Get ready to be surprised: the creators of Hollow Knight: Silksong are stepping aside and predicting that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will take home the Game of the Year title. But here's where it gets controversial—while Expedition 33 is praised for its broad appeal, Silksong sits on a knife's edge, adored by some and fiercely debated by others. Could this be the year the underdog takes the crown?
In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Team Cherry co-founder William Pellen revealed that the studio won’t be attending The Game Awards next month. Instead, they’re betting big on Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 to sweep the top honors. When asked about their absence, Pellen diplomatically replied, “Maybe not. We’re pretty busy,” before adding, “I think Expedition 33 will win. It’s exceptional and broadly palatable. Whereas we’re on that knife’s edge, where it appeals to some and infuriates others.” This candid admission highlights the polarizing nature of Silksong, a game that has sparked both admiration and frustration since its September release.
And this is the part most people miss—the ongoing debate over Silksong’s difficulty level. While developer Ari Gibson assured players they could “mitigate the difficulty via exploration, learning, or even circumventing the challenge entirely,” the game’s steep learning curve left some players feeling stonewalled. This led to a surge in mods shortly after release, allowing players to tweak variables like damage and health. But is this a solution or a compromise? Team Cherry seems to embrace the modding community, but the question remains: does Silksong’s challenge enhance its charm or alienate its audience?
Eurogamer awarded Silksong a perfect five-star review, praising its “pretty and charmingly mean-spirited” design, filled with revelations and genuine personality. Yet, the game’s divisive nature continues to fuel discussions. Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Does a game’s ability to polarize its audience make it more or less deserving of accolades? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear whether you’re Team Silksong or Team Expedition 33!
