Pellen became interested in creating video games as a child through the use of software like RPG Maker. He played around with such software for "years", "without any notion that one day [he] could actually get a job doing it".[6] He earned Diplomas of Digital Media and of Website Development from TAFE SA.[7]
Pellen worked for the company Optus from 2008 to 2011, in multiple roles.[7] He was also formerly a freelance web designer, creating websites for clients such as the Lake Albert Caravan Park, with his website being named "Wilco Design".[8][9][10] He also worked for a company as a web designer—likely Inprint Design Adelaide[7]—with his friend Ari Gibson describing him as the "lynchpin [of] the entire operation" during his time there.[9] As a hobby, he was an indie game developer, creating small flash games.[6] By the time he co-formed Team Cherry, he had been working "part-time" for a while.[9]
In 2014, Pellen co-founded the independent video game studio Team Cherry with Ari Gibson, whom he had previously worked with on game jams. They started a Kickstarter project for their then-upcoming game Hollow Knight, which was a success; the game released in 2017 to critical acclaim. Pellen worked on the game's overall design, and also co-directed its development.[11]
He later worked on a piece of Hollow Knightdownloadable content that eventually evolved into a sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong, with the same roles he had while working on Hollow Knight.[12] The game's development took over seven years, though Pellen described the process as enjoyable.[13]Hollow Knight: Silksong released on 4 September 2025, also to critical acclaim.[14]
Personal life
Pellen is married to Victoria (néeRoberts),[5][15][16] and has two children, with a third on the way as of August 2025.[13] His future-wife supported him financially during development of Hollow Knight.[9] He maintains a close relationship with his parents, with them both being active in Hollow KnightFacebook groups, and his mother Zara, and possibly his father, voice acting for his games.[4][17][18][a]
Pellen owns[b] a Twitter account, "little bomey", that he uses to shitpost.[21] In January 2025, the account posted a cryptic tweet and changed multiple other aspects, leading fans to believe he was creating an ARG hinting at April 2nd, the date of a then-upcoming Nintendo Direct. While later denied by Team Cherry marketing manager Matthew Griffin, Silksong did appear at the direct.[21][22][23][24][25]
↑Pellen stated in 2021 that his father was interested in voicing for Silksong; it is unknown if one of Pellen's relatives listed in the credits as a voice actor is his father.
↑Some sources say "believed to be owned", while others state it is. Its ownership has been confirmed[19] by a friend and former playtester.[20]
↑While Lulanda was never released, two demos were.[27][28]
References
12Team Cherry (4 September 2025). Hollow Knight: Silksong. Scene: Credits. Additional Character Voices: ... Lex Pellen ... Thomas Pellen
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