Silksong's Popularity Sparks Support from Piracy Subreddit
Hollow Knight: Silksong Launch Creates Waves in the Gaming Community
Today marks a significant milestone in the gaming world with the long-awaited release of Hollow Knight: Silksong. The game’s debut was met with overwhelming demand, causing Steam to falter under the immense traffic from eager fans. In a swift and clever move, GOG, the DRM-free digital storefront, seized the opportunity to promote its platform, stating, “It appears that Silkzillion gamers worldwide are trying to get their hands on Hollow Knight: Silksong, and digital storefronts are struggling to handle the traffic. But the DRM-free Bastion stands strong.” This clever marketing highlighted GOG’s commitment to providing an uninterrupted gaming experience.
Community Response: A Surprising Shift in Attitude
While Silksong was quickly made available through piracy channels almost immediately after its launch, an unexpected narrative emerged from the r/Piracy subreddit. With a community of over 2.4 million, many members began to express their support for purchasing the game legitimately rather than resorting to piracy. A notable shift in sentiment was evident as gamers shared their thoughts on the game’s affordable price point of just $20.
One redditor, reflecting on the game’s value, stated, “I was planning on doing it, since every recent game costs around $80 and that’s a lot of money for a game. But after the price was revealed, $20, I thought, damn that’s good, and I’m not pirating it.” Similar sentiments echoed throughout the thread as community members expressed their willingness to support Team Cherry, the small development team behind Silksong.
Silksong’s release is the first time I’ve seen comments on the Piracy subreddit push for people to buy it instead.
— kate bush’s husband (@airbagged.bsky.social) September 4, 2025 at 5:58 PM
Why Are Gamers Choosing to Buy Instead of Pirate?
The push to purchase Silksong instead of pirating it can be attributed to several factors:
- Affordability: At just $20, many gamers found the price reasonable compared to the escalating costs of recent games.
- Developer Integrity: The developers, Team Cherry, have built a reputation for their commitment to fans and quality, further encouraging support.
- Community Influence: The conversations within the piracy subreddit showcased a collective desire to reward good game development.
One community member remarked, “It’s a 3-4 person team that has done right by their fans at every turn. Making sure the PC release is DRM-free. This is a time where if we can afford to support them, we should.” Another user, Efrayl, shared their intention to buy the game on GOG immediately, even with plans to play it later after initial updates.
A Unique Case in Gaming
Silksong’s release stands out not just for its gameplay but for the unique way it has influenced conversations around piracy and game purchasing. While some users on the subreddit still expressed intentions to pirate the game, the unusual volume of users advocating for a legitimate purchase suggests a broader shift in consumer behavior.
This case illustrates that while piracy is an ongoing issue in the gaming industry, a fair price, coupled with quality gameplay and genuine developer engagement, can sway even the most committed pirates. It’s a refreshing reminder that gamers appreciate value and integrity, and when met with those standards, they are willing to support developers.
The Bigger Picture
As we look ahead, Silksong’s success might not serve as a blueprint for larger publishers like Electronic Arts or Ubisoft, who often rely on strict DRM measures. Yet, it underscores an important lesson: a genuine connection with the gaming community, fair pricing, and quality content can foster loyalty and encourage purchases. In an industry often plagued by skepticism and complaints about pricing, Silksong’s release shines as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the potential for positive change when developers prioritize their fans.
