Cyan Worlds, the studio behind the seminal puzzle adventure game Myst, has released a teaser trailer for a new, unannounced Myst title codenamed "Project Anglerfish." However, the studio quickly clarified that the project is not currently in development due to a lack of publisher interest.
The teaser, which was developed over four months in 2025 as a "publisher-eyes only" showcase, presents a glimpse of what could have been a new entry in the beloved series. The video features a frantic, agitated character, a departure from the typically serene atmosphere of Myst, suggesting a potentially more character-driven narrative.
Despite the game's apparent polish and the clear fan desire for a new Myst experience, Cyan stated that "for a variety of reasons, this project couldn’t move forward at the time." The studio shared the teaser "because we’re still proud of the work the team did."
The original Myst, released in 1993, was a landmark title that significantly contributed to the adoption of CD-ROM technology and set new standards for fidelity in PC gaming. While subsequent entries like Myst 5: End of Ages in 2005 received moderate reception, the series has not seen a new installment in nearly two decades. Cyan has since focused on other Myst-like titles, including Firmament and Obduction, which were successfully funded through crowdfunding.
The studio's recent financial difficulties were highlighted in early 2025 when it laid off "roughly half" its staff, a situation attributed to the broader industry contraction. This context makes the unveiling of a compelling, yet ultimately shelved, Myst project particularly poignant for fans and industry observers.
Reactions on social media platforms indicate widespread disappointment and a strong desire for the project to be revived. Many users expressed heartbreak over the "path not taken" and praised the prototype's visual and thematic potential.
However, the reluctance of publishers to invest in a new Myst game is also understandable. The market for traditional, puzzle-heavy adventure games has shifted considerably since Myst's heyday. Publishers may be hesitant given the niche appeal and the significant gulf between a nostalgic teaser and the commercial viability of a full-scale release in the current gaming landscape.
This situation is compounded by Cyan's past success with crowdfunding. Both Obduction and Firmament exceeded $1 million each on Kickstarter, and a 2018 crowdfunding campaign for the Myst 25th Anniversary Collection garnered over $2.8 million. The studio's decision not to pursue a similar avenue for Project Anglerfish, despite the demonstrated willingness of its fanbase to fund new Myst content, raises questions about their strategy. Some speculate that the teaser itself might be a calculated move to gauge future interest, potentially paving the way for a crowdfunding campaign at a later date.