Stardew Valley Creator Clarifies Stance on Hytale Cancellation
2025-07-01 22:25:25Eric Barone, the renowned developer behind Stardew Valley (also known as ConcernedApe), has recently provided clarification about his potential involvement with the now-canceled game Hytale. While he expressed openness to the idea of assisting with the project, Barone emphasized that he is not currently taking any active steps to revive it. This news comes as a disappointment to fans who had hoped for a revival of the ambitious Minecraft-inspired sandbox adventure.
Originally announced in 2018, Hytale was being developed by Hypixel Studios and promised a unique blend of procedurally generated worlds, RPG-style combat, and creative building tools. After Riot Games acquired Hypixel Studios in 2020, development faced numerous delays, culminating in the game's cancellation. The decision left many fans disheartened, especially after years of anticipation.
In an interview with PC Gamer, Barone clarified his earlier remarks, stating that while he is not actively working to save Hytale, he remains open to considering the idea if presented with the right opportunity. However, his primary focus remains on his upcoming game, Haunted Chocolatier, leaving little room for involvement in other projects.
Despite Barone's limited availability, the Hytale community has not given up hope. Over 1,500 fans have signed a petition urging Hypixel or Riot Games to release a playable version of the canceled game. Additionally, Hypixel's co-founder has expressed interest in buying back Hytale's rights for $25 million, proposing a scaled-down version with community-driven modding support.