Hytale is saved — that’s the proclamation Hypixel Studios made on November 17, 2025, and it marks one of the most dramatic turnarounds in sandbox gaming. After Riot Games announced it was ending development earlier this year, the original co‑founders bought back the rights, rehired a substantial portion of their development team, and committed to funding Hytale independently for the next ten years.
The Fall Before the Rescue
In June 2025, Hypixel Studios dropped a bombshell: it was winding down and shutting its doors. The studio’s technical ambitions for Hytale, compounded by engine challenges and development complexity, had become overwhelming. Co‑founder “Noxy” described the decision as heartbreaking but necessary, saying they couldn’t build the game they initially envisioned under the current structure.
Riot Games, which had acquired Hypixel Studios in 2020, confirmed that Hytale would no longer move forward under its model. The cancellation stunned fans and left the future of the beloved sandbox RPG in serious doubt.
How Hytale Was Saved
Less than six months after the shutdown announcement, Hypixel co‑founder Simon Collins‑Laflamme made a bold move: he repurchased Hytale’s rights from Riot. He didn’t go empty-handed — he rehired over 30 former devs who knew the game’s code inside and out. This wasn’t a side project: they’re returning to the original vision of Hytale, using the older “Legacy Engine” that was further along in development.
Even more impressively, Collins‑Laflamme and his co‑founder Philippe Touchette are personally funding the game for the next decade. They’re 100% independent — no external investors or publishers. That means every decision now comes down to them and the Hytale community.
What the New Hytale Looks Like
The team is restarting with a realistic plan: early access, rough around the edges, but playable. Players can expect:
- Modes at launch: Exploration, Creative, and full Modding support
- Not yet ready: Minigames and Adventure Mode are planned but coming later
- Engine choice: Using the Legacy Engine for faster development and stability
- Early Access Timeline: Expected to last several years; they’re not rushing to a 1.0 version
- Independence: The team owns Hytale outright now and plans for transparent, frequent updates
They’re embracing a “ship early, refine often” attitude. Bugs, balancing issues, and glitches are expected — but this early access is about building alongside the community, not shipping a polished AAA blockbuster.
Why This Matters to Players
For fans, this resurrection isn’t just a second chance — it’s validation. Many had feared Hytale would die quietly. Now, it’s back with its original creators leading the effort, supported by the devs who originally poured their passion into it.
Modding, in particular, is central to this revival. Hypixel is putting it front and center: server code, custom content, and mod tools will be available from day one, enabling community creators to build what they love. This isn’t just survival — it’s a recommitment to Hytale’s identity.
Challenges Ahead
Even with the happy announcement, the road is far from easy. Some of the biggest challenges:
- Technical Debt: Reverting to an older engine helps, but that doesn’t erase years of rework and complex systems.
- Financial Risk: Funding a game independently for 10 years is bold. If growth slows, sustaining the project will be harder.
- Early Access Turbulence: The community must be ready for bugs, unpolished builds, and major changes.
- Platform Reach: The immediate launch is on Windows; other platforms like Linux, Mac, and consoles may come later.
- Team Build-Up: While 30 developers have been rehired, rebuilding momentum and hiring more talent will take time.
Despite this, the team appears galvanized and community-focused — ready to rebuild Hytale the way fans always imagined.
Community Reaction
News of the rescue was met with widespread cheers across the Hytale community. Fans on forums and social media celebrated the return of the original vision, and many expressed relief that the game they’d longed for remained alive. Some noted that this was more than just a project — it was a shared dream.
Meanwhile, longtime supporters are pledging to help via bug reporting, content creation, and feedback. The message from the developers is clear: this is not just about building a game, but building with the community.
Why “Hytale Is Saved” Is a Big Deal
- Ownership Restored: The game is back in the hands of its founders and original dev team.
- Sustainable Vision: Ten years of personal funding means a long-term commitment.
- Modding First: Recommitting to modding and community servers shows belief in player creativity.
- Community-Centric Approach: Early access play is not a throwaway version — it’s a genuine building phase.
- Realistic Expectations: They’re starting rough but aiming stable, not polished.
This isn’t a shiny marketing relaunch — it’s a restart with heart and purpose.
What’s Next for Hytale
Here’s what to watch for in the coming months:
- Early Access Date: The team plans to announce a date soon for Windows launch.
- More Dev Hires: Additional former devs are expected to return as funding allows.
- Modding Roadmap: Detailed tools and guides for community creators will roll out.
- Platform Expansion: While PC is first, other platforms are on their radar.
- Community Playtesting: Expect regular updates, bug fixes, and big changes as players help shape the game.
The next year will be critical — not just for getting the game playable, but for rebuilding trust and excitement.