AceShowbiz – The eagerly awaited title Hollow Knight: Silksong has received widespread acclaim. However, one significant point of critique has overshadowed its positive reception: the quality of its Simplified Chinese translation. This issue has resulted in a notable gap in critical scores, with the game performing considerably worse in China. The main concern arises from an excessive use of ornate language, which has diluted the original script’s intended meaning and focus, leaving many players feeling that the authentic experience was compromised.
In response to this critical issue, developer Team Cherry has released a substantial update. The latest patch, now available in the public beta branch of Hollow Knight: Silksong, introduces “a basic implementation of the new Simplified Chinese translation.” This update was officially announced by Team Cherry on Steam, marking a significant advancement. While the announcement comes with a cautionary note that “Implementation of this new translation is not yet finalized,” it represents a considerable improvement for players who were dissatisfied with the previous version. Team Cherry is actively seeking feedback on the updated translation through their official bug report form, showcasing their commitment to refining this aspect.
Although a new Chinese translation may seem trivial to players in many other regions, its influence on Hollow Knight: Silksong‘s overall reception, particularly in the vast Chinese market, is arguably one of the most critical updates since the game’s launch. However, the work may not be entirely finished. Initial feedback regarding the revised translation on the Steam post indicates that it still faces challenges. Several users expressed concerns, with one user, fontsize, pointing out “shortcomings” and suggesting specific modifications. In addition to the translation, this comprehensive patch includes various other fixes aimed at enhancing gameplay for all players. These fixes address potential issues such as characters going out of bounds or being unable to execute air dashes and double jumps. However, not all changes are universally advantageous; for example, there is a “slight decrease to Thread Storm damage at higher needle levels.”
Despite the immediate criticisms, Team Cherry‘s proactive approach in soliciting further community feedback indicates that a satisfactory resolution may be on the horizon. It is understandable that players, particularly those in Simplified Chinese-speaking regions, are feeling impatient. They currently face a dilemma: either accept a potentially imperfect beta translation or wait, possibly for months, for a polished version of a game they have eagerly anticipated for years. Additionally, the current patch is only available in Steam betas, meaning players on other platforms do not yet have access to these vital updates. The issues surrounding the Simplified Chinese translation have undoubtedly cast a shadow over what has otherwise been a remarkably successful release. Once this significant challenge is addressed, Hollow Knight: Silksong could solidify its status as a strong contender for various industry awards.
