The Dominance of Silksong: Why Demonschool's Release Date Shift Was Crucial

The current gaming landscape has become increasingly challenging for game development, funding, and release, particularly in the indie scene. The market has undergone significant changes, affecting the types of games that are produced and how they are presented to the general audience. Against this backdrop of heightened competition, Brandon Sheffield, director of Necrosoft Games, has firsthand experience, having delayed the release of his team's long-in-development RPG Demonschool to avoid launching alongside the highly anticipated indie game Hollow Knight: Silksong. Demonschool is a unique blend of social features and grid-based combat, set in a university environment where players must navigate both the real and demon worlds. The game boasts a distinctive mix of Eastern and Western influences, from the likes of Atlus's Shin Megami Tensei to the tactical RPG series Black/Matrix and Italian giallo cinema. With a development period spanning over five years, Demonschool has become one of the most anticipated indie games for the latter part of 2025. The lengthy development process means that the game needs to sell 100,000 units to break even, which partly explains the decision to delay its release and avoid competing with Silksong. Sheffield acknowledges that although the team initially stated that the delay was not their choice, it was ultimately the right decision. The delay has allowed the team to refine the game, adding more polish and incorporating some endings that were initially planned for later patches. However, the delay is also a testament to the difficulties of releasing an indie game in the current market, where standing out is more challenging than ever. With the rise of accessible tools and inviting storefronts on console and PC, the competition on platforms like Steam has intensified. To make a mark and recoup investment, a game must have a strong launch and be noticed by the gaming community. Sheffield emphasizes that if a single-player game misses its chance to shine, it may never gain traction, unlike live-service games, which have multiple opportunities to turn things around. The gaming industry has undergone significant shifts, and Sheffield, a veteran of over two decades, has witnessed these changes. He has worked on various projects, from major games to indie titles, and has seen how funding for new games has become increasingly difficult to secure. When Demonschool was initially seeking funding, the team was able to secure support with an early demo and development plan. However, today, publishers often require a more comprehensive pitch, including a full vertical slice of the game. This shift in expectations has made it more challenging for new developers to secure funding. The media landscape has also changed, with traditional media still holding sway in Japan, where magazines like Famitsu remain influential. However, internationally, the decline of physical print magazines and the rise of influencers and TikTok have altered the way games are promoted and discovered. Sheffield hopes that the strength of traditional media will return, as he believes criticism and trained critics are essential for the gaming industry. However, he also acknowledges that the current landscape is more fractured, with influencers and streamers playing a significant role in shaping opinions and generating buzz around games. Demonschool is set to launch in a challenging era for game releases, with layoffs and financial constraints affecting the industry. Necrosoft must navigate this environment while maintaining its ideals and morals, all while seeking funding for future projects. Sheffield emphasizes the importance of adapting to the changing environment while staying true to the company's values and goals. Ultimately, Sheffield hopes that more developers will create games that are unique, interesting, and unafraid to take risks, rather than catering to every audience and sanding off the edges. By embracing this approach, the gaming industry can become more diverse and exciting, with games that truly stand out and leave a lasting impact.