Draft:Team Cherry
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Team Cherry
[edit]Team Cherry is an Australian indie game development studio based in Adelaide, South Australia. Founded in 2014 by Ari Gibson and William Pellen, the studio is best known for developing and publishing the critically acclaimed Metroidvania video games Hollow Knight (2017) and its sequel Hollow Knight: Silksong (2025).[1][2] As a small team, they emphasize creating expansive, atmospheric worlds inspired by classic platformers, with a focus on exploration and precise controls.[3] Their debut title, Hollow Knight, has sold over 15 million copies worldwide and received widespread acclaim for its intricate design and haunting soundtrack.[4]
History
[edit]Team Cherry's origins trace back to 2013, when co-founders Ari Gibson and William Pellen participated in the Ludum Dare game jam, creating a prototype titled Hungry Knight.[4] This early concept featured the iconic insectoid protagonist and laid the groundwork for an underground kingdom setting, inspired by a missed game jam theme, "Beneath the Surface."[5] The duo, bonded by their shared admiration for games like Zelda II: The Adventure of Link and Faxanadu, formalized the studio in 2014 around the development of what would become Hollow Knight.[6][7] Initially formed through collaborative game jams, the team expanded with additional contributors like programmer Rohan Fraser (who later departed) and coder Jack Vine.[6]
The studio's first major project, Hollow Knight, was crowdfunded via Kickstarter in November 2014, raising over A$57,000 from more than 2,000 backers—surpassing its A$35,000 goal.[4] This funding allowed a switch from the Stencyl engine to Unity and the hiring of key personnel, including technical director David Kazi.[4] Development reached beta in September 2015, with ongoing additions driven by stretch goals.[4] Post-launch, Team Cherry supported the game with four free DLC expansions: Hidden Dreams (2017), The Grimm Troupe (2017), Lifeblood (2018), and Godmaster (2018).[4]
In 2017, shortly after Hollow Knight's release, the team began work on Hollow Knight: Silksong, initially conceived as DLC but expanded into a full sequel due to its growing scope.[2] Development proceeded quietly for over six years, with limited updates to prioritize creation and preserve surprises.[8] The game was announced in February 2019 and released on September 4, 2025, for platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4/5, and Xbox.[2][9] Its launch announcement, just two weeks prior, prompted delays for competing indie titles fearing overshadowing.[2] As of October 2025, Team Cherry has teased plans for ongoing Silksong content, including potential expansions.[8]
Games
[edit]| Title | Release Date | Platform(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hollow Knight | February 24, 2017 | Windows, macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One | Debut title; Metroidvania with exploration in the kingdom of Hallownest. Sold over 15 million copies; four free DLCs added post-launch.[4] |
| Hollow Knight: Silksong | September 4, 2025 | Windows, macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch (incl. Switch 2 enhanced), PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X/S | Sequel starring Hornet; features new mechanics like Tools and Crests. Over 200 enemies and 40 bosses; released after six-year development.[2][10] |
Key personnel
[edit]- Ari Gibson – Co-director and lead artist; formerly ran animation studio Mechanical Apple, with experience in film, games, and music videos.[3][11]
- William Pellen – Co-director and designer; specializes in enemy/boss behavior and world-building, influenced by classic adventure games.[3][11]
- Jack Vine – Lead programmer; key in console ports, optimizations, and features for Hollow Knight expansions and Silksong.[12][6]
Notable collaborators include composer Christopher Larkin, marketing manager Matthew Griffin, and former technical director David Kazi (departed 2017).[4][13] The studio often works with external talent for specific roles like playtesting and voice acting.
Reception and legacy
[edit]Team Cherry's work has been lauded for revitalizing the Metroidvania genre, with Hollow Knight earning "universal acclaim" on Metacritic and awards such as Best Platformer (PC Gamer 2017) and Independent Game of the Year (Australian Games Awards 2018).[4] Influences from Dark Souls, Metroid, and Mega Man X are evident in the games' challenging combat and nonlinear exploration.[4] Silksong continued this success, praised for its expanded mechanics and world, though its surprise launch drew mixed reactions on review access.[2] The studio's small size and crowdfunding roots have made them a symbol of indie triumph, inspiring developers worldwide.[14]
References
[edit]- ^ [Placeholder: Cite reliable source, e.g., Team Cherry official site or gaming news article]
- ^ a b c d e f [Placeholder: Cite reliable source for Silksong release]
- ^ a b c [Placeholder: Cite interview or article on design philosophy]
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j [Placeholder: Cite sales or review source]
- ^ [Placeholder: Cite Ludum Dare or Team Cherry blog]
- ^ a b c [Placeholder: Cite source on influences]
- ^ [Placeholder: Cite source on studio formation]
- ^ a b [Placeholder: Cite source on Silksong development]
- ^ [Placeholder: Cite release platform details]
- ^ [Placeholder: Cite source on Silksong mechanics]
- ^ a b [Placeholder: Cite source on Gibson’s background]
- ^ [Placeholder: Cite source on Vine’s role]
- ^ [Placeholder: Cite source on collaborators]
- ^ [Placeholder: Cite source on indie influence]
External links
[edit]Category:Video game companies of Australia Category:Companies based in Adelaide
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