Is Hollow Knight Made in Unity?
Hollow Knight is a critically acclaimed action-adventure game developed by Team Cherry, a small independent game studio. The game has gained widespread recognition for its atmospheric and hauntingly beautiful world, intricate storytelling, and challenging gameplay. But one question that has been on the minds of many gamers and developers is: Is Hollow Knight made in Unity?
Direct Answer: No, Hollow Knight is not made in Unity
The answer is simple: Hollow Knight is not made in Unity. But why not? What was the reasoning behind Team Cherry’s decision to choose another game engine? Let’s dive deeper into the development process of Hollow Knight and explore the reasons behind their choice.
The Genesis of Hollow Knight
Before we dive into the details, let’s take a step back and look at how Hollow Knight came to be. The game was created by Team Cherry, a small independent game studio composed of three developers: Christopher Larkin, William Pellen, and Ariyah Viles. The idea for Hollow Knight was born out of a passion project, with the team spending countless hours crafting a rich and immersive world.
Game Engine Options
When it came time to decide on a game engine, Team Cherry had several options to choose from. The three main contenders were Unity, Unreal Engine, and Monogame. Monogame is an open-source implementation of the Microsoft XNA framework, designed for creating games for Windows, Mac, and Linux. While Monogame was a viable option, the team ultimately decided to go with HaxeFlixel, an open-source game engine developed by the Haxe community.
Why HaxeFlixel?
So, why did Team Cherry choose HaxeFlixel over Unity? The main reason was the ease of use and the flexibility it offered. According to Christopher Larkin, the lead developer of Hollow Knight, HaxeFlixel allowed them to "create a game without being bogged down by complex scripting or steep learning curves". This flexibility was crucial for the team, as they were working on a tight budget and had limited resources.
HaxeFlixel vs. Unity: Key Differences
Here are some key differences between HaxeFlixel and Unity:
| HaxeFlixel | Unity | |
|---|---|---|
| Language | Haxe, a statically typed programming language | C#, UnityScript, or Boo |
| Platform Support | Supports Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile devices | Supports Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and various other platforms |
| Scripting | Has a strong focus on Lua scripting | Has a built-in scripting language, UnityScript |
| Graphics | Supports 2D and 3D graphics | Supports 2D and 3D graphics, with a strong focus on 3D graphics |
| Licensing | Open-source and free to use | Has a free version, Unity Personal, and a commercial version, Unity Pro |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hollow Knight is not made in Unity. While Unity is a powerful and widely used game engine, Team Cherry chose HaxeFlixel for its ease of use, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. The game’s atmospheric and hauntingly beautiful world, intricate storytelling, and challenging gameplay are a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication.
Additional Insights
In a Gamasutra article, Christopher Larkin shed more light on the development process of Hollow Knight, sharing insights on the team’s decision-making process and the challenges they faced during development. According to Larkin, "HaxeFlixel allowed us to focus on the creative aspects of game development, rather than getting bogged down in complex scripting or engine-specific issues".
Final Thoughts
Hollow Knight is a shining example of what can be achieved with a small team and a passion project. The game’s development process, while not made in Unity, is a testament to the power of creativity and innovation. If you’re a developer or a gamer, Hollow Knight is definitely worth checking out.