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In an era marked by crunch culture and high-pressure deadlines in the gaming industry, Team Cherry’s journey with their upcoming title, Silksong, offers a refreshing perspective. With a focus on creativity and well-being, the Australian developers have garnered attention not only for their work on this highly anticipated sequel but also for their commitment to a healthy development environment.
Who are Team Cherry and what is Silksong?
Team Cherry, the developers behind the critically acclaimed Hollow Knight, have built a reputation for their dedication to quality and player experience. Silksong, set to release on September 4, is the sequel to Hollow Knight, which was released to widespread acclaim in 2017. The original game captivated audiences with its intricate world and engaging gameplay, selling over 15 million copies. Silksong promises to build on this success by introducing players to a new protagonist, Hornet, and an entirely new world to explore.
The development of Silksong has been a journey in itself. Initially conceived as downloadable content (DLC) for Hollow Knight, it quickly evolved into a standalone title. As development progressed, Team Cherry made a conscious decision to prioritize the well-being of their small team over rushing the project to meet fan expectations.
A commitment to creativity and well-being
In a blog post from 2019, Team Cherry emphasized their small team size and the importance of maintaining a sustainable work environment. They stated, “Just remember, we’re 3 people, already working rather hard, so we haven’t committed to anything else just yet. We don’t wanna collapse before we get this massive bug kingdom ready for you.” This transparency highlights their dedication to creating a game that reflects their values rather than succumbing to industry pressures.
Ari Gibson, co-founder of Team Cherry, recently shared insights into their development philosophy. He remarked, “It’s also that problem where, because we’re having fun doing it, it’s not like, ‘It’s taking longer, this is awful.’ It’s, ‘This is a very enjoyable space to be in. Let’s perpetuate this with some new ideas.’” This attitude illustrates the team’s commitment to enjoying the creative process, even as they navigate the complexities of game development.
Lessons from Team Cherry’s journey
As Silksong nears its release, the gaming community eagerly anticipates its arrival. However, the real story lies in the development process itself. Instead of compromising their values for quick results, Team Cherry took the time to explore new ideas and enhance their creative vision. They faced a choice: to stick to a smaller scope or expand their project while maintaining their team’s well-being. By choosing the latter, they have set a powerful example in an industry often criticized for its toxic work culture.
Ultimately, Team Cherry’s approach serves as a reminder that prioritizing integrity and respect for one’s team can lead to a more fulfilling and successful outcome. As players await the launch of Silksong, they can feel confident that the developers behind the game have created it with care and passion, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the journey alongside the destination.