In 1993, Cyan Worlds’ Myst changed PC gaming forever. While few could get beyond the first few puzzles, the computer rendered landscape and vibey music illustrated what could be squished into nascent CD-ROMs. It was the best-selling computer game until The Sims, and still commands space to this day. Despite this, the series has not had a new entry in some 20 years. And it seems this isn’t about to change, as the studio gives a look at a sequel that isn’t meant to be.
“Over a year ago, the team here at Cyan spent about four months building a prototype for a new game in the Myst universe,” posted the studio. “The prototype (and this teaser trailer made for it) were purpose-built for publisher-eyes only. For a variety of reasons, this project couldn’t move forward at the time, BUT we’re still proud of the work the team did – so we’re sharing the teaser for the prototype with you all now.”
In the teaser for “Project Anglerfish,” we see Myst’s signature vistas, alluring architecture, unstable crystals and a bespoke gentleman, who would certainly never betray you, asking for your trust. He demands that you deliver to him a book, one of the powerful Ages, which can create worlds in one moment and imprison you in another.
Much like the more recent remakes of Myst and Riven, the game was developed using Unreal Engine. It’s a handsome looking prototype, especially the commanding character animations. It is a pity that a completed version won’t see the light of day. Anglerfish would have been the first new entry in the series since 2005’s Myst V.
While the 2024 Riven remake was a clever reimagining of the original classic, its sales did not stymie rounds of layoffs at Cyan Worlds. How much this relates to Anglerfish’s cancellation is unsaid, though the teaser promises “more experiences” in the Myst universe to come. Here’s hoping the Millers kick their AI curiosities before then.