Hypixel Studios
Game development studio known for creating Hytale, a block-based sandbox game, and operating the Hypixel Minecraft server.
Company Type
private
Founded
2018
Headquarters
Derry, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
About Hypixel Studios
Hypixel Studios was dedicated to developing Hytale, a block-based sandbox game that combines building, exploration, and adventure gameplay elements. The game was designed to appeal to fans of Minecraft and similar sandbox games while offering unique features and improvements based on the team's experience running large multiplayer servers.
The studio's approach emphasized community engagement and transparency, with regular development updates and community interaction throughout the development process. The team's experience with the Hypixel Minecraft server provided valuable insights into what players wanted in a sandbox game.
Hypixel Studios maintained operations in both Derry, Northern Ireland, and Canada, leveraging talent from both regions. The company culture emphasized creativity, technical excellence, and community-focused development.
History of Hypixel Studios
Hypixel Studios was founded on October 18, 2018, as a spin-off from Hypixel Inc., the company behind the Hypixel Minecraft server, which was one of the most popular Minecraft servers in the world. The founding team, led by Simon Collins-Laflamme and Philippe Touchette, had extensive experience in managing large-scale multiplayer games and wanted to create their own standalone game.
The studio's first major project was Hytale, a block-based sandbox game inspired by Minecraft but with its own unique features and gameplay mechanics. The announcement trailer in 2018 generated enormous community interest, with millions of views and significant anticipation for the game's release.
In April 2020, Riot Games acquired Hypixel Studios, providing the development team with substantial resources and support. The acquisition was seen as a major validation of the team's vision and capabilities. Under Riot's ownership, the team expanded to over 65 employees and continued development on Hytale.
However, development proved challenging, with the team deciding to migrate to a new engine in 2024, a process expected to be completed by the end of that year. In June 2025, after more than 10 years of development, the team announced the cancellation of Hytale and began winding down operations, citing the project's overly ambitious scope.
In November 2025, in a remarkable comeback, the original team announced that Hytale was "saved" - they had repurchased the game from Riot Games and secured 10-year personal funding to continue development independently.
Brands Owned by Hypixel Studios
Hypixel Studios owns 1 brand in our database.
Hypixel Studios Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Experience running one of the world's largest Minecraft servers provided valuable insights
- +Riot Games acquisition provided substantial resources and industry expertise
- +Community-focused development approach built strong player engagement
- +Dual-location operations provided access to diverse talent pools
- +Independent ownership after repurchase ensures complete creative control
Considerations
- -Overly ambitious project scope led to development challenges and delays
- -Multiple engine migrations created technical complexity and delays
- -10-year development cycle created significant financial pressure
- -Cancellation and repurchase demonstrated the risks of large-scale game development
- -Competition from established sandbox games like Minecraft creates market challenges
Frequently Asked Questions About Hypixel Studios
Does Riot Games own Hypixel Studios?
No, Hypixel Studios was originally acquired by Riot Games in 2020, but the original team repurchased Hytale from Riot Games in November 2025 and now operates independently.
What is Hytale?
Hytale is a block-based sandbox game similar to Minecraft but with unique features and improvements. The game combines building, exploration, and adventure gameplay elements and was developed by the team behind the Hypixel Minecraft server.
Why was Hytale cancelled?
Hytale was cancelled in June 2025 due to its overly ambitious scope after over 10 years of development. The team later repurchased the game and resumed independent development.
Who founded Hypixel Studios?
Hypixel Studios was founded in 2018 by Simon Collins-Laflamme and Philippe Touchette, who were also behind the Hypixel Minecraft server.
Is Hytale still being developed?
Yes, after being cancelled in June 2025, Hytale was "saved" in November 2025 when the original team repurchased it from Riot Games with a 10-year funding commitment to continue development.
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