A Nod of Respect: Clair Obscur Devs Congratulate Team Cherry on Hollow Knight: Silksong Launch

In a heartwarming display of camaraderie within the indie game development community, Sandfall Interactive, the French studio behind the highly-acclaimed JRPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, has publicly congratulated Team Cherry on the long-awaited launch of Hollow Knight: Silksong. The congratulatory message, shared on social media, included a piece of beautiful fan art that playfully crossed over the two games’ unique universes. This gesture not only highlights the respect between two small teams that have released monumental games this year but also hints at a friendly rivalry that could define the industry for years to come.

The release of Hollow Knight: Silksong on September 4, 2025, ended a seven-year wait for millions of fans. The game, which was released without a traditional review embargo, sent the gaming world into a frenzy as players and critics alike scrambled to experience Team Cherry’s new masterpiece. Meanwhile, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a breakout hit that launched in April 2025, has been celebrated for its stunning visuals and innovative turn-based combat. The developers’ mutual appreciation for each other’s work shows a positive trend in an industry often dominated by competition.

‘Game Recognizes Game’

The congratulatory post from Sandfall Interactive was more than a simple message; it was a testament to the shared passion and grueling work that goes into creating a world-class indie game. The art featured protagonist Hornet from Silksong and an Expeditioner from Clair Obscur, symbolizing the respect and support between the two studios. The post was met with a wave of positive responses from fans who were thrilled to see their two favorite indie titles acknowledging each other.

• A Subtle Easter Egg: The gesture also gained traction after players of Silksong discovered what they believe is a reference to Clair Obscur in the game’s narrative text. A line of dialogue, “For those who come after…”, has been noted to be a recurring phrase and the name of a song in the Clair Obscur soundtrack. While Team Cherry has not officially confirmed if it’s a deliberate Easter egg, the timing and context make it a charming nod from one developer to another.
• A Clash of Giants: Both games, though different in genre, have been widely hailed as some of the best releases of the year and are already being considered strong contenders for Game of the Year awards. Silksong has been praised for its masterful world-building and challenging platforming, while Clair Obscur is being lauded for its artistic design and a fresh take on the turn-based RPG. Their release schedules, though not intentional, have created a captivating narrative of two beloved indie projects arriving in the same year, each with a claim to being the best.

The friendly exchange between the developers of Clair Obscur and Team Cherry serves as a reminder that the gaming industry, despite its flaws, is also a place of genuine passion and mutual respect. Both teams have dedicated years to their craft, and their hard work has paid off with critical and commercial success. The fact that they are now celebrating each other’s achievements rather than seeing each other as rivals is a positive sign for the future of indie gaming. The success of both titles also demonstrates that there is a significant market for unique, polished, and artistically-driven games, regardless of their size or genre.

With both games now available, the focus shifts to post-launch support. Team Cherry has already released several patches to address bugs and community feedback, while Sandfall Interactive has promised more content for Clair Obscur in the future. The conversation around these two games will continue for months, as fans debate their merits and new players discover their worlds. This year has been a major one for indie gaming, and the bond between these two studios is a perfect example of why.