Hypixel is one of the most popular servers inMinecraftand is primarily known for its assortment of mini-games. In 2018, a group of developers who worked on the Hypixel server founded Hypixel Studios and announced their debut project, Hytale.
Hytale was intended to be a Minecraft-inspired MMO-style sandbox, where players could build using blocks and participate in hand-crafted adventures and mini-games. There were also going to be roleplaying mechanics, including classes and bosses.
Hytale Has Been Cancelled
There was clearly potential in the project, asRiot Gamesacquired Hypixel Studios in 2020 after a period of funding Hytale.
This occurred during a time of unprecedented growth for Riot, and as such, the company was investing heavily in independent developers through Riot Forge, the company’s publishing arm. Riot Forge has since been shuttered, as, after a period of contraction, Riot has shifted back towards focusing on its core games, League of Legends and Valorant.
Per anannouncement on Hytale’s website, the game has now been cancelled, and Hypixel Studios has been shut down. The studio is unable to release the Hytale they originally envisioned, and it would appear Riot doesn’t want to keep funding the venture.
“Game development is brutally hard - especially when you’re trying to build something original that speaks to a creative, passionate community,” the statement reads. “Over time, as our vision evolved and the genre matured around us, the bar kept rising. Our technical ambitions grew more complex, and even after a major reboot of the game engine, the team found that Hytale still wasn’t as far along as it needed to be. 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.”
The studio considered reducing scope and adjusting timelines, but ultimately found that it wouldn’t be able to release the Hytale they “set out to make” and the game fans “deserved.”
Riot attempted to facilitate a buy-out of Hypixel Studios from potential investors, but a deal never materialised. The statement expresses heartfelt thanks to Riot for years of support.
“To our community: thank you. Your belief in Hytale kept us going through thick and thin. Your energy, creativity, and support inspired us to do the best work of our lives. Even though we won’t be the ones to bring this game into the world, we still believe in what it stood for and in the incredible potential of this genre,” the statement concludes.
Hypixel Studios is a separate entity from Hypixel, which remains unaffected by the closure.
