Reveal of first new Myst game in years confirms it's already been canceled, devs say they're "hard at work on other new Myst universe things"
The studio released a short trailer built from a four‑month prototype that was never meant for public eyes, confirming that “Project Anglerfish” – the first brand‑new Myst title since the recent remasters – was officially halted sometime last year. Cyan framed the leak as a showcase of the team’s effort, noting that the prototype was created solely to attract publisher interest. By putting the footage online, Cyan both satisfies lingering curiosity and signals that the cancellation was a strategic decision rather than a technical failure, underscoring the precarious position of a studio that has already slashed roughly 50 % of its workforce.
The reveal arrives amid a wave of nostalgia‑driven revivals, where legacy adventure franchises are being repackaged for modern hardware and VR platforms. Cyan’s recent ports of Myst and Riven to PS5, PSVR2, and Xbox Series X|S illustrate a focus on leveraging existing IP for new revenue streams rather than funding risky original titles. Meanwhile, competitors such as Annapurna Interactive and Telltale’s successors are betting on fresh narrative experiences, suggesting that Cyan’s pivot to “other Myst universe things” may be an attempt to balance fan expectations with a more conservative development slate.
Looking ahead, the ambiguous promise of “other new Myst universe things” leaves the community guessing whether Cyan will deliver a smaller, perhaps episodic, experience, a VR‑first adventure, or an entirely new spin‑off. The studio’s reduced headcount raises questions about its capacity to sustain multiple parallel projects, and any future announcements will likely be scrutinized for signs of scope or platform focus. Observers should monitor Cyan’s next public communications, potential partnership deals, and whether the company re‑engages with external publishers to fund new Myst‑related work.
Key Takeaways
Cyan Worlds confirmed that “Project Anglerfish,” a prototype for a new Myst game, was cancelled after more than a year of internal development.
The studio’s recent ports of Myst and Riven to current‑gen consoles and PSVR2 indicate a strategic emphasis on re‑leveraging legacy titles.
A roughly 50 % staff reduction last year suggests limited resources for ambitious new projects, making the “other Myst universe things” promise uncertain.
Future updates from Cyan will reveal whether the company pursues smaller‑scale Myst experiences, VR‑centric titles, or seeks external publishing support.
About the Source
This analysis is based on reporting by GamesRadar. Here is a short excerpt for context:
"For a variety of reasons, this project couldn't move forward at the time"Read the original at GamesRadar
