Hollow Knight: Silksong officially launched on September 4, 2025, across multiple platforms including Steam, GOG, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox. The highly anticipated sequel from indie developer Team Cherry generated overwhelming demand that caused widespread server outages on Steam, Nintendo eShop, and PlayStation Network shortly after release.
Within hours, Steam reported a staggering peak of over 535,000 concurrent players, making Silksong the 18th most-played game ever on the platform and third behind major multiplayer titles like Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2. These numbers reflect only a fraction of the global player base, as many accessed the game on GOG or through Xbox Game Pass. The digital storefront GOG also offered the game DRM-free, distinguishing itself as a stable option amidst high traffic.
The game's launch price of $20—significantly lower than typical AAA releases—coupled with Team Cherry’s reputation for transparency and fair treatment of fans, sparked an unprecedented response in the gaming community. Remarkably, even members of the r/Piracy subreddit, a forum generally associated with advocating illegal downloads, encouraged others to purchase Silksong legally. Users cited the developer’s small team size, DRM-free offerings, and loyalty to Kickstarter backers as key reasons for their support.
One user wrote, “It’s a 3-4 person team that has done right by their fans at every turn… if we can afford to support them, we should.” Others expressed surprise at this rare collective push away from piracy, highlighting the unique goodwill surrounding Team Cherry.
The launch also brought challenges, with Steam users experiencing error messages such as “Error Code: 2811-7429” and inaccessible storefront features during peak periods. Valve has yet to comment on these service interruptions. Despite this, the massive player count solidified Silksong as possibly the biggest indie game launch of all time.
While commercial giants like Electronic Arts or Ubisoft may not easily replicate this model, Silksong’s success emphasizes how an earnest approach—fair pricing, DRM-free releases, and honoring fan commitments—can impact purchasing decisions and potentially reduce piracy incentives.
As players dive into this new metroidvania adventure, the industry watches closely to see how this blend of community respect and accessibility influences future game launches and digital rights management policies. Silksong's release stands as a powerful case study in balancing commercial success with ethical consumer engagement in the contemporary gaming landscape.
Hollow Knight: Silksong continues to gather reviews and player feedback, with post-launch content and DLC already hinted at by Team Cherry. Fans and newcomers alike are encouraged to experience the game while supporting the small studio that defied conventional industry trends.
