Hytale, the long anticipated sandbox MMO often compared to Minecraft, has reached a major financial milestone just one day before its early access release scheduled for January 13, 2026. The update was shared by original creator Simon Collins Laflamme, who confirmed that development costs for Hypixel Studios have been fully secured for the next two years through pre order sales alone. The announcement adds another chapter to the game’s unusual development journey, which has seen long periods of uncertainty followed by a rapid revival over the past few months.
In a post shared on X, formerly Twitter, Collins Laflamme stated that the studio has officially secured funding to support development through early access, supported entirely by community pre purchases. He added that this financial stability is further reinforced by his own long term personal commitment to the project, describing a ten year dedication to ensuring Hytale’s future. The statement reflected relief and optimism after years of setbacks, thanking players for sustained support and emphasizing that the project is now on solid footing as it approaches release. Notably, this funding milestone has been achieved before the game has even become playable in early access, highlighting the depth of engagement from its audience.
Hytale’s path to this point has been unusually complex for a game that first captured attention nearly a decade ago. Development began in 2015 under Hypixel Studios, quickly drawing interest due to its blend of sandbox creativity, role playing elements, and large scale multiplayer ambitions. The project later came under the ownership of Riot Games, raising expectations for a polished release backed by a major publisher. However, after extended development delays, Riot eventually shut down the studio and halted progress, leaving the future of Hytale uncertain and the development team disbanded. For a time, the project appeared unlikely to reach players in any form.
That outlook changed recently when Collins Laflamme stepped back in to revive the project, reassembling efforts under Hypixel Studios and committing personal resources to bring Hytale to release. The renewed push was met with strong support from a community that had remained active throughout the years of silence, delays, and corporate changes. Many players who first followed the game in its early reveal stages continued to express interest, contributing to pre order sales that have now proven sufficient to fund ongoing development. This level of community backing has been central to the project’s return, effectively allowing the game to move forward outside the constraints that previously stalled its progress.
The early access launch represents a significant moment for both the game and its creators. While release into early access marks the start of a new phase rather than a finished product, it provides Hypixel Studios with the opportunity to gather feedback directly from players and continue refining systems, content, and performance. The financial security confirmed this week ensures that the studio can focus on development without immediate funding pressure, an advantage that many independent and revived projects do not have at this stage.
Once the game is live, Hypixel Studios will face the practical challenges of maintaining player interest, delivering updates, and supporting a growing user base. However, the secured funding and demonstrated community enthusiasm suggest that the team now has the opportunity to test its vision in a live environment rather than leaving the project unrealized. After years of uncertainty, Hytale’s early access release and confirmed development runway signal a meaningful step forward for a title that many believed might never reach this point.
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