Hypixel Studios has announced that its highly anticipated game Hytale will be relaunched in early access with a modest price tag of $20. The decision is a deliberate attempt by the developer to acknowledge the game's unfinished state and lack of polish.
According to co-founder Simon Collins-Laflamme, pricing the game at $20 was an "aggressive low" move intended to convey that Hytale isn't ready for prime time just yet. The game, which can be described as a more action-packed take on Minecraft, has been in development for over four years and is currently running on an outdated build.
Collins-Laflamme took a personal risk by reacquiring the rights to the game from Riot Games, a move that was made possible after the studio decided to sunset its publishing label Riot Forge. This new partnership allows Hypixel Studios to focus on getting Hytale back in shape and attracting a growing team of 50 talented individuals.
The game's current state is evident in recent footage shared by the developer, which showcases a rough-around-the-edges experience that is still far from polished. The low price point serves as a warning to potential customers that they're getting a product that isn't quite ready for mass consumption.
In addition to the $20 standard edition, Hypixel will also offer more expensive tiers โ $35 "Supporter" and $70 "Cursebreaker" โ which come with additional in-game cosmetics. These higher-end options seem to be an attempt to entice players who want a more premium experience but are willing to pay for it.
Overall, Hytale's $20 price tag is seen as a bold move by Hypixel Studios, aiming to gauge interest and gather feedback from the community before committing to further development and investment. The company's gamble will be closely watched in the coming weeks and months, as players weigh the pros and cons of playing an unfinished game.
According to co-founder Simon Collins-Laflamme, pricing the game at $20 was an "aggressive low" move intended to convey that Hytale isn't ready for prime time just yet. The game, which can be described as a more action-packed take on Minecraft, has been in development for over four years and is currently running on an outdated build.
Collins-Laflamme took a personal risk by reacquiring the rights to the game from Riot Games, a move that was made possible after the studio decided to sunset its publishing label Riot Forge. This new partnership allows Hypixel Studios to focus on getting Hytale back in shape and attracting a growing team of 50 talented individuals.
The game's current state is evident in recent footage shared by the developer, which showcases a rough-around-the-edges experience that is still far from polished. The low price point serves as a warning to potential customers that they're getting a product that isn't quite ready for mass consumption.
In addition to the $20 standard edition, Hypixel will also offer more expensive tiers โ $35 "Supporter" and $70 "Cursebreaker" โ which come with additional in-game cosmetics. These higher-end options seem to be an attempt to entice players who want a more premium experience but are willing to pay for it.
Overall, Hytale's $20 price tag is seen as a bold move by Hypixel Studios, aiming to gauge interest and gather feedback from the community before committing to further development and investment. The company's gamble will be closely watched in the coming weeks and months, as players weigh the pros and cons of playing an unfinished game.