Spring 2023 has arrived, and Hollow Knight: Silksong is still missing in action. Announced in early 2019, the sequel to the hit indie game Hollow Knight has received several trailers, a full slate of release platforms, and a ton of information straight from the developer Team Cherry, but no solid release date. Hollow Knight: Silksong has been in limbo for so long that its own website recently expired, which fans even hope could lead to an announcement. No end is in sight, and when Silksong does next appear it will likely come as a surprise.
Recently, it felt like that time was near. During the 2022 Microsoft & Bethesda Games Showcase, it was declared that every game present would come to Game Pass within the next twelve months. Hollow Knight: Silksong made a big splash when it appeared near the beginning, but when Starfield was delayed into September 2023, Xbox's promise was suddenly in doubt. The long wait for Silksong continues, but because of how packed 2023 already is, it might be better if it keeps quiet for a little while longer.
2023 Is Filled With Giant Game Releases
The truth is, even with so much hype and a large, existing fanbase, Hollow Knight: Silksong is still an indie game. It would be preferable if it didn't have to compete with any major AAA releases, and fans with conflicting interests would probably agree. Silksong showing up at any point in 2023 with its release date would almost certainly spark such a conflict. March through June is out of the question thanks to the presence of such titles as Resident Evil 4 Remake, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Street Fighter 6, Diablo 4, and Final Fantasy 16.
It may seem like Hollow Knight: Silksong is cleared for a June or Summer announcement followed by a Fall or Holiday release, but that's not the case. The back half of 2023 is loaded with games already, if various confirmed and rumored dates hold true. Starfield is set to release in September, but according to Venom actor Tony Todd, Insomniac's Spider-Man 2 is also lining up a September date. After some outlets corroborated the leak with their sources, Fall 2023 began looking like a bad time to release any more big games. Add that on to games with vague 2023 windows like Mortal Kombat 12 and Armored Core 6, alongside whatever console manufacturers have planned for the holidays, and it seems like 2023 has no room left.
How Hollow Knight: Silksong's Release Can Adapt To Its Situation
Team Cherry staying silent for longer would continue to irritate fans, but after years of the same, it wouldn't inspire any new grievances. Hollow Knight: Silksong could commit to releasing when it's done, which might get it into players' hands as soon as 2023, but then it could risk tripping over another massive game. 2024 is practically a blank slate right now, aside from the possibility of Elden Ring's DLC launching then. This could be seen as an opportunity for Hollow Knight: Silksong to get its best possible release window.
Once Team Cherry has more information from Summer showcases, it can pick a time that isn't loaded with powerhouse Game of the Year contenders. After delays and announcements have set up what the first half of 2024 looks like and Silksong is done or close to done, the game can launch to the open and unoccupied arms of waiting fans. It would still be nice to have the game out sooner rather than later, but the last thing anyone wants is for Team Cherry to rush on Hollow Knight: Silksong.
Hollow Knight: Silksong is in development for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
