Full Breakdown
Team Cherry's Hollow Knight: Silksong Faces Tough Competition for Game of the Year
11/29/2025, 7:53:13 PM
Overview of the GOTY Landscape
Hollow Knight: Silksong, developed by Team Cherry, is nominated for Game of the Year (GOTY) at The Game Awards 2025. Despite its critical acclaim and the anticipation surrounding its release, Team Cherry co-founders Ari Gibson and William Pellen express skepticism about winning the award. They believe that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, developed by Sandfall Interactive, is the frontrunner for the title. Gibson noted that Silksong is "on that knife's edge, where it appeals to some and infuriates others," highlighting the polarized reception due to its challenging gameplay.
Team Cherry's Perspective
In a recent interview, Pellen indicated that Team Cherry may not attend The Game Awards, citing their busy schedule. He stated, "Maybe not. We’re pretty busy," when asked about their attendance. Gibson echoed this sentiment, expressing confidence that they would not need to prepare an acceptance speech, saying, "This year I think we're safe. I think Expedition 33—it's exceptional and broadly palatable." This perspective reflects their belief that the accessibility of Expedition 33, which features a more forgiving difficulty curve, positions it as a more appealing choice for the award.
Criticism of Silksong's Difficulty
While Silksong has garnered praise, its difficulty remains a contentious point. Critics have described the game as a "Sisyphean exercise," suggesting that its challenging mechanics may deter casual players. In contrast, Expedition 33 offers a breezy story mode with optional challenges, making it more accessible to a broader audience. This difference in design philosophy contributes to Team Cherry's belief that Expedition 33 is likely to win the GOTY award.
Broader Implications for Game Awards
The competition for GOTY at The Game Awards 2025 includes notable titles such as Death Stranding 2, Hades 2, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, alongside Silksong and Expedition 33. The developers' candid acknowledgment of their competition underscores a broader trend in the gaming industry, where accessibility and player experience are increasingly prioritized in game design.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This year I think we're safe. I think Expedition 33—it's exceptional and broadly palatable.” — Ari Gibson, Co-founder, Team Cherry
- “Maybe not. We’re pretty busy.” — William Pellen, Co-founder, Team Cherry
- “It’s exceptional and broadly palatable. Whereas we’re on that knife’s edge, where it appeals to some and infuriates others.” — Ari Gibson, Co-founder, Team Cherry
Conclusion
As The Game Awards 2025 approaches, the anticipation surrounding the GOTY nominations highlights the evolving landscape of game design and player expectations. Team Cherry's recognition of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as a likely winner reflects a nuanced understanding of the gaming community's preferences, emphasizing the importance of accessibility in achieving critical acclaim.
