Hytale Resurrected: Simon Collins-Laflamme Acquires Game from Riot Games

After a tumultuous development period, Simon Collins-Laflamme, co-founder of Hypixel Studios, has successfully acquired the rights to Hytale from Riot Games, reviving the project that had been canceled just months prior. The acquisition marks a significant turning point for the game, which was initially revealed in 2018 and faced multiple delays before its cancellation in June 2025. Collins-Laflamme announced the news on social media, stating, “We did it. Hytale is saved,” and confirming that over 30 former developers have been rehired to continue the project.

"Hytale is saved": Riot sells Hytale back to Hypixel founders, who promise 10 years of support, an early access date soon, and a return to the "original vision"'Hytale is saved': Riot sells cancelled game back to original co-founder, who promises to take it 'back to the original vision for Hytale'„Hytale is saved. ” Hypixel team announces that they bought back Hytale from Riot

Hytale's development faced numerous challenges, including what Hypixel co-founder Noxy described as "mission creep," where the game's evolving vision and increasing technical ambitions led to delays. The planned early access release in 2021 did not materialize, prompting Riot Games to cancel the project. Following the cancellation, Collins-Laflamme expressed his commitment to the game, reportedly offering $25 million of his own funds to facilitate its revival.

'Hytale is saved': Riot sells cancelled game back to original co-founder, who promises to take it 'back to the original vision for Hytale'"Hytale is saved": Riot sells Hytale back to Hypixel founders, who promise 10 years of support, an early access date soon, and a return to the "original vision"„Hytale is saved. ” Hypixel team announces that they bought back Hytale from Riot

With the acquisition, Collins-Laflamme and fellow co-founder Philippe Touchette have pledged to return to Hytale's original vision. They emphasized their independence, stating, “We own 100% of Hytale” and have no external investors or publishers. The team plans to launch an early access version of the game "as soon as possible," although Collins-Laflamme cautioned that the current state of Hytale is "messy" and "janky," indicating that significant work remains.

'Hytale is saved': Riot sells cancelled game back to original co-founder, who promises to take it 'back to the original vision for Hytale'"Hytale is saved": Riot sells Hytale back to Hypixel founders, who promise 10 years of support, an early access date soon, and a return to the "original vision"„Hytale is saved. ” Hypixel team announces that they bought back Hytale from Riot

Riot Games acknowledged the sale, expressing hope that the transition would provide the Hytale community with the best chance to experience a revised version of the game. Riot CEO Dylan Jadeja stated, “While at Riot, the Hytale team made a ton of incredible content... we’re hopeful this transition provides a way for the community... to experience some of the great work that was done.” Collins-Laflamme echoed this sentiment, thanking Riot for their cooperation in making the acquisition possible.

'Hytale is saved': Riot sells cancelled game back to original co-founder, who promises to take it 'back to the original vision for Hytale'"Hytale is saved": Riot sells Hytale back to Hypixel founders, who promise 10 years of support, an early access date soon, and a return to the "original vision"„Hytale is saved. ” Hypixel team announces that they bought back Hytale from Riot

Despite the positive reception from many fans, some critics have raised concerns about the game's viability following its troubled history. The transition from a major publisher back to an independent studio raises questions about the resources and support available for Hytale's development. Additionally, Noxy, who was instrumental during the game's time at Riot, will not be returning to the team, which may affect continuity.

'Hytale is saved': Riot sells cancelled game back to original co-founder, who promises to take it 'back to the original vision for Hytale'

The Hytale team is currently focused on accelerating development and preparing for an early access launch. They plan to announce specific details regarding the release date, pricing, and gameplay features in the coming days. The early access version will initially include exploration and creative modes, with plans to incorporate additional content over time.

"Hytale is saved": Riot sells Hytale back to Hypixel founders, who promise 10 years of support, an early access date soon, and a return to the "original vision"

• “We are thrilled to announce that we have acquired Hytale from Riot Games,” — Simon Collins-Laflamme, Co-founder of Hypixel Studios

'Hytale is saved': Riot sells cancelled game back to original co-founder, who promises to take it 'back to the original vision for Hytale'

• “This game has always been close to my heart, and I’m excited to bring it back home,” — Simon Collins-Laflamme

"Hytale is saved": Riot sells Hytale back to Hypixel founders, who promise 10 years of support, an early access date soon, and a return to the "original vision"

• “Huge thanks to Riot for working with me to make this happen. They wanted what’s best for players, and that’s for us to eventually play the game.” — Simon Collins-Laflamme

„Hytale is saved. ” Hypixel team announces that they bought back Hytale from Riot

• “ "This is not a polished product," the devs reiterate.” — Hytale Development Team

"Hytale is saved": Riot sells Hytale back to Hypixel founders, who promise 10 years of support, an early access date soon, and a return to the "original vision"

Hytale's revival represents a significant shift for the project, with the original team now fully committed to its future. The community eagerly awaits further updates as the development process unfolds.

„Hytale is saved. ” Hypixel team announces that they bought back Hytale from Riot