Source Gaming was able to engage in a conversation with Team Cherry’s Co-Directors, Ari Gibson and William Pellen, to delve into the development of their acclaimed title, Hollow Knight. Initially, the duo had ambitions for a “very small” Metroidvania experience, but with the success of their Kickstarter campaign, they realized they had the resources to dramatically expand their vision and create the indie phenomenon that players adore today. They also revealed that they considered reducing their Kickstarter funding goal just days before the campaign launched, unsure if it would reach its target.
Now, let’s pivot a bit. Regarding the Kickstarter, I believe you managed to raise approximately AU$58,000?
William: Correct.
That seems like a fairly modest budget given the game’s eventual success and growth. When you originally set your initial goal, which was even lower than your ultimate total, were you genuinely comfortable with that figure? Did it give you the impression of being able to do everything you wished?
Ari: Yes, at the time, we were quite comfortable with that number for the scale of the project we aimed to develop. Our goal was around AU$35,000.
William: Indeed, we debated it prior to launching the Kickstarter. A few days before going live, we raised it from about AU$30,000. We spent quite a while considering that change.
Ari: However, that figure was only meant to support a very small Metroidvania experience. It was intended to be quite limited.
William: Like two hours of gameplay or something.
Ari: The success of the Kickstarter allowed us to scale up significantly. The funding we received from that campaign enabled us to work for approximately two years, which subsequently expanded the game even further.