Hytale Tops Twitch Charts as Developers Launch Long-Awaited Minecraft Rival

Taylor Keatsman

ago 2 hours

Hytale Tops Twitch Charts as Developers Launch Long-Awaited Minecraft Rival

Hytale, the anticipated game similar to Minecraft, has finally launched after nearly eight years of development. This long journey began in 2018 and has included significant developments, including an acquisition and temporary cancellation by Riot Games.

Key Events Leading to the Launch of Hytale

2018: Hytale is announced, generating excitement among gamers.
2020: Riot Games acquires Hypixel Studios, leading to high expectations for the game’s future.
June 2025: Riot cancels Hytale’s development, disappointing fans.
November 2025: Simon Collins-Laflamme, the game’s creator, reclaims the rights and studio.
Launch Date: Game officially launches, attracting massive attention on Twitch.

Twitch Viewership and Community Response

Upon its launch, Hytale quickly gained popularity on Twitch, boasting over 344,000 viewers within hours. This surge in viewership highlights the anticipation surrounding the game and the enthusiasm of the gaming community.

Developers’ Excitement

The development team expressed their eagerness for the launch. Simon Collins-Laflamme and other developers, like Nick ‘zero’ and Oscar Garvin, shared their anticipation online. They conveyed a sense of fulfillment after a decade of hard work, stating, “Today is the day!!” and “It’s difficult to find the words right now, but I’m excited.”

Early Access Experience

As players dive into the early access version, initial feedback is positive despite warnings about its developmental stage. The team confirmed that pre-orders would support the game’s development for the next two years, indicating solid backing from the community.

Conclusion: A New Challenger in the Sandbox Genre

While it’s uncertain if Hytale will dethrone Minecraft as the leading sandbox game, the initial response suggests a promising start. As players explore this ambitious project, it remains to be seen how it will evolve over time. El-Balad will continue to cover further developments and player experiences in the coming weeks.