Hypixel Studios Shuts Down Hytale Development, Begins Closing Operations

Hypixel Studios has officially pulled the plug on Hytale, its long-anticipated sandbox RPG, and announced plans to gradually wind down the studio over the coming months. The news was shared in a statement published on the game’s official website.

Years of Effort, But Vision Unfulfilled

The team revealed that it had spent several years reworking the project—adjusting timelines, scaling ambitions, and rebuilding technical systems—in an effort to keep Hytale alive. However, they ultimately determined that they couldn’t realize their original vision at the quality level they had hoped for.

The decision to end development was largely driven by two factors: the escalating complexity of the game’s technical goals and the continually rising bar for quality in the genre. The studio made it clear that releasing a scaled-back or compromised version of Hytale was never an option, as it would have betrayed the essence of what they set out to create.

Gratitude, Support, and What Comes Next

Hypixel Studios expressed deep appreciation for the developers and creators who contributed to Hytale, and acknowledged the disappointment many fans would feel. The team also thanked Riot Games, which acquired the studio in 2020, for its continued backing—including financial support, investor outreach, and generous severance packages for departing employees.

Hypixel Minecraft Server Unaffected

Importantly, the studio confirmed that the shutdown of Hytale will not impact the popular Hypixel Minecraft server, which is operated separately and will continue running as usual.

A Vision That Inspired Millions

First revealed in 2018, Hytale aimed to blend sandbox creativity with rich RPG mechanics and open-world exploration, drawing comparisons to Minecraft but with a deeper narrative and greater ambition. Its reveal trailer captured massive attention, amassing over 60 million views and building a passionate fanbase over the years.

Despite its cancellation, Hytale leaves behind a legacy of bold ambition and a reminder of the challenges faced in building genre-defining games from the ground up.