course, no discussion of *Hollow Knight* would be complete without mentioning its much-anticipated sequel, *Hollow Knight: Silksong*. Announced back in 2019, the game has been on every indie gamer’s wishlist ever since. While the release date remains a mystery (classic Team Cherry), the hype is real.
For updates on *Silksong* and other indie games, make sure to follow us. Or don’t. But you’ll miss out, and that’s on you.
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### Final Thoughts
*Hollow Knight* is proof that passion, talent, and a touch of madness can create something extraordinary. It’s a game that has redefined what indie developers can achieve and continues to inspire players and creators alike.
If you haven’t played it yet, what are you waiting for? Grab a copy, dive into Hallownest, and prepare to lose yourself in one of the most captivating gaming experiences out there.
And if you’re an aspiring developer, take a page out of Team Cherry’s book: dream big, work hard, and always, always deliver.
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### Call to Action
Are you an indie developer with big dreams? Or maybe you’re just a gamer looking for your next obsession? Either way, we’d love to hear from you. Drop a comment below, share this article with your friends, and don’t forget to subscribe for more sarcastic takes on the world of tech and gaming.
Happy gaming!
