Voxel-based platform HYTOPIA, developed by the creators of NFT Worlds, has officially launched its closed beta phase. The initial game client build is now available for download to NFT holders, providing early access to the anticipated game. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about HYTOPIA and its closed beta phase.

"Temptranquil," one of HYTOPIA’s co-founders, announced that the development team has been working "extremely hard" on refining the game client, addressing numerous bugs related to gameplay, graphics, and performance.

Despite the current build being a work-in-progress with some rough edges, the team is committed to rapid improvements and frequent updates. The primary aim of this beta test is to ensure hardware compatibility, enabling a smoother and more polished experience for a broader audience.

HYTOPIA Cover Art and Characters

What is HYTOPIA?

HYTOPIA originated as a collection of 10,000 customizable virtual worlds but has evolved to encompass its own blockchain HYCHAIN and native token $TOPIA. Initially established on Minecraft and called NFT Worlds, HYTOPIA underwent a comprehensive rebuild and rebrand after raising $3 Million in funding with the support of industry leaders Delphi Digital and Delphi Ventures. 

HYTOPIA says it is the “next generation of social play and games made by creators in a familiar voxel-like setting” using a new engine built from scratch. The team's goal is to blend long-sought social and modern features for players with a flexible, monetizable game creation toolkit for developers within a Minecraft-inspired playstyle.

HYCHAIN, Guardian Nodes, and $TOPIA Token

While drawing inspiration from Minecraft, the HYTOPIA team seamlessly integrated web3 elements and tools for world builders. Although not mandatory, world owners can effortlessly incorporate the $TOPIA token, introduce play-and-earn features, and control access based on NFT ownership. 

Guardian Nodes form the backbone of the distributed server system for HYCHAIN, HYTOPIA's gaming blockchain. Following the footsteps of notable projects like Ronin, Immutable X (IMX), and Gala Games, Hytopia has crafted its own chain to alleviate gas fees and ensure a seamless player onboarding experience.

HYCHAIN

HYTOPIA Closed Beta Details

This past week, HYTOPIA opened its doors to holders of Worlds, Gray Boys, and Avatars NFTs. These participants can now experience an early version of what promises to become a versatile free-to-play gaming platform, designed for creating diverse games and experiences.

To join the beta testing, NFT holders must connect to the HYTOPIA Testers Discord server, verify their ownership via collab.land, and gain access to the beta. According to discussions in the HYTOPIA Discord server, players not only need to possess eligible NFTs but also a Minecraft account.

The current HYTOPIA client utilizes Minecraft servers for testing, necessitating Minecraft account whitelisting via a Discord bot. However, HYTOPIA plans to launch its own servers in the future, eliminating the need for Minecraft accounts. The platform will maintain backward compatibility to allow legacy Minecraft servers to migrate to HYTOPIA.

HYTOPIA Gameplay Screenshot

Gameplay and Servers

The closed beta currently supports two servers: Avatars Battle Arena and Gray Boys Factions.

• Avatars Battle Arena: This server offers a 20 vs. 20 battle royale experience, where players engage in a free-for-all, scavenger-style shooter arena that progressively closes in as the match continues.
• Gray Boys Factions: A faction-based PvP server, this mode allows players to form teams of up to 20 members, raiding and battling for server dominance.

HYTOPIA Gameplay Screenshot

Future Plans

Weekly updates are planned for the game client, with detailed release notes explaining the changes. While some features like sound effects, player animations, and NPC behaviors are currently incomplete, these elements are slated for future updates. The immediate focus is on resolving crashes and ensuring hardware compatibility.

As HYTOPIA continues to evolve, players can expect a rapidly improving gaming experience with new features and enhanced gameplay mechanics. This closed beta phase marks a significant step towards the platform's full release, aiming to provide a robust and engaging environment for game creation and exploration. For more information and to join the beta, visit the HYTOPIA social media X (formerly Twitter) account here.