Riot Sells Hytale Back to Co-Founder, Promising Original Vision Revival
Riot Games has officially sold the rights to the game Hytale back to Simon Collins-Laflamme, a co-founder of Hypixel Studios. This shift comes five months after the cancellation of its development by Riot. The sale signifies a new beginning, allowing original team members to resume work on the game.
Resumption of Hytale’s Development
Collins-Laflamme announced that over 30 previous developers have rejoined the team. These individuals bring extensive knowledge and experience with Hytale. More developers might join as the project progresses.
Community Sentiment
In his announcement on the Hytale website, Collins-Laflamme expressed gratitude to Riot Games for facilitating this transition. He emphasized the importance of returning to the game’s original vision.
- Hytale was originally announced in 2018.
- Riot Games acquired Hypixel Studios in 2020.
- Development delays led to cancellation earlier this year.
Riot’s Statement
Riot Games confirmed the sale on their official channels, stating this decision provides Hytale’s dedicated community the best chance at experiencing a reimagined version of the game. Riot CEO Dylan Jadeja highlighted the company’s commitment to prioritizing player interests, even when making tough choices.
Challenges Faced
Noxy, a co-founder of Hypixel, noted that the delays were partly due to evolving ambitions. The game’s complexity increased over time, leading to technical challenges that hindered progress.
Despite the hurdles, Collins-Laflamme remains optimistic. He has reportedly committed $25 million to fund the game’s development, collaborating with Philippe Touchette, another co-founder, who will oversee financial aspects of the project.
Future Plans for Hytale
Collins-Laflamme stated that while the current state of Hytale is “messy” and “janky,” there is a commitment to release the game in early access soon. His hope is to rally the community and shape Hytale into something extraordinary, recognizing that it won’t be perfect at launch.
This decision marks a significant milestone for Hytale, allowing its original vision to be realized with a team that is dedicated and passionate about the project. Fans can look forward to further updates as the development progresses.