Hytale Prepares for Launch Amid Great Anticipation

After nearly a decade of development, the eagerly awaited game Hytale, reminiscent of Minecraft, is on the verge of being available to the public. Initially overseen by Hypixel Studios, later acquired by Riot Games, and subsequently shuttered by the same, the development team is now independently releasing the game for early access on January 13th.

Hytale's launch promises to be just the beginning. With assured updates spanning multiple years, the creators aim to provide a long-term gaming experience. This strategy could ease disappointment from gamers who have seen other ambitious projects like MultiVersus falter soon after release. Hypixel co-founder, Simon Collins-Laflamme, confirmed that the upcoming two years of development funding is secured through pre-sales. Moreover, Collins-Laflamme has committed a personal investment spanning a decade.

Gameplay and Features

Hytale combines the open-ended nature of a sandbox with the dynamic playstyle of a role-playing game. Players can explore a world that is procedurally generated, filled with dungeons, hidden secrets, and various creatures, while also having the ability to modify the environment on a granular level. The initial release in early access introduces refined core components, such as engaging combat, expansive exploration, and comprehensive building options. Additionally, it includes creator-focused tools for user-generated content, the creation of minigames, and the management of community servers.

According to Collins-Laflamme, the early access version is an authentic glimpse into the unfinished project, complete with its share of glitches. However, he assures the gaming community of ongoing dedication to developing Hytale into their envisioned masterpiece.

Launch Expectations and Future Plans

For the day of its early access debut, Hypixel anticipates participation exceeding one million players. The game will be available on PC, Mac, and Linux platforms for $19.99, with plans to extend to consoles eventually. However, a mobile version is not expected during the early access phase.

The decision by Riot Games to wind down Hypixel followed considerable layoffs as the company redirected focus. Riot intended to concentrate on fewer, more impactful ventures for a sustainable trajectory, which resulted in halting progress on new projects under its subsidiary label, Riot Forge.