This guide summarizes the key points of Hytale’s End User License Agreement (EULA) , focusing on server creation, management, and monetization. Please note that this document is an informational summary and does not replace the official legal text.
Launching a Hytale server project is exciting, but before you code your first plugin or build your spawn, you absolutely must understand the rules of the game. Hytale’s End User License Agreement (EULA) clearly defines what “Server Operators” are allowed to do.
This guide deciphers for you the legal sections concerning hosting, intellectual property and, of course, monetization.
1. Server Operator Status (Section 7)
Hytale makes a clear distinction between the game you install on your PC and the software that runs the multiplayer servers.
Once you start using the “Server Software” provided by Hypixel Studios, you officially become a “Server Operator .” This status grants you the right to host games, but it comes with strict responsibilities described in Section 7.2 :
- Legal responsibility: You must comply with all applicable laws in your country (this includes taxation if you generate income, or player data protection).
- Player safety: You are responsible for moderating your server. You must protect your users.
- Enforcement of rules: You must enforce the rules against cheating and abuse on your instance.
2. Monetization: What is allowed and prohibited
This is often the most complex section. To understand server monetization, you must first understand a key definition from the EULA.
Why do the rules of “Mods” apply to Servers?
In everyday language, a “Mod” modifies the game. But legally, the EULA (Section 3.1) defines “Mods” as including:
“Modifications, plugins , scripts , maps , skins, models and similar content . “
Since your server is composed of scripts, maps and plugins, it therefore falls under the rules for the monetization of Mods (Section 3.2).
Conditions for selling content (Section 3.2)
You have the right to monetize your work through paid downloads, donations, or advertising, as long as you strictly adhere to these 5 pillars:
- Total independence: You must never sell or include the original game files or its source code.
- No confusion: It must be clear to the player that your content is not an official Hypixel Studios product.
- Technical security: Strictly prohibited from including malware, spyware or viruses.
- Legality: You must respect the rights of third parties (no theft of intellectual property from other creators).
- Gameplay Integrity: This is the crucial point. The EULA requires “respecting gameplay balance” (Section 3.2.e).
Summary Table: The Risk Zone
Here’s how to interpret the Gameplay Balance rule for your store.
| Content Type | Risk Level (EULA) |
|---|---|
| Cosmetics and Decoration | ✅ALLOWEDRecommended: Skins, pets, visual effects. |
| Quality of Life (QoL) | ✅ALLOWEDExample: Priority access, colored username. |
| Power Advantage (P2W) | ❌FORBIDDENViolates the integrity and balance of the gameplay. |
3. Intellectual Property: Who owns your work?
This is a common question among developers: “If I code a unique mini-game, do I own it?”
The answer is in Section 3.4 :
- Yes, you are the owner: You retain ownership of your Mods (scripts, original assets) as long as they are your original creation.
- But there’s one condition: By using the game to create these mods, you are granting Hypixel Studios a broad license. They have the non-exclusive, royalty-free, and perpetual right to use, copy, or modify your mods for the operation or promotion of the game.
In summary: The code is yours, but Hytale has the right to highlight it or use it if they deem it necessary for the service.
4. Naming and Branding: Avoid common mistakes
Hytale trademark protection is strictly enforced (Sections 3.6 and 7.3). Failure to comply with these rules may result in your access to the server software being revoked.
- What you cannot do: Use the official logo, specific font or visual identity (“trade dress”) in a way that suggests you are affiliated with Hypixel Studios.
- What you can do: Use the word “Hytale” in a descriptive way.
- Bad example: “Hytale Official France Server” (Forbidden, suggests an official status).
- Good example: “PvP server for Hytale by Team X” (Authorized, description).
5. Technical red lines (Section 4)
Finally, ensure that your technical team complies with the prohibitions in Section 4 to avoid your project being banned:
- Illegal distribution: Never offer the Hytale client for download on your website.
- Reverse Engineering: Do not attempt to decompile the game or disassemble the source code, except within the very strict limits provided by law for interoperability.
- Circumvention: Any attempt to circumvent DRM, anti-cheat, or security protocols is grounds for immediate license termination.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell ranks on my server? Yes, as long as these ranks offer cosmetic or comfort advantages and do not harm the balance of the game (Section 3.2).
If Hytale shuts down my server, do I have any recourse? The EULA states that Hytale may suspend or revoke access at its sole discretion in the event of a rule violation, often without prior notice (Section 11.2).
Can I use official Hytale assets on my website? The EULA prohibits the use of logos and trademarks in a way that suggests official affiliation (Section 3.6). Be careful and create your own visual identity.