The long-awaited sequel to the beloved indie Metroidvania has finally received its most concrete release window yet, though the announcement came through an unconventional channel that has left fans both relieved and bewildered.
Official Confirmation Through Discord Message
Team Cherry's marketing manager Matthew Griffin provided the clearest timeline for Hollow Knight: Silksong's release in months, confirming via Discord that the game will arrive BEFORE Holiday and specifically clarifying Christmas yes when pressed for details. This confirmation came after confusion arose during Microsoft's Xbox Games Showcase 2025, where Xbox president Sarah Bond suggested Silksong would launch alongside the new ROG Ally X handheld during its Holiday 2025 window.
Communication Channels Used:
- Official announcement: Discord message by Matthew Griffin (Marketing Manager)
- Previous updates: Sporadic Discord messages and community interactions
- Traditional marketing: Minimal use of official social media or press releases
- Gaming showcases: Brief appearance in Xbox ROG Ally X promotional material
Clearing Up Xbox Handheld Misconceptions
The initial presentation led many fans to believe Silksong was being positioned as a launch title for Microsoft's new portable gaming device. However, Griffin quickly dispelled this notion, stating emphatically that we are not tied to a console release. This clarification ensures that Silksong's development timeline remains independent of hardware launch schedules, allowing Team Cherry to maintain control over their release strategy.
Unconventional Communication Strategy Continues
Team Cherry's approach to sharing updates has become increasingly notable for its informal nature. Rather than utilizing traditional marketing channels such as official social media accounts, press releases, or gaming showcase presentations, the developer continues to rely on sporadic Discord messages and community interactions. This pattern has persisted throughout Silksong's extended development cycle, creating a unique dynamic where fans must rely on community vigilance to catch official updates.
Early Access Hints at September Possibility
Adding intrigue to the timeline speculation, Silksong will reportedly be playable at Australia's national museum of screen culture in Melbourne starting September 18. This public demonstration raises questions about whether the game could launch as early as September, giving Team Cherry several months of buffer before the Christmas deadline. The museum showcase represents one of the few confirmed public appearances for the game outside of brief trailer glimpses.
Key Timeline Information:
- Release window: Before Christmas 2025 (US Christmas)
- Public demo: September 18, 2025 at Melbourne museum
- Development period: Approximately 6 years since initial announcement
- Platform availability: Game Pass and multiple platforms (not tied to Xbox handheld launch)
Six Years of Anticipation Nearing End
The confirmation brings closure to what has become one of gaming's most prolonged anticipation periods. Since its initial announcement, Silksong has experienced multiple delays with minimal concrete communication about development progress. The game's fanbase has maintained extraordinary patience throughout this extended wait, often analyzing minor updates to Steam database entries and parsing developer comments for any hint of progress.
Marketing Strategy Defies Industry Norms
Team Cherry's communication approach stands in stark contrast to typical video game marketing campaigns. While most developers leverage major gaming showcases, social media campaigns, and coordinated press releases to build momentum, Team Cherry has maintained an almost deliberately low-key presence. This strategy has created an unusual situation where the game's massive anticipation exists largely independent of traditional promotional efforts, sustained primarily by the strength of the original Hollow Knight and word-of-mouth enthusiasm.