Remember when every hit game had to spawn a direct sequel? Team Cherry just flipped that script entirely. On May 10, 2023, the developers behind Hollow Knight dropped a bombshell that could change how indie studios approach franchise building forever.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Future Hollow Knight games after Silksong will be completely standalone experiences
- These new titles will “exist alongside” previous entries rather than continuing the same storyline
- The approach could influence indie developers across the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and other major gaming markets
- This strategy addresses both creative freedom and business sustainability concerns
The Strategic Genius Behind Standalone Games
When PC Gamer reported Team Cherry’s announcement, it revealed more than just development plans—it showcased a sophisticated franchise strategy. Instead of forcing interconnected stories, the studio is creating what amounts to a shared universe where each game stands on its own merits.
Think about it this way: you don’t need to play Hollow Knight to enjoy Silksong, and future titles will follow the same pattern. This approach eliminates the barrier to entry that often plagues long-running series. New players can jump in anywhere without feeling lost in complex lore.
Benefits and Challenges for Indie Developers
The standalone approach offers significant advantages for smaller studios. Creative teams can experiment with new mechanics and stories without worrying about continuity errors. This freedom often leads to more innovative gameplay and fresher experiences for players.
However, there are real challenges too. Building brand recognition becomes harder when each game exists independently. Marketing must work overtime to explain why players should care about a new entry that doesn’t continue the story they loved. According to Game Rant’s coverage, this strategy could either strengthen the franchise or fragment its audience.
Distribution platforms face interesting implications too. Instead of promoting sequels, they’ll need to position these as complementary experiences. The technical side—game engine choices and development tools—becomes more flexible since each project can use different solutions optimized for its specific needs.
What This Means for Gamers Worldwide
For players across the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, France, and Brazil, this approach means more diverse gaming experiences. You might get a fast-paced action title set in the Hollow Knight universe alongside a more exploration-focused game, each offering unique value.
The potential downside? Some fans might miss the deep narrative connections that direct sequels provide. There’s a special magic in seeing characters and stories evolve across multiple games. The standalone model sacrifices some of that long-term investment for immediate accessibility.
But here’s the exciting part: this could lead to more frequent releases. Since developers aren’t bound by an overarching narrative, multiple teams could potentially work on different projects simultaneously. The Hollow Knight universe could expand in multiple directions at once.
The bottom line:
Team Cherry’s standalone game strategy represents a mature evolution in how indie studios approach franchise building. It balances creative freedom with business practicality while putting player experience first. While it comes with risks of audience fragmentation, the potential for innovation and accessibility makes this a model worth watching—and possibly emulating by other developers.
If you’re interested in related developments, explore our articles on Why Flat2VR’s Four New Games Could Save Your PSVR2 and Why The Game Awards’ Future Class Program Remains Frozen.
