When Team Cherry revealed the release date for Hollow Knight: Silksong on September 4, the gaming community erupted in excitement. After seven years of development largely hidden from public view, this announcement was both a surprise and a relief—finally, the game is set to launch in just a few weeks. However, not everyone shared in the celebration; a number of developers and publishers found themselves in a tough spot.

At least eight different studios had to reconsider their release plans, as their games were scheduled to launch right around the same time as Silksong. Titles like Panik Arcade’s CloverPit, Sunny Side Up’s Little Witch in the Woods, Necrosoft Games’ Demonschool, and Devolver Digital’s Baby Steps were all affected. In light of Silksong’s impending release, these studios opted to delay their games.

Release dates are not casually assigned; developers and publishers carefully plan their schedules well in advance. Team Cherry likely had their release date set long before the August announcement. Nigel Lowrie, chief marketing officer at Devolver Digital, explained that their release schedule is primarily influenced by a game’s production timeline, which can change throughout the year.

• Developers consider various factors when planning release dates:
• Competition from other games
• Hardware launches
• Major promotions like Steam sales
• Significant events such as Summer Game Fest

Lowrie emphasized the importance of ensuring that their games have the best chance to shine. While some games have predictable release windows, others, like Silksong or Haunted Chocolatier, can unexpectedly dominate the spotlight. “They have earned the right to have their own spot and may push you out, and that’s OK,” he noted.

It’s not just about competing for consumer dollars; it’s also about capturing consumer attention and ensuring that creators have the time and resources they need. Brian Kwek from Ysbryd Games, which decided to delay Necrosoft Games’ Demonschool, shared that their flexible release calendar allows them to adapt based on production needs rather than strict profit margins.

For Kwek, the decision to delay was a strategic move. With Silksong expected this year, and time running out, they initially set Demonschool’s release for September 3, hoping to avoid a direct clash. However, when Silksong’s release date was announced just weeks later, they had to reassess their options.

Ultimately, they chose to move to November, avoiding competition with other major titles like Final Fantasy Tactics. Kwek noted that changing the release date involved tense negotiations with platforms, which added to the stress of the situation.

When Silksong’s release date was confirmed, Devolver Digital’s team quickly reached out to discuss their options. They recognized the importance of audience overlap and decided to find a more favorable release window. The developers of Baby Steps even created a humorous video to announce their delay, featuring their character in a Silksong-themed playground.

While it’s impossible to predict how Demonschool or Baby Steps would have fared against Silksong, Kwek felt that sticking to their original dates would have been “reckless.” Although the delay incurs additional costs, the potential losses from competing against a major title like Silksong make it a worthwhile decision.

In the end, navigating the release landscape requires careful consideration and flexibility, especially when facing a gaming giant like Hollow Knight: Silksong.

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