Eric Barone, known as ConcernedApe and the creator of Stardew Valley, has clarified his position on potentially assisting with the cancellation of Hytale. While he expressed openness to the idea of helping, he emphasized that he is not currently “actively doing anything” to assist the canceled project. Fans of Hytale, who have eagerly awaited its release since its announcement in 2018, may find these comments disheartening as they grapple with the disappointment of the game’s cancellation.
Initially developed by Hypixel Studios, Hytale aimed to blend procedurally generated worlds akin to Minecraft with RPG-style combat, dungeons, boss battles, and creative tools. The game garnered significant excitement, especially after Riot Games acquired Hypixel Studios in 2020. However, numerous development delays meant that the team needed to rebuild the engine and make various changes over the years.
Unfortunately, after nearly a decade, Hytale’s journey came to an abrupt end, leaving devoted fans in limbo. With Hytale’s cancellation, Mojang Studio’s Minecraft continues to stand as the reigning champion in the sandbox genre, likely remaining unchallenged for some time. In an interview with PC Gamer, Barone revealed that he is currently focused on his own project, Haunted Chocolatier, further limiting his ability to engage with Hytale’s circumstances.
Despite the bleak outlook, community efforts to resurrect Hytale are underway. Over 1,500 fans have called for Hypixel or Riot Games to release a playable version of the game. Hypixel’s co-founder has expressed a desire to buy back Hytale’s rights with an offer of $25 million, suggesting a streamlined approach and a focus on PC release.
While none of these efforts guarantee Hytale’s revival, hope remains alive among its passionate fanbase.