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Hytale Boss Simon Collins-Laflamme Describes Early Access Launch as “Most Challenging but Rewarding Experience” After Riot Games Buyback

January 21, 2026 Off By Ibraheem Adeola

Hytale, the long-awaited sandbox RPG, finally entered early access seven days ago following developer Hypixel Studios’ dramatic reacquisition from Riot Games, an event Simon Collins-Laflamme describes as “the most challenging but rewarding experience” of his life.

After nearly a decade in development, Hytale was released in early access just a week after being rescued from cancellation by co-founder Simon Collins-Laflamme, who successfully re-acquired the project from Riot Games at the end of last year. Riot had bought Hypixel Studios in 2020 but opted to cancel Hytale in June 2025, leaving its future uncertain until the studio took decisive action to secure its return. The result: a toolkit-rich creative RPG already compared favourably to Minecraft, drawing significant attention in both industry circles and the gaming community.

Project Timeline and Turnaround

Key Timeline:

2015: Hytale enters development at Hypixel Studios.
2020: Riot Games acquires Hypixel Studios.
June 2025: Riot Games shuts down Hytale’s development, announcing project cancellation.
Late 2025: Simon Collins-Laflamme successfully negotiates the reacquisition of Hytale from Riot Games.
January 13, 2026: Hytale launches in early access, backed by strong pre-sales.

Simon Collins-Laflamme, who returned to the project after a significant hiatus, credited the successful launch to the resilience of the rebuilt Hytale team. “I haven’t been involved with Hytale development for many years, and coming back was a big unknown and risk for me and my family,” he stated on social media. “I fully trusted the people, and it just worked. Amazing team, every single one made a big difference.”

Financial Security and Community Response

riot games' best-Minecraft alternative-hytale-cancelled — *^{Image credit: Hypixel}*

Hypixel Studios confirmed that Hytale had already sold enough early access copies to fund the next two years of development prior to its relaunch. Collins-Laflamme reinforced this robust position, making clear his personal investment in Hytale’s long-term success: “Combined with my personal commitment of ten years, we are looking very strong for the future.”

The Hytale community, who had closely followed the project during its uncertain years, responded with enthusiasm. Collins-Laflamme expressed gratitude, offering “a big thank you to the rebuilt Hytale team for trusting [me] to get the game to the finish line in just a few months.” This outpouring reflects both the loyalty of Hytale’s fanbase and the gravity of the challenges faced since Riot Games’ intervention and reversal.

Early critical response has been positive. In Eurogamer’s “Hytale Now Playing” feature, contributor Matt noted: “This week’s early access release feels like a splendid start; a flexible, well-featured – and already enjoyable – foundation with plenty of polish and attention to detail.”

What’s Next for Hytale?

With development now independently funded for at least two years and Collins-Laflamme’s personal commitment to a decade, Hytale’s immediate future appears secure. The team will continue to expand on the early access build, implementing player feedback and expanding mechanics. Key community guides already assist new players with in-game tasks such as obtaining and upgrading the Backpack feature in Hytale.

Summary:

Game: Hytale
Genre: Sandbox RPG, Minecraft-like
Developer: Hypixel Studios
Early Access Launch: January 13, 2026
Funding Status: Two years secured via early access pre-sales
Lead Developer Statements:
- “The most challenging but rewarding experience of my life.” — Simon Collins-Laflamme
- “Combined with my personal commitment of ten years, we are looking very strong for the future.”
- “I fully trusted the people, and it just worked. Amazing team, every single one made a big difference.”
- “A big thank you to the rebuilt Hytale team for trusting [me] to get the game to the finish line in just a few months.”
Critical Reception: “A splendid start… plenty of polish and attention to detail.” – Eurogamer

If you’re exploring Hytale, community-published guides are already available to help players master backpack upgrades and other key gameplay mechanics. Given the project’s tumultuous history, Hytale stands as a rare industry example of a fan-favourite rescued from abrupt cancellation and reborn through leadership, team effort, and community support.