Hypixel Studios reveals the termination of Hytale, a game similar to Minecraft

Hypixel Studios, a developer under Riot Games' ownership, is set to shut down soon, ceasing the development of the long-awaited game, Hytale.

This announcement was made by Hypixel Studios co-founder Aaron 'Noxy' Donaghey through a formal statement, where he described the shutdown as "a painful decision."

Donaghey mentioned, "This is not the outcome we anticipated – neither at Hypixel nor at Riot. Despite extensive efforts and considering all options, realizing Hytale in a way that fulfills its potential proved unattainable."

The game, a sandbox blending elements of RPGs akin to Minecraft, was initially unveiled in 2018, and its trailer has since garnered 61 million views. However, Riot Games will provide "generous severance and support" to the impacted employees to assist them in transitioning to new opportunities.

The decision to halt Hytale's development is attributed to the "ambitious vision" necessitating much more time than feasible. The statement elaborates on the challenges of game development, especially while attempting to create something innovative for a vibrant community.

As Hypixel’s plans evolved and the gaming genre advanced, expectations increased. Despite a significant overhaul of the game engine, the studio realized that Hytale needed more substantial progress to match its ambitious goals.

Ultimately, the cancellation stemmed from an inability to deliver the game the creators initially envisaged. Efforts to scale down, change schedules, or find alternative paths failed as they would have compromised the essence of what made Hytale distinctive.

Riot acquired Hypixel Studios in April 2020, following prior investment in the project, with an initial public release for Hytale anticipated in 2021. Riot has been credited for its unwavering support, exploring further investment possibilities for the studio.

Importantly, the operations of the existing Hypixel server for Minecraft will remain unaffected by this closure.