Unfulfilled Hype: A Core Pillar of the Gaming Industry
The games industry is built on absurd, slavering, and often unfulfilled hype. This has always been the case, and many hope it will always be so. From E3 (RIP) to Gamescom and Summer Game Fest, fans love speculating about what announcements might be dropped on the show floor each year.
The Limits of Patience: Hollow Knight Fans and Silksong
Ordinarily, events encourage this buzz, which increases audience engagement. However, Hollow Knight fans have recently hit their breaking point. Geoff Keighley, the host of Gamescom’s Opening Night Live, has preemptively informed fans that Silksong will not be featured in the event to manage expectations and avoid backlash.
The Impact on Community and Developers
This fervor is understandable; many fans are desperate for any information about Silksong, the sequel to the beloved metroidvania announced in 2019. The community’s despair grows with each Nintendo Direct and State of Play where it goes unmentioned. As such, Keighley’s announcement aims to prevent fans from filling his inbox with expressions of disappointment.
Just to get this out of the way, no Silksong on Tuesday at ONL. @TeamCherryGames is still cooking. pic.twitter.com/FlQHlc26zo
— Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) August 17, 2024
A Balanced Perspective
It’s easy to see why Keighley wants to manage expectations. The desire for updates has led to some extreme reactions, but it’s essential to remember that games, no matter how highly anticipated, are just games. If anticipation turns toxic, it might be time to step back and reassess priorities.
Looking Forward
Team Cherry, the developers, have been commendably secretive, ensuring the game is polished before sharing more with the community. Although updates have been sparse, hope remains. While Silksong won’t be at Gamescom, fans look forward to potential announcements at future events, continuing to believe in Team Cherry’s vision.
