Simon Collins-Laflamme, co-founder of Hypixel Studios, described Hytale's recent early access release as the most challenging yet rewarding experience of his life. After reclaiming the project from Riot Games, the Minecraft-like game launched last week following years of development and setbacks. Collins-Laflamme expressed gratitude to the community and his team for their support.
Hytale's journey began in 2015 when development started under Hypixel Studios, quickly attracting attention for its Minecraft-inspired features. In 2020, Riot Games acquired Hypixel Studios and the project, but canceled Hytale last June. At the end of last year, Collins-Laflamme successfully re-acquired the game, rebuilding the team to push it toward release.
Seven days ago, on January 13, 2026, Hytale entered early access after over a decade of anticipation. Reflecting on the launch, Collins-Laflamme shared his thoughts on social media, calling it "the most challenging but rewarding experience" of his life. He noted the personal risks involved: "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. I fully trusted the people and it just worked. Amazing team, every single one made a big difference."
Collins-Laflamme extended a "big thank you" to the community for their support and to the rebuilt Hytale team for trusting him to reach the "finish line" in just a few months. Prior to launch, Hypixel announced that Hytale had sold enough copies to fund the next two years of development. "Combined with my personal commitment of ten years," Collins-Laflamme stated, "we are looking very strong for the future."
Early reviews have been positive. Eurogamer's Matt described the release as "a splendid start; a flexible, well-featured - and already enjoyable - foundation with plenty of polish and attention to detail." For new players, guides are available, such as how to get and upgrade the Backpack in Hytale.
