TL;DR
Hytale, a decade-in-development Minecraft-like adventure, launches in early access on January 13 after its developer weathered a 2025 shutdown and regained independence. Hypixel says pre-purchases cover the next two years of development and its co-founder has pledged a long-term personal commitment.
What happened
Hytale, the long-awaited sandbox-adventure from Hypixel Studios, is arriving in early access on January 13. The studio, which was acquired by Riot Games in 2020, was closed by Riot in June 2025 and later re-established as an independent team. Hypixel says revenue from pre-purchases has secured funding for the next two years of development, and co-founder Simon Collins-Laflamme has made a separate personal commitment spanning a decade. The early access build emphasizes core systems — exploration, responsive combat, building mechanics — alongside tools for creators to build content, run servers, and design minigames. The release will be available on PC, Mac, and Linux for $19.99; a console edition is planned for later and there will be no mobile version during early access. The studio warns the release is true early access and may contain bugs while it continues to polish the game and add features.
Why it matters
- Pre-purchase funding gives the studio short-term financial runway and a planned development schedule.
- A visible long-term commitment from leadership could reassure players burned by fast-cancelled projects.
- Creator-focused tools and server support aim to foster community-driven content and longevity.
- The studio’s rebound from an external shutdown shows resilience in an unstable games-publishing environment.
Key facts
- Early access launch date: January 13, 2026.
- Available platforms at launch: PC, Mac, and Linux.
- Launch price: $19.99.
- Hypixel Studios was acquired by Riot Games in 2020, shut down by Riot in June 2025, then became independent a few months later.
- Hypixel says pre-purchases have secured development costs for the next two years.
- Co-founder Simon Collins-Laflamme has made a personal 10-year commitment to the project.
- Hypixel expects over 1 million players on early access release day, according to Collins-Laflamme.
- Early access focuses on exploration, combat, building, and creator-first tools for content creation, minigames, and community servers.
- Console release is planned for a later stage; no mobile version during early access.
- Riot’s shutdown followed 2024 layoffs and a stated refocus on fewer projects, including pausing new games from Riot Forge.
What to watch next
- Player reception and stability during the true early access period, since the studio warns the release may be buggy.
- Timing and platforms for the promised console release — not confirmed in the source.
- Community uptake of the creator tools and whether user-made content extends the game’s lifespan — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Early access: A release model where players can buy and play a game before its full completion, often while developers continue to add features and fix bugs.
- Sandbox game: A game design that gives players freedom to explore, build, and interact with the world rather than following a tightly scripted path.
- Procedurally generated world: A game environment created algorithmically rather than manually, producing varied content like terrain, dungeons, or item placement.
- Creator tools: Software features provided by a game that let players design content such as levels, minigames, mods, or servers for others to use.
Reader FAQ
When does Hytale launch?
Hytale enters early access on January 13, 2026.
What platforms is Hytale available on at launch?
PC, Mac, and Linux.
Will there be console or mobile versions?
A console release is planned for a later stage; there will be no mobile version during early access.
How much does the game cost?
$19.99 at launch.
Is the studio financially secure long term?
Hypixel says pre-purchases have covered the next two years of development costs; longer-term plans are not confirmed in the source.
NEWS ENTERTAINMENT GAMING Hytale finally launches this week with a bright future ahead The team behind the Minecraft-like game survived being shut down by Riot and now has plans for…
Sources
- Hytale finally launches this week with a bright future ahead
- Hytale Early Access: January 13, 2026
- Following its cancellation by Riot, Hytale devs anticipate …
- HYTALE IS SAVED!
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