In a fascinating discussion with Source Gaming, Team Cherry’s Co-Directors, Ari Gibson and William Pellen, shared insights into the journey of their hit title, Hollow Knight. What started as an idea for a “very small” Metroidvania blossomed into the beloved indie phenomenon we know today, thanks to the overwhelming success of their Kickstarter campaign. Initially hesitant, the duo considered lowering their Kickstarter target just days before launch, leaving them uncertain of their chances.
So, taking a slight detour here, I remember you raised about AU$58,000 during the Kickstarter?
William: Yeah.
That number feels pretty modest given the monumental impact the game has had. When you set your original goal, which was even lower than what you eventually achieved, was that a figure you felt at ease with? Perhaps in a “we can do everything we want now” sense?
Ari: Absolutely, we were comfortable with that number, especially for the game we initially intended to create. Our original goal was around AU$35,000.
William: We really struggled with that before the Kickstarter went live. We actually debated whether to change it from AU$30,000 just days before the launch.
Ari: That figure was meant for a Metroidvania that was rather small—something quite limited.
William: Maybe just two hours of gameplay or so.
Ari: The success of the campaign empowered us to expand the vision significantly. The funding we secured allowed us a two-year development period, which culminated in creating a much larger experience.