Hytale, the anticipated Minecraft rival created by Hypixel Studios and backed by Riot Games, has unveiled gameplay footage as it approaches early access. The game, in development since Hypixel's 2020 acquisition by Riot Games, faced numerous setbacks before being revitalized through a strategic partnership with Hypixel co-founder Simon Collins-Laflamme.
Gameplay and Development
A recently released 16-minute video demonstrates Hytale's visual style, reminiscent of Minecraft. The game mixes block-building elements with social and experience-building tools, drawing comparisons to Roblox and Garry's Mod. According to the studio, Hytale has reverted to its original legacy engine, promising future cross-platform compatibility.
- Hypixel Studios, with Riot Games' support, revives Hytale development.
- Gameplay showcases Minecraft-inspired block aesthetics.
- The company plans cross-platform support later in development.
Future Access and Features
While the current build shows promise, it is noted for having some incomplete features and bugs. The studio predicts the early access phase will span "at least a few years" as development continues. An official early access release date announcement is expected soon, setting the stage for continued updates and improvements.
- Early access expected to last "a few years" according to studio guidance.
- Expectations for cross-platform support remain high post-early access.
- The game still features some bugs in current build, developers note.
