Riot Games, who are currently running a highly-successful closed beta for their upcoming competitive shooter Valorant, has announced that they have acquired Hypixel Studios. This studio, several of the founders of which are former Riot developers, is currently developing its debut title, Hytale; a community-focused block game expected to release in 2021.
Riot Games’ Acquisition of Hypixel Studios
Hypixel Studios was originally founded back in 2018 with support from several investors, including Riot Games itself. The studio is currently developing Hytale; an expansive block-based sandbox game with RPG mechanics. Since its release, Hytale’s trailer has received millions of views, and around 2.5 million gamers have signed up for its beta. Hypixel Studios plans to launch Hytale fully in 2021. The studio has yet to announce a firm release date for either the game or its beta.
“We’ve known the team behind Hypixel Studios for several years,” explains Riot Games President Dylan Jadeja; “and from the start they’ve been the kind of visionaries that we aspire to support; a passionate studio committed to delivering a groundbreaking, genre-defining experience for players”. Jadeja went on to explain that Riot has been advising the studio for the last 18 months, and is now formally acquiring the company. Hypixel Studios will remain an independent studio, but with Riot as their parent company. Of course, this will mean that the studio gains access to greater resources and a larger budget.
The acquisition coincides with the appointment of a new CEO for Hytale. Aaron ‘Noxy’ Donaghey, one of the studio’s founders, will be taking over as CEO from co-founder Simon Collins-Laflamme. Additionally, as part of a new phase of expansion, Hypixel Studios will also be opening a new office in Northern Ireland and hiring additional staff. “Riot’s been an important partner from the start and this is a natural next step in our relationship,” explains Collins-Laflamme; “It’ll help the studio take another leap forward in our journey from mod team to professional developers, and allows the team to realise our vision for Hytale.”