Silksong: Even pirates recommend buying it after its release

The long-awaited Hollow Knight: Silksong finally released on September 4, 2025, after a six-year wait since its announcement. The sequel to Team Cherry ’s acclaimed indie game retailed for USD $20 and made a massive impact on all digital storefronts, including Steam and GOG . On its launch day, Silksong peaked at 535,213 concurrent players on Steam, cementing itself as the 18th most-played game in the platform’s history.

The game's success extended beyond traditional gamers: even in internet spaces where pirated versions circulate, Silksong caused a curious phenomenon: many veteran piracy users recommended their colleagues to buy the game instead of downloading it illegally .

Silksong was released DRM -free on GOG, allowing a pirated version to quickly become available for download. What was surprising, however, was the response from some veteran video game pirates , who urged others to support Team Cherry by purchasing the game .

Users on the piracy subreddit shared their experiences, such as pyrokzg, who stated, “Probably the first game I’ve bought on release day in a decade.” Another user, Vamsi-Thopu, added that he hadn’t even bought a game so quickly in ten years. These statements reflect the goodwill and respect Silksong generated, even in sectors normally associated with piracy.

The motivation behind this behavior is related to Team Cherry's impeccable reputation . The small Australian studio has maintained a constant commitment to its players:

• Silksong launched DRM-free on day one.
• Fulfilling the promises of its original Hollow Knight Kickstarter .
• Free upgrade for the Nintendo Switch 2 version .
• Respect to the original backers, who received Silksong for free on whatever platform they chose.

Users like No-Shape6053 emphasized: “We're a team of three or four people who have always done the right thing for their fans. This is a time when, if we can afford to support them, we should.”

The message was reinforced by other community members: “Support the developers if you can, they deserve it,” stated iTzNowbie. For many, Silksong represents an example of how an indie studio can earn the loyalty of its community , even among those who often resort to piracy.

The phenomenon has sparked discussion among users about why Silksong has received such respectful treatment in terms of piracy , while other equally popular indie games have failed to generate the same reaction.

MixaLv commented, “Normally, people here claim that the title, price, or indie status don’t matter to them, but I guess Silksong is respected like that.” ALIIERTx, meanwhile, noted that the collective anti-piracy drive is a reflection of the trust and admiration for Team Cherry .

Other users agreed that the studio has proven to be transparent, ethical, and fan-focused , fostering a culture of respect even in environments most prone to illegal downloading. “Team Cherry has built an incredible reputation,” suggested Someone_Existing_1.

The launch of Silksong was not only notable for its sales and record player count , but also for the ethical reaction of the gaming community . Team Cherry's decision to offer a DRM-free game and honor its commitments has generated a unique phenomenon: even pirates are recommending the game for purchase, underscoring the importance of supporting independent developers .

The Silksong case demonstrates that trust, respect, and transparency can overcome even the most entrenched piracy habits, cementing Team Cherry as a benchmark in the indie gaming industry . The community hopes this example will inspire other studios and players to value the work behind each release, highlighting that a quality game can generate loyalty and genuine support , beyond simple fun.