The journey for the small, independent studio Team Cherry to bring Hollow Knight: Silksong to players was a long and winding one. Now, with the acclaimed side-scrolling Metroidvania finally in the hands of fans and having secured a prestigious Game of the Year nomination at The Game Awards, the developers are setting their sights on new creative horizons. Interestingly, they may even skip the awards ceremony itself, citing a busy schedule and a prediction that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will win the top prize. This relaxed attitude toward accolades signals a studio ready to move forward, with its gaze fixed firmly on the future.

While the world of Hallownest has defined Team Cherry for nearly a decade, the studio is eager to explore new territory. In a recent interview, co-director Ari Gibson expressed a desire not to be pigeonholed. "We do have ideas around what forms those [games in Hollow Knight worlds] would take," Gibson said. "But we also don't want to be exclusively people that make Hollow Knight." This sentiment marks a significant shift for a studio whose name is virtually synonymous with its flagship franchise. The developers feel the pull of new ideas and different creative challenges, even as they acknowledge the deep connection fans have to the existing series.

For those who waited years for Silksong and dream of more adventures in that universe, this news might bring a twinge of disappointment. However, Gibson was careful to note that more Hollow Knight games are not off the table forever—they are, in fact, an "inevitability." Ideas are already percolating. The studio's current mindset is about exploration and growth. "If we were forced to make another Hollow Knight right now it'd be a joy," Gibson clarified. "It's just that it'd be interesting for us to explore the same things we're interested in but maybe in a slightly different genre, slightly different theme, and how that affects the stories we come up with."

So, what can fans expect in the immediate future? The only confirmed Hollow Knight content on the horizon is DLC for Silksong. True to their famously secretive nature, the developers are keeping details under wraps. Gibson admitted they have "some vague ideas" about timing but are "not set." He promised that "important news" will be shared when ready, and the team remains "excited about what we're making." Co-director William Pellen echoed this cautious approach, stating, "We'll start talking about it more soon, but maybe we won't mention a timeframe right now." This deliberate pace ensures the DLC will meet the studio's high standards, even if it tests the patience of an eager fanbase.

This decision to step away from the Hollow Knight series, at least temporarily, throws the door wide open for Team Cherry's next original project. The ideas are still in the formative stages, especially as the small team concurrently works on Silksong DLC. Yet, there is a core philosophy that will undoubtedly carry over. Gibson assured that Team Cherry's new, non-Hollow Knight games "will still be about exploring big worlds full of weird characters and giant bosses and whatnot." The essential DNA of intricate world-building, challenging combat, and atmospheric exploration seems guaranteed to remain, even if the setting and gameplay mechanics evolve.

A major question looming over this transition is genre. Will Team Cherry stick with the Metroidvania formula they perfected, or venture into something completely different? The studio's success is built on this genre, but their expressed desire for a "slightly different genre" suggests a willingness to experiment. Could we see a Team Cherry RPG? A top-down adventure? The possibilities are thrilling. What makes this potential pivot even more remarkable is the studio's scale. Despite global acclaim and commercial success, the core development team reportedly still comprises just about three people. This tiny, focused group has consistently punched far above its weight, and their next move is one of the most anticipated unknowns in the indie scene.

The story of Hollow Knight: Silksong is a testament to passion and perseverance. Its long development cycle, filled with anticipation and speculation, has finally reached its conclusion for the main game. Yet, as with the original Hollow Knight, its journey continues through DLC and updates. For Team Cherry, however, the conclusion of this chapter means the beginning of another. They are a studio defined by their artistry and meticulous craft, not by a single franchise. Moving on to "something else" is not an abandonment of their roots, but a natural evolution for artists who have spent years mastering one canvas and are now curious about another.

The legacy of Hollow Knight is secure. It has cemented itself as a modern classic, and Silksong has proudly carried that torch forward. Now, the small team in Adelaide looks to the horizon. They carry with them the expectations of millions of fans, the confidence born of proven success, and the restless creativity that drives all great artists. Their next project, whatever form it takes, will be built on a foundation of rich worlds, memorable characters, and compelling gameplay. The bug-filled caverns of Hallownest may be quiet for a while, but the creative hive of Team Cherry is buzzing with new life. 🎮✨

What This Means for Fans:

• Short-Term: Focus on Silksong DLC. Expect news when it's ready, but don't hold your breath for a specific date.

• Medium-Term: The next Team Cherry game will likely be a new IP, exploring familiar themes (big worlds, weird characters, big bosses) in a potentially new genre.

• Long-Term: More Hollow Knight games are considered inevitable, but the studio wants to stretch its creative muscles first.

The wait for Silksong taught fans patience. The wait for Team Cherry's next original vision will require that same virtue, but if history is any guide, it will be worth it. The studio's journey is far from over; it's simply taking a new and exciting path.