In a surprising turn of events, Hypixel Studios has announced the cancellation of Hytale, the much-anticipated competitor to Minecraft that was first unveiled in December 2018. The studio, backed by Riot Games, is now in the process of winding down operations following this decision.
The Rise and Fall of Hytale
Hytale captured the imagination of gamers with its ambitious vision, promising to blend the expansive freedom of a sandbox game with the intricate storytelling of a role-playing experience. The initial trailer garnered an impressive 61 million views on YouTube, showcasing a world filled with towering structures and intricate dungeons, all ripe for exploration and creativity. As described in the original promotional material:
Hytale combines the scope of a sandbox with the depth of a roleplaying game, immersing players in a procedurally generated world where teetering towers and deep dungeons promise rich rewards throughout their adventures. Hytale supports everything from block-by-block construction to scripting and minigame creation, delivered using easy to use and powerful tools.
The excitement surrounding Hytale was largely fueled by the pedigree of its developers, who co-founded Hypixel, one of the most influential Minecraft servers globally. With Riot Games, the powerhouse behind League of Legends, investing in the project and eventually acquiring the studio, expectations soared.
Challenges and Decisions
However, the journey to bring Hytale to fruition has not been without its challenges. In a statement released on the Hytale website, co-founder Noxy expressed disappointment over the outcome, stating, “This is not the outcome any of us — at Hypixel or at Riot — wanted.” After years of development, it became evident that the team could not realize Hytale in a manner that met its original promise.
Noxy elaborated on the complexities that arose during development, noting that the game’s technical ambitions expanded beyond initial projections. Despite a significant reboot of the game engine, progress remained insufficient. “It became clear we’d need a lot more time to get it to a place where it could support the ambitious vision for the game,” he explained.
Efforts to salvage the project included exploring options to reduce the game’s scope or delay its release, but these were ultimately dismissed. “It wouldn’t have been the game we set out to make,” Noxy stated. “And it wouldn’t have been the game you deserve.”
The Aftermath
Riot Games also sought potential investors to rescue Hytale, but these attempts did not yield the desired results. In light of the cancellation, affected staff will receive generous severance packages and resources to assist them in their next endeavors.
This announcement comes just months after Hypixel provided a spring 2025 development update, highlighting progress made in the early part of the year, including the introduction of a new character and advancements in engine technology.