The official cancellation of Hytale has left its dedicated community devastated, prompting a fan-led petition aimed at Riot Games and Hypixel Studios. Since the announcement, the online petition has amassed nearly 1,600 signatures, with fans hoping to gain access to a playable build of the long-awaited sandbox RPG.
A Sudden End After Years of Anticipation
Earlier this week, Hypixel Studios confirmed the cancellation of Hytale and revealed plans to wind down the studio. The news marked a sharp and disappointing conclusion to a project that had captured the imagination of fans since its reveal in 2018. Despite years of development, the team admitted the game was not meeting its intended vision and that continuing would compromise their standards.
The studio’s statement emphasized that any stripped-down version of Hytale would not live up to what fans deserved, ultimately opting to discontinue development entirely.
Petition Calls for Access to Any Build
In the wake of the cancellation, one fan launched a petition on Change.org requesting that Riot Games or Hypixel release any playable version of the game, even in an unfinished state. As of this writing, the petition has garnered 1,582 signatures and continues to gain traction. It directly appeals to Riot Games, Hypixel Studios, and Simon Collins-Laflamme, founder of Hypixel, though none have responded publicly.
Supporters of the petition have shared heartfelt messages about their connection to the project. Some cite Hytale as a source of creative inspiration, while others express grief not only for the game’s demise but for the community that had formed around it. One content creator mourned the loss of shared anticipation and engagement more than the game itself.
No Signs of a Reversal
Despite the passionate response, there is no indication that the petition will alter the course already set by Hypixel and Riot Games. The cancellation notice made it clear that compromises in quality or scope were not acceptable to the developers, and that Hytale was too far from completion to deliver the experience they originally envisioned.
The project’s development faced setbacks as early as 2019, when developers acknowledged the overwhelming scope of their ambitions. In a recent farewell address, Hypixel co-founder Aaron “NoxyD” Donaghey described the journey as “brutally hard,” underlining the painful decision to bring the project to an end.
While the petition may not revive Hytale, it stands as a testament to the impact the game had on its community — even before it ever saw the light of day.
