Hold onto your hats, gamers, because the developer of the highly anticipated Hollow Knight: Silksong is already calling the Game of the Year race – and it’s not for their own game! This bold prediction comes from Team Cherry, the studio behind Silksong, who believe that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is poised to take home the coveted title. But why the surprising confidence in another game? Let’s dive in.
During an interview with Bloomberg, co-founder William Pellen shared this unexpected perspective. When asked about attending The Game Awards, Pellen responded diplomatically, stating the team was “pretty busy.” He then elaborated, explaining their belief that Expedition 33 is “exceptional and broadly palatable.” This means the game is likely to appeal to a wide audience, a key factor in securing such a prestigious award.
Silksong, on the other hand, finds itself “on that knife’s edge, where it appeals to some and infuriates others.” This is a fascinating admission. It suggests that Silksong, while undoubtedly ambitious, might be a more niche experience, potentially alienating some players with its challenging gameplay or unique style. But here’s where it gets controversial: does this mean Silksong isn’t good enough, or simply different?
This isn’t the only topic Team Cherry touched upon in the interview. They also addressed the ongoing discussion surrounding Silksong‘s difficulty level, a hot topic since the game’s release in September. The developers have acknowledged the game’s challenging moments, with developer Ari Gibson previously noting that players have “ways to mitigate the difficulty via exploration, or learning, or even circumventing the challenge entirely.”
And this is the part most people miss: the developers seem largely unfazed by the emergence of mods that allow players to adjust the game’s variables, such as damage and health. This suggests a level of confidence in their game’s core design, even if some players choose to alter the experience. Eurogamer’s review of Silksong praised its “revelations and genuine personality,” awarding it a perfect five stars.
What do you think? Do you agree with Team Cherry’s assessment of Expedition 33‘s potential? Are you excited for Silksong, regardless of its difficulty? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let’s get a discussion going!