Who Owns Hypixel? Unraveling the Ownership Structure of the Minecraft Giant
The question of who owns Hypixel is more nuanced than a simple name. While the Hypixel Minecraft server itself is effectively owned and managed by its original co-founder, Simon Collins-Laflamme (also known as “Hypixel”), the company responsible for developing the game Hytale, Hypixel Studios, is owned by Riot Games. This separation is crucial to understanding the current ownership landscape of the Hypixel ecosystem.
The Hypixel Legacy: From Minecraft Maps to a Thriving Server
The Genesis of Hypixel
The Hypixel story began in April 2013 when Simon Collins-Laflamme and Philippe Touchette launched the Hypixel server in beta. Their initial venture involved creating Minecraft adventure maps and showcasing them through YouTube trailers. This early success laid the foundation for what would become one of the largest and most popular Minecraft servers in the world.
The Rise of Hypixel Inc.
To formalize their operations, Hypixel Inc. was established. Originally registered as “8414483 Canada Inc” on January 23, 2013, the company’s name was officially changed to Hypixel Inc. on February 2, 2015. This marked a significant step in the professionalization of the Hypixel brand. Simon Collins-Laflamme remained a key figure, effectively owning the Minecraft server.
Sustaining a Minecraft Empire
The operational costs of running such a massive server are substantial. By 2015, maintaining Hypixel required around $100,000 per month. The server’s popularity continued to soar, reaching over 150,000 concurrent players regularly by April 2021, with peaks exceeding 216,000. This massive player base necessitates a dedicated team and robust infrastructure.
The Hytale Chapter: Expansion and Riot Games Acquisition
The Birth of Hypixel Studios
Recognizing the potential to expand beyond Minecraft, the Hypixel team embarked on a new project: Hytale. Development began in 2015, led by developers from the Hypixel Minecraft server. This ambitious endeavor required significant resources, leading to a strategic partnership with Riot Games.
Riot Games Takes the Helm of Hypixel Studios
In 2020, Riot Games acquired Hypixel Studios. This acquisition was a game-changer, providing Hypixel Studios with access to Riot’s expertise, technology, and financial resources. While Hypixel Studios became a subsidiary of Riot Games, the company continues to operate independently, focusing on the development of Hytale. Aaron Donaghey is the current Chief Executive Officer of Hypixel Studios Inc.
Simon’s Evolving Role
Recently, Simon Collins-Laflamme stepped down from his leadership role in Hytale, handing it over to Noxy. This decision allows Simon to focus on “family, health, and friends,” while remaining an advisor for Hytale and maintaining ownership of the Hypixel Minecraft server.
Separating the Entities: Server vs. Studio
It’s essential to distinguish between the Hypixel Minecraft server and Hypixel Studios. The server remains under the ownership and management of Simon Collins-Laflamme, while Hypixel Studios, the developer of Hytale, is owned by Riot Games. This distinction clarifies the complex ownership structure within the Hypixel ecosystem.
FAQs: Deep Diving into the Hypixel Universe
1. Is Hypixel owned by Riot Games?
No, the Hypixel Minecraft server is not owned by Riot Games. Only Hypixel Studios, the developer of Hytale, is owned by Riot Games.
2. Who are the two owners of the Hypixel Minecraft server?
The Hypixel Minecraft server was originally founded by Simon Collins-Laflamme and Philippe Touchette. However, Simon Collins-Laflamme is currently the primary owner and manager.
3. Does Simon still own Hypixel Studios?
No, Simon Collins-Laflamme no longer owns Hypixel Studios. It was acquired by Riot Games in 2020.
4. Does Hypixel Studios still own Hytale?
Yes, Hypixel Studios owns Hytale. However, since Hypixel Studios is a subsidiary of Riot Games, Riot Games effectively owns Hytale through its ownership of the studio.
5. Who is the CEO of Hypixel Studios?
The Chief Executive Officer of Hypixel Studios Inc. is Aaron Donaghey.
6. Is Hypixel owned by Mojang?
No, Hypixel is not owned by Mojang, the developer of Minecraft. Hypixel Studios is owned by Riot Games, while the Hypixel Minecraft server is owned by Simon Collins-Laflamme.
7. What is the highest player count on Hypixel?
The Hypixel server has reached over 216,000 concurrent players at its peak.
8. How much do Hypixel admins get paid?
While not definitively confirmed, reports suggest that Hypixel admins can earn around $100,000 per year. However, dedicated members, moderators and helpers do not get paid.
9. Is Hypixel owned by Ryan Strutton and Jonathan Williams?
No, the Hypixel Minecraft server is not owned by Ryan Strutton and Jonathan Williams. They own Mineplex, a different Minecraft server.
10. Did Hypixel get sold?
Hypixel Studios (the company creating Hytale) was sold to Riot Games. The Hypixel Minecraft server remains separate and is controlled by Simon Collins-Laflamme.
11. What is the relationship between Hypixel and Riot Games?
Riot Games owns Hypixel Studios, the developer of Hytale. This provides Hypixel Studios with funding, resources, and expertise for game development.
12. Is Hypixel a large company?
Yes, Hypixel Studios is a substantial company with over 100 employees.
13. How does Hypixel make money?
The Hypixel Minecraft server generates revenue through various means, including selling in-game items, completing quests, creating maps, plugins, cosmetics, and donations.
14. Who funds Hypixel?
Hypixel Studios is funded by Riot Games, while the Hypixel Minecraft server generates its own revenue to cover operational costs.
15. Does Hypixel own Mineplex?
No, Hypixel does not own Mineplex. Mineplex is owned by Ryan Strutton and Jonathan Williams. To understand more about the intersection of games and learning, explore resources available at the Games Learning Society: GamesLearningSociety.org.