In a surprising turn of events, the saga of Hytale continues to unfold. Following the abrupt cancellation of the game by Riot Games in June, which also saw the closure of developer Hypixel, many believed this marked the end of a long and tumultuous development journey. However, nearly five months later, a new chapter has emerged. Hypixel co-founder Simon Collins-Laflamme has successfully acquired the rights to Hytale and has shared a first glimpse of the game through a 16-minute gameplay video.
Reviving Hytale
In the YouTube description accompanying the gameplay footage, Collins-Laflamme expresses his commitment to the community: “I promised players videos, screenshots, and blog posts. One day after the acquisition, I’m keeping that promise.” He emphasizes that while the game is still in its early stages, the footage showcases a promising vision for what Hytale could become.
The gameplay footage, although described as “raw and broken,” offers a tantalizing look at a world reminiscent of Minecraft, yet distinctly more combat-oriented. Originating from the popular Hypixel Minecraft server, Hytale aims to blend exploration with fast-paced combat, allowing players to engage with a variety of monstrous foes across diverse landscapes, from serene fields to ominous forests. The combat mechanics appear to be significantly more intricate than those found in its predecessor, featuring a dynamic system that allows players to switch between different weapons and movement styles.
As the trailer progresses, viewers are introduced to Hytale’s creation tools, which will enable players to customize their gaming experience. Initially, the game was set to launch with a suite of minigames akin to those that made the Hypixel server a success. However, Collins-Laflamme has shifted this vision, promising robust support for mods, custom servers, and player-generated content, with plans for further updates to enhance the experience.
Despite the excitement surrounding the revival of Hytale, many questions remain unanswered, particularly regarding the timeline for its release. The game has been in development since 2015, leading to skepticism about whether it will ever see the light of day. While a specific release date has not yet been announced, the recent revival hints that an early access launch date will be revealed soon, offering a glimmer of hope to the dedicated fanbase that has been waiting for nearly a decade.
In the wake of the acquisition, Hypixel is rapidly restructuring, with over 30 developers from the previous Riot Games iteration being rehired. Collins-Laflamme is actively seeking to expand the team further, with the goal of delivering the early access version of Hytale as soon as possible. The focus will be on fostering a creative community through mod support, ultimately paving the way for a full 1.0 launch. Interestingly, the cancellation of Hytale may have inadvertently catalyzed the progress needed to bring this long-awaited indie title closer to reality.
