How Big Is Team Cherry? A Deep Dive into the Indie Darling
Team Cherry, the Australian indie game developer, has captured the hearts of gamers worldwide with its critically acclaimed title, Hollow Knight. But behind the intricate world and compelling gameplay lies a surprisingly small core team. So, how big is Team Cherry? The core team consists of three dedicated individuals: Ari Gibson and William Pellen, the studio’s co-directors, and Jack Vine, the supremely talented coder.
The Power of Three: Team Cherry’s Core Members
This trio operates out of Adelaide, South Australia, and has managed to achieve remarkable feats in game development. They’ve built stunning worlds, crafted engaging gameplay, and handled everything from game design and programming to marketing and community engagement. Their dedication and passion shine through in every aspect of their games.
Ari Gibson: Co-Director and Artist Extraordinaire
Ari Gibson wears many hats at Team Cherry. As a co-director, he is deeply involved in the creative vision and direction of the studio. But perhaps he’s best known for his artistic contributions. Gibson’s distinct art style is immediately recognizable, and is a key reason why Hollow Knight is so visually captivating. He designs the characters, environments, and overall aesthetic that players worldwide have fallen in love with. His background in visual arts, with a Bachelor of Visual Arts from the University of South Australia, provides him with a solid foundation for his artistic endeavors. He is also a co-CEO of Team Cherry.
William Pellen: Co-Director and Game Designer
William Pellen, alongside Ari Gibson, serves as co-director. Pellen’s focus lies heavily in game design. He works closely with Gibson in order to brainstorm and establish the core game mechanics, level design, and narrative elements that make Hollow Knight so compelling. His creativity helps bring depth and complexity to Team Cherry’s games. He is also a co-CEO of Team Cherry.
Jack Vine: The Coding Wizard
Jack Vine is the programming backbone of Team Cherry. As the coder, Vine is responsible for bringing the game to life, translating the design and art into a fully functional and enjoyable experience. He ensures that all the mechanics work flawlessly and efficiently, contributing significantly to the high level of polish that Hollow Knight is known for.
More Than Just Three: Expanded Team and Collaborations
While the core team remains at three, Team Cherry has worked with other people outside of the main three. For example, David Kazi was an original member of Team Cherry who was responsible for the game’s technical direction. He has since left the company in order to pursue other opportunities. Additionally, it is not uncommon for game developers to work with external contractors, musicians, and voice actors to supplement their core team. These collaborations are very common in the game development industry.
The Indie Spirit: Small Team, Big Impact
The small size of Team Cherry is a testament to the power of the indie spirit. They operate independently, driven by their passion for creating unique and memorable gaming experiences. Despite their small numbers, their dedication and talent have allowed them to compete with larger studios.
Hollow Knight: A Triumph of Indie Development
Hollow Knight is a shining example of what a small, dedicated team can achieve. The game’s success has proven that you don’t need a massive team or a huge budget to create a critically acclaimed and commercially successful title. Its intricate world, challenging gameplay, and beautiful art style have resonated with players worldwide, solidifying Team Cherry’s place in gaming history.
The Future of Team Cherry: Silksong and Beyond
With the highly anticipated release of Hollow Knight: Silksong, the world eagerly awaits Team Cherry’s next masterpiece. The small team continues to work diligently to deliver an experience that matches or surpasses the success of their previous game. The gaming community is filled with anticipation for the next chapter of the Hollow Knight story.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many people work on Team Cherry?
The core team of Team Cherry consists of three individuals: Ari Gibson, William Pellen, and Jack Vine.
2. Where is Team Cherry located?
Team Cherry is based in Adelaide, South Australia.
3. What games has Team Cherry developed?
Team Cherry is primarily known for developing Hollow Knight and Hollow Knight: Silksong (currently in development). They also made a game jam game called Hungry Knight.
4. What is Hollow Knight about?
Hollow Knight is a 2D Metroidvania-style action-adventure game set in the decaying kingdom of Hallownest. Players explore a vast interconnected world, battle challenging foes, and uncover ancient secrets.
5. Is Team Cherry still working on Silksong?
Yes, Team Cherry is actively developing Hollow Knight: Silksong.
6. When will Hollow Knight: Silksong be released?
The release date for Hollow Knight: Silksong is currently unknown. It was initially planned for the first half of 2023, but development is ongoing.
7. Is Silksong a sequel to Hollow Knight?
Yes, Hollow Knight: Silksong is a sequel to Hollow Knight.
8. Who are the founders of Team Cherry?
The co-founders of Team Cherry are Ari Gibson and William Pellen.
9. What is Team Cherry’s mission?
Team Cherry’s mission is to build crazy and exciting worlds for players to explore and conquer.
10. How did Team Cherry get started?
Team Cherry was formed around a mutual love of classic adventure games and a desire to build new adventures in the same style.
11. What programming language is Hollow Knight made in?
Hollow Knight was made using the Unity game engine.
12. How long did it take to develop Hollow Knight?
Hollow Knight took approximately four years to develop.
13. How many copies of Hollow Knight have been sold?
As of February 2019, Hollow Knight had sold 2.8 million copies. Sales are likely significantly higher as of the current year.
14. Is Team Cherry an independent developer?
Yes, Team Cherry is an indie games developer.
15. Where can I learn more about game development and indie game studios?
You can explore resources and information about game development, the influence of games, and their relationship to learning at the GamesLearningSociety.org. This platform provides insights into the educational and creative aspects of game design.
This small but mighty team shows how a dedication to creativity and meticulous game design can produce a high-quality gaming experience. The success story of Team Cherry, and the growth of indie game development, provides a strong example for those interested in the future of game design.