Hollow Knight: Silksong Features Stardew Valley Creator ConcernedApe as Guest Voice

Hollow Knight: Silksong, the highly anticipated sequel from Australian indie developer Team Cherry, has officially launched on both the Nintendo Switch and the recently released Switch 2.

Building on the popularity and critically acclaimed design of its predecessor, Silksong introduces players to a vast new world filled with fresh challenges, new characters, and an evolving narrative that continues to set the standard for modern Metroidvania titles. One of the key traditions carried into Hollow Knight: Silksong from the original Hollow Knight is its distinctive approach to character voices.

Rather than opting for standard voice actors, Team Cherry enlists quirky and unique vocal contributions to bring its diverse lineup of NPCs to life.

Among the most notable guest contributors for Silksong is Eric Barone, better known to the gaming world as ConcernedApe, the creator behind the wildly successful indie farming simulation, Stardew Valley. Eagle-eyed fans and industry insiders noticed Eric Barone's name listed in the ‘Additional Character Voices’ section of Hollow Knight: Silksong’s credits.

This remarkable cameo was confirmed to The Verge by Cole Medeiros, head of operations and business development at ConcernedApe LLC, who verified that it is indeed the renowned Stardew Valley developer.

However, Medeiros chose to keep the specific details about which character Barone voices a secret, ensuring fans can enjoy discovering his contribution organically within the game. This collaboration between Team Cherry and Eric Barone marks a significant moment for the indie game development community, underscoring the mutual respect and camaraderie that often characterize independent game production.

While Team Cherry has been lauded for their meticulous world-building and challenging gameplay mechanics, Barone’s Stardew Valley stands as one of the most successful and beloved indie games of the past decade, selling over 20 million copies since its 2016 release across platforms including the Nintendo Switch and eShop. The inclusion of a celebrated game creator like ConcernedApe as a guest voice in Silksong further highlights the game’s creative spirit and commitment to surprising its dedicated fanbase.

As for any potential crossover in the future—such as a cameo by Silksong’s protagonist Hornet in Barone’s upcoming project Haunted Chocolatier—neither studio has provided any official comment. Hollow Knight: Silksong is available now for the Nintendo Switch family of systems.

Initial impressions from hands-on testing praise the game’s expanded combat and immersive environments, continuing Team Cherry’s reputation for delivering polished, deep gameplay experiences.

Industry observers have also taken note of Silksong’s accessible price point, sparking discussions among developers about pricing strategies in the current market. As Team Cherry’s latest release garners acclaim and buzz, the exciting collaboration with Eric Barone stands as a testament to the strength and interconnectedness of the indie gaming community.

Hollow Knight: Silksong Team Cherry Stardew Valley Metroidvania ConcernedApe Eric Barone Hollow Knight Silksong Hollow Knight Silksong Nintendo Switch Haunted Chocolatier Cole Medeiros ConcernedApe LLC The Verge