they all deserve credit. they all deserve celebration. but all of this was possible because of the smaller core that proved they could do this with joyful bonuses or not. the "tired of the rags to riches narrative" comment gets me especially. because yeah, I do hate shit like that. 10/
but in this case like. these scrappy dweebs were outright skipping meals and sleep to make the first possible. their kickstarter came out when people fuckin' HATED 2D platformers and said awful shit. they put themselves on the line. just to make something they were proud of. not to "win." 11/
and when they got the chance to make a sequel off the success of the first, they kept it tight. they were responsible and let it take the time it needed, despite constant demands from feverish enthusiasts. despite self-cynical "gamer discourse" about product, when they toiled at an art. 12/
and that art was made better because they could afford more help with crucial flourishes and stretch goals. it benefitted from being in demand — they got preferential placement from platform holders because HK inspired interest. all of that matters — and is credited. ks backers too! 13/
I know there's no hope for changing the arc of the discourse. we're already cooked, etc etc. but. I hope you can appreciate that this is, in fact, a big win for a small team, no matter who tries to hijack it for their narrative. 14/
please understand that some of us are relieved to see that sometimes, taking your time can be rewarding. making a game that you want to play can be rewarding. working hard at your vision can be rewarding. not even for sales – most of us know we're fucked. but because the game is *good.* 15/
it feels good to see the vision. I have no illusions about it happening from a very special (and funded) place. I'll be over the moon if 500 people play our next game. I can't grindset ratrace my way into a position in capital that doesn't kill me. but I want more art in the world. 16/16
this was a really good read sus! i definitely learned a few things i never even considered. my post was definitely in response to the "rags-to-riches" being pushed by some, and i'll always push back against ceo narratives that obfuscate the truth. HK has reached the unfortunate status of- (1/2)
being popular enough that gaming nerds will hyperfocus on any negative spin they can, and sometimes i can be guilty of that too, if i feel it's warranted! i may have jumped the gun though. that being said, any behind-the-scenes details is fascinating! and i too want to create one day, so it helps!
Hollow Knight literally renewed my love for games and desire to make my own – so over the years I've ended up pretty familiar with their goings-on! I might be a little feisty here, but I do think we can punish ceo narratives better if we dig a little deeper on both the enemy and the example.