Silksong Developer's SHOCK Prediction: This Game Will Steal GOTY?!

Well, folks, it seems we might have an early frontrunner for Game of the Year, and the prediction is coming from an unexpected source: Team Cherry, the developers behind the highly anticipated *Hollow Knight: Silksong*. But here's the kicker – they don't think *Silksong* will take the crown. Instead, they're placing their bets squarely on *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*.

Silksong Developer's SHOCK Prediction: This Game W...

In a rather surprising move, Team Cherry announced they'll be skipping The Game Awards next month. Now, you might think that's because they're laser-focused on polishing *Silksong* (which, let's be honest, we're all still impatiently waiting for). But according to them, it's more about recognizing the inevitable victory of another game. "Whereas we're on that knife's edge, where it appeals to some and infuriates others," the studio stated, hinting that their own creation might be a bit too… polarizing for the Academy's tastes. It's a refreshingly honest assessment, to be fair.

Bloomberg, ever on the ball, followed up with co-founder William Pellen about potential travel plans to Los Angeles. Pellen, ever the diplomat, simply said, "Maybe not. We’re pretty busy." He then elaborated with a bit more conviction, "This year I think we're safe. I think Expedition 33 [will win]. It's exceptional and broadly palatable." Now, "broadly palatable" isn't exactly the kind of phrase you'd associate with a game that pushes boundaries and takes risks, but perhaps that's precisely the point. Maybe the industry is ready for a game that's simply… good. Solid. Universally enjoyable.

Of course, *Silksong*, whenever it *does* finally arrive, is expected to be a strong contender in future years. The original *Hollow Knight* was a masterpiece, a true gem in the metroidvania genre. Post-release, *Silksong* garnered rave reviews, including a perfect five-star rating. Eurogamer’s review captured its essence perfectly, calling it "pretty and charmingly mean-spirited, this is a game filled with revelations and genuine personality." It's that "mean-spirited" part, perhaps, that gives Team Cherry pause. Will the Academy embrace its challenging nature, or will they opt for something a little… safer? Only time will tell.

This is an interesting development, no doubt. To see a developer essentially concede the award to a competitor before the nominations are even finalized is unusual, to say the least. It speaks to either a remarkable level of confidence in *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*, or perhaps a shrewd bit of PR on Team Cherry's part, subtly managing expectations while simultaneously hyping up a potential rival. Either way, it's definitely added a new layer of intrigue to this year's Game Awards.