Studio

Welcome! We want to share a bit more about who we are, how we started, and what we believe in when it comes to making games. We think it’s important for you - our players - to know the people and philosophy behind the games you play.

Our Foundation: The Funding Model

We are independent. We only answer to our players and nobody else. Our mission is straightforward: to make exceptional games and be successful doing so. Without external shareholders or corporate oversight, we can focus on what matters most - creating experiences that resonate with gamers and building a community based on mutual respect and shared passion.

We operate on a privately funded model, backed by the founders of the Hypixel Minecraft server and Hytale: Simon (Hypixel) and Philippe (Rezzus). This structure is significant because it allows us a creative freedom and long-term focus that can be rare in the industry.

Additionally, our studio was co-founded by Kevin and Patrick, both of whom were key figures in the growth and success of the Hypixel Minecraft server during its most formative years. Their experience in building and managing large-scale online communities and game experiences is invaluable to our current endeavors.

Our Roots: The History of Our Founders

Our founders, Simon and Philippe, share a deep connection to gaming that started in their formative years. They met online, as many gamers do, and were part of the vibrant gamer culture that many of us remember fondly.

Much of their passion was ignited by deeply social and immersive games like World of Warcraft. They didn’t just play these games; they lived in them, valuing both the intricate game design and the rich social interactions that these online worlds fostered. This appreciation for massively multiplayer experiences directly influenced their work on the Hypixel Minecraft server, where they aimed to replicate that sense of scale and community.

Building something as ambitious as the Hypixel server wasn’t a solo effort. They collaborated closely with Kevin, Patrick, and other foundational team members who joined early on. A notable example of this collaborative spirit and drive was Patrick’s role as the manager responsible for bringing Hypixel Skyblock to fruition - a project of considerable complexity and scale.

Our founders have run the Hypixel Minecraft server since 2012 with no loans, no large-scale layoffs, and no financial losses. Over the years, they have developed a sharp sense for managing finances while minimizing unnecessary risks and maintaining job safety, growing only when it makes sense and ensuring that solid backup plans are always in place.

Looking at the broader games industry, Simon and Philippe feel a responsibility to contribute positively. They’ve observed trends that sometimes devalue gamers and their time, and they’re keen to offer an alternative. Their vision is for a new generation of gamers to experience an industry where studios are genuinely respected and can give rise to passionate fandoms, built on trust and quality.

Our Guiding Principles: Expectations for the Studio

Above all, Simon and Philippe are focused on building a strong, positive reputation with gamers. They want this to be a studio that everyone involved can be proud of. This is our primary measure of success.

We are committed to organic and sustainable growth. This means building our team and projects thoughtfully, driven by individuals who are not only passionate about games but are gamers themselves. We believe this intrinsic motivation is key to creating authentic experiences.

We understand that developing good games is a difficult and often lengthy process. Our philosophy is that revenue is a byproduct of success, not the sole driver. If we create compelling, well-crafted games that resonate with players, financial success will follow.

A core part of our mission is to cultivate a strong bond with our player base. We encourage our team members to engage with the community, share insights, and be accessible. We see this as a partnership.

Finally, we believe in earning players’ respect through excellent execution. While we appreciate innovation, our primary focus isn’t on being the first to implement new tech or on chasing cutting-edge graphics. Instead, we aim to deliver well-rounded, polished, and thoroughly enjoyable game experiences that offer real value for players’ time.

Our Team: The Studio Structure

This is a collaborative effort.

The studio is guided by a Board of Directors, which includes Simon, Philippe, Patrick, and Kevin. In this setup, Simon and Philippe represent the investors, providing the operational capital that fuels our development. Kevin and Patrick, on the other hand, represent the studio leadership; they are directly responsible for the studio’s operational success and strategic direction.

Supporting them is the group accountable for game production, composed of Zero, Mew, Poline, Zumulus, and Oskar. These five are the atomic core of our development efforts, ensuring that projects move forward effectively and cohesively.

The backbone of our studio is the wider team of full-time, part-time, and hourly contractors. These are the talented individuals who contribute their skills and passion daily to bring our game worlds to life. It’s a collective effort, with everyone sharing the workload to make our projects a reality.

We hope this gives you a clearer picture of who we are. We’re excited for the journey ahead and look forward to sharing it with you.