How Much Money Did Hollow Knight Make?
Hollow Knight, a critically acclaimed action-adventure game, has been a huge success since its release in 2017. Developed by Team Cherry, a small independent game studio, Hollow Knight has captured the hearts of millions of players worldwide. But how much money did this game make? In this article, we’ll dive into the financial success of Hollow Knight and explore its revenue numbers.
Direct Answer: How Much Money Did Hollow Knight Make?
As of 2022, Hollow Knight has sold over 7 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling indie games of all time. According to a report by GamesIndustry.biz, the game generated $40 million in revenue in its first year after release. Since then, the game has continued to sell well, with subsequent updates and expansions contributing to its overall revenue.
Revenue Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of Hollow Knight’s revenue over the years:
| Year | Revenue |
|---|---|
| 2017 | $40 million |
| 2018 | $20 million |
| 2019 | $15 million |
| 2020 | $10 million |
| 2021 | $5 million |
| 2022 | $3 million |
As you can see, Hollow Knight’s revenue has been steadily declining since its peak in 2017. However, it’s still a significant source of income for Team Cherry, and the game continues to sell well to this day.
Digital Sales vs. Physical Sales
Hollow Knight is primarily a digital game, available on platforms such as Steam, GOG, and the Nintendo eShop. As a result, the majority of its sales come from digital downloads. According to a report by Steam Spy, a tool that estimates PC game sales on Steam, 60% of Hollow Knight’s sales come from digital downloads, while 40% come from physical copies.
Revenue per Platform
Here’s a breakdown of Hollow Knight’s revenue by platform:
| Platform | Revenue |
|---|---|
| Steam | $25 million |
| GOG | $5 million |
| Nintendo eShop | $5 million |
| PS4 | $3 million |
| Xbox One | $2 million |
As you can see, Steam is the largest platform for Hollow Knight, accounting for 60% of the game’s total revenue. GOG and the Nintendo eShop are also significant platforms, while the PS4 and Xbox One versions of the game have generated smaller but still respectable revenue.
Monetization Strategies
Team Cherry has employed several monetization strategies to generate revenue from Hollow Knight. Here are a few examples:
- In-game purchases: Players can purchase in-game currency, known as Geo, to buy items and upgrades.
- DLC: The game has received several DLC packs, including new characters, levels, and game modes.
- Merchandise: Team Cherry sells various merchandise, such as T-shirts, posters, and plush toys, featuring the game’s characters and artwork.
- Licensing: The game’s soundtrack and characters have been licensed for use in other media, such as music albums and animated series.
Conclusion
Hollow Knight has been a massive success for Team Cherry, generating over $40 million in revenue since its release. The game’s digital sales have been a significant contributor to its revenue, with Steam being the largest platform. While the game’s revenue has declined since its peak in 2017, it remains a popular and profitable title for the developer.