The quiet yet captivating world of Hallownest has drawn in millions of players. Team Cherry, the creators of the 2017 indie hit Hollow Knight, has confirmed that the game has sold an impressive 15 million copies since its release. This milestone confirms the title’s position as one of the most successful independent games ever, putting its sales performance on par with some of the industry’s most famous franchises.
This achievement comes at an exciting time, as the eagerly awaited sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong, finally has a release date after a long and highly anticipated development period. The renewed interest in the franchise has not only raised awareness but also brought players back to the original game. This is shown by a new record for concurrent players on Steam, with over 23,000 players exploring its interconnected world at the same time. This reflects the game’s lasting quality and the strong passion of its fanbase.
It’s a success story that started with modest intentions. Team Cherry initially saw Hollow Knight as a much smaller, two-hour project. However, the scope grew significantly as new ideas emerged and the team’s vision expanded. This natural and passionate development process is a hallmark of the studio and is also evident in the journey of Silksong, which started as downloadable content before becoming a complete sequel.
The 15 million sales figure is more than just a statistic; it marks a significant moment in gaming. It shows that a game built on a careful vision, intricate design, and rich lore can achieve incredible commercial and critical success, even when created by a small team. In an industry often ruled by large, blockbuster productions, Hollow Knight’s success serves as a powerful reminder of the artistic and financial potential of independent game development.