Why Hollow Knight: Silksong Threatens to Upend Indie Gaming As We Know It

by

As a gamer, I can’t help but jump into the buzzing conversation surrounding the upcoming indie sensation, Hollow Knight: Silksong. With its innovative rule-breaking gameplay that’s captured everyone’s hearts, there’s been quite the debate about how it could reshape the indie gaming landscape. Developers and fans alike are expressing their thoughts on the potential influence of Silksong, with some excited about the future possibilities and others cautious about shifting industry standards.

Enthusiasts of gaming and supporters of Silksong perceive the game as a symbol of aspiration, thanks to its high-quality, engaging experience created by a small team. Remarkably, it’s priced at $20 without any subscription fees, Battle Pass, or additional in-game purchases. However, given the current gaming landscape, characterized by studio layoffs and the growing influence of subscription-based gaming, the pressure to emulate Silksong could potentially alter the future consumption of indie games in a detrimental way. It’s essential to note that this isn’t a criticism of Silksong, but rather, it might serve as a catalyst, along with other factors, that may make it challenging for new indie developers in the future.

Indie Developers Will Have to Play By Different Rules

Following the surprise reveal of Silksong, several independent game creators hastily adjusted their release schedules to avoid clashing with it. This precaution seems to have been necessary, as Silksong sold more than 5 million units in merely three days, causing disruptions on platforms like the Nintendo eShop and Steam store.

Some game creators have openly voiced worries about how significantly Hollow Knight: Silksong could affect their gaming audience, suggesting that the game could establish unattainable standards for what a small-scale studio can deliver at a relatively low cost for consumers.

Given that my Metroidvania is smaller than Silksong and was initially planned to sell for around $20, yet it’s a single-person project with limited resources and time, I’m wondering what an appropriate price point would be now, considering its size (10-15+ hours) and the circumstances of its creation.

— Lone Fungus (@BastiArtGames) September 1, 2025

Some indie developers are concerned that the exceptional quality and value of the upcoming game Silksong might not be easily replicated by others as some claim it can. To these creators, it could be more practical to consider

In a remarkably short span, subscription services like Xbox Game Pass have significantly changed the gaming landscape, pushing game studios to adapt as they can no longer solely depend on selling game copies. A recent study by Mat Piscatella from Circana revealed a concerning trend among younger gamers and the upcoming generation, who are planning to reduce their video game spending substantially in the near future.

Overall, purchasing by 18-24s has plummeted, especially when compared to other age groups.

— Mat Piscatella (@matpiscatella.bsky.social) 2025-07-01T14:27:11.144Z

Today, it seems that independent game creators are struggling to keep pace, as the gaming industry appears to be adopting a model similar to Spotify and Netflix, where users subscribe to major service providers rather than purchasing individual games, music, or movies to support artists directly. Previously, indie developers hoped to challenge the big studios due to their ability to provide unique experiences at lower costs. However, with the rise of gaming subscriptions and _Silksong_ setting a high standard for what an independent game should be, many are finding it hard to compete on value alone.

So What? Shouldn’t Indie Developers Adapt?

While some believe that the increased expectation for indie games like Silksong to progress is beneficial since it sets a higher industry standard and fosters the creation of superior products, practical examples from the realms of music, film, and television suggest otherwise. In these fields, such pressure has not always led to improved output or consumer satisfaction.

As a passionate gamer, I’ve noticed something that seems quite concerning. The high expectations we have for indie games might not necessarily be helping them thrive, but instead, they could be tightening the grip of corporate dominance in our gaming world. Instead of being nurtured, these unique indie creations often find themselves overshadowed by big-budget titles.

In the movie industry, it’s a similar story for independent films. They’re facing tougher times than ever before, with fewer chances to be showcased as movie theaters shut down. It’s a challenging period for creative freedom and innovation in both industries, and it’s essential we find ways to support indie projects and ensure they continue to enrich our entertainment landscape.

It’s now evident that a majority (65%) of people prefer to stream movies at home rather than going to cinemas, even if it means waiting for the releases. While convenience might be a factor, a survey by Civic Science in June reveals that the primary reasons for skipping theater visits are actually a lack of interest in current cinema offerings and high ticket prices.

In today’s market where customer spending habits are evolving quickly, replicating the success of Silksong or what Team Cherry accomplished may not be straightforward for both indie developers and established industry players. The unveiling of Silksong happened back in 2019, with its creators dedicating considerable resources to the project – a luxury that many full-time indie game developers can’t always afford.

Aiming for Silksong to serve as a benchmark instead of an exception could potentially prove detrimental for independent developers who are already struggling due to demanding competition requirements and the growing preference among customers for microtransactions and subscription-based gaming platforms.

Silksong Should Still Be Celebrated

The game Hollow Knight: Silksong is rightly receiving praise for being an amazing game that has delighted countless players and fans of the series. It’s still captivating a large number of players, and it should be celebrated as a triumph in the Metroidvania genre. However, the focus on value within the indie gaming community, where reviews often compare hours played to money spent, risks overlooking the bigger picture since big corporate entities are encroaching, ready to demolish everything.

It’s not always necessary for games to provide endless value and countless hours of gameplay just to meet a minimum standard appreciated by gamers. Instead, I prefer playing short-lived games that offer unique and captivating experiences over those that pad the experience with extra time to make me feel like I got my money’s worth. However, I’m concerned that some people’s increased expectations for indie games to resemble the complex title ‘Silksong’ could backfire, potentially leading to a different outcome than what they intended.

https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/metroidvania-games-to-play-after-silksong/embed/#

Read More

2025-09-12 22:44