Hytale Targets Over 1 Million Players at Launch as Hypixel Lead Reflects on “Incredibly Difficult” Development

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Hytale Sandbox RPG Gameplay

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After more than a decade of development, the highly anticipated sandbox RPG Hytale is on the verge of its grand debut. The developers at Hypixel are bracing for an overwhelming wave of interest as the launch window approaches. Simon Collins-Laflamme, the founder of Hypixel, has been reflecting on the grueling path to this moment, offering both a personal look at the journey and a heads-up to players regarding the busy release schedule.

“The last few months have been exceptionally taxing for my family because I’ve been constantly away, working seven days a week to revitalize the project and rebuild the team,” Collins-Laflamme shared on social media. “I’ve missed major milestones and precious moments with my children—time that I can never get back.”

His strategy is to find a healthier balance once the block-based RPG is live and stable. “I plan to dedicate myself to them once the game is running smoothly after launch, finally lifting the weight of this ‘curse,'” he explained. “Ultimately, without these sacrifices, Hytale simply wouldn’t exist.”

As we get closer to the Hytale release, I think of all the sacrifices made to get here… https://t.co/4oenXJR7dl

January 11, 2026

The collective effort of the Hypixel team seems to be generating massive momentum. According to recent updates, the team is anticipating over one million players to flood the servers on January 13. To help ensure a smoother experience and minimize server congestion, fans are being urged to download the launcher and set up their accounts as soon as possible.

It is genuinely impressive that Hytale is reaching the finish line at all. The project endured a rollercoaster history, including its acquisition by Riot Games and a sudden, quiet cancellation in mid-2025. Collins-Laflamme and his crew managed to re-acquire the IP, overhaul the entire project, and pivot toward an early access release—a comeback story that will likely be discussed for years to come.

Recently, the Hytale lead responded to a fan’s inquiry about a “dream” feature. While it was once considered out of reach, a succinct one-word update suggests it might have actually made the cut: “Actually.”