What's Happening?
Hollow Knight: Silksong, developed by Team Cherry, was released on September 4, 2025, and quickly became a massive success, with over 535,213 concurrent players on Steam. Despite being available DRM-free on GOG, a cracked version appeared online shortly after launch. Surprisingly, veteran video game pirates have been urging their peers to purchase the game instead of downloading it illegally. This unusual support stems from the goodwill Team Cherry has garnered over the years, particularly due to their commitment to delivering quality content without DRM restrictions and honoring promises made during their original Kickstarter campaign.
Why It's Important?
The response from the gaming community highlights a significant shift in attitudes towards piracy, especially for indie developers like Team Cherry. This development underscores the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with consumers, as it can lead to increased support and sales, even from typically non-paying segments of the market. The success of Silksong could encourage other developers to adopt similar consumer-friendly practices, potentially reducing piracy rates and fostering a more supportive gaming community.
