Hollow Knight: Silksong Playable First in Australia

Fans eagerly awaiting news on the highly anticipated sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong, have received exciting news: the game will be publicly playable for the first time at the ACMI museum in Melbourne, Australia. The institution’s “Game Worlds” exhibition will provide the initial opportunity for the public, specifically Australian attendees, to get hands-on with Team Cherry’s upcoming title.

First Public Playable Demo Announced

The announcement confirms that Hollow Knight: Silksong, the successor to the critically acclaimed Hollow Knight, will be a centerpiece of the ACMI: Game Worlds exhibition. This marks the very first time a public demo of the game will be available, offering attendees in Melbourne the exclusive initial chance to experience gameplay firsthand.

Exhibition Details

The ACMI: Game Worlds exhibition is scheduled to open on September 18, 2025, and will run through February 8, 2026, at the ACMI museum located in Melbourne, Australia.

What to Expect at Game Worlds

Visitors to the exhibition interested in Silksong will not only have the opportunity for hands-on gameplay but will also gain deeper insights into the game’s creation. Displays will explore the history and development of Silksong, delving into its unique design and artistic direction.

ACMI curators expressed significant excitement about featuring the game, particularly highlighting its status as a prominent South Australian-made game. They described Silksong as one of the most anticipated indie games globally since its initial announcement in 2019. Co-curators Bethan Johnson and Jini Maxwell stated they are thrilled to celebrate the design of this South Australian title as a centerpiece of the exhibition.

Development Insight and Displays

Jini Maxwell, also a fan of the original Hollow Knight, conveyed the excitement of collaborating with Team Cherry, calling Hollow Knight one of the most significant indie games of the past decade. She expressed gratitude to the developers for sharing details about Silksong and the game’s world, Pharloom, especially given the high anticipation surrounding its release. Maxwell humorously recounted her surprise and continued excitement upon first seeing the Silksong game project files during an early discussion.

About the ‘Game Worlds’ Exhibition

Beyond featuring Hollow Knight: Silksong, the “Game Worlds” exhibition will spotlight a total of 30 pioneering video games, including well-known titles such as The Sims, World of Warcraft, and Neopets. The exhibition aims to unlock new levels of wonder by allowing visitors to explore curated spaces dedicated to different game realms and engage with video games in novel ways beyond standard home play. This includes opportunities to play classic titles and even compete against world-record speedruns.

Additionally, as a preview of the exhibition content, a detailed sprite sheet showcasing Silksong’s protagonist, Hornet, was recently revealed, offering fans another glimpse of the character’s intricate animations after a long period without updates.

Ticket Information

Tickets for the ACMI: Game Worlds exhibition will be available for presale starting on July 3, 2025. General public tickets are scheduled to go on sale from July 17, 2025. Those interested in securing tickets early can join a waitlist via the ACMI website. Further announcements about other games to be featured in the exhibition are expected in the future.