Cyan Worlds, the studio behind the seminal 1993 puzzle adventure Myst, has shared a glimpse of a potential sequel that never came to fruition. Dubbed "Project Anglerfish," the prototype was developed over a four-month period more than a year ago with the intention of presenting it to publishers.
The teaser trailer for Project Anglerfish offers a look at signature Myst aesthetics, including evocative vistas, intriguing architecture, and the series' characteristic enigmatic characters. In the footage, a refined gentleman solicms the player's trust, requesting the delivery of a powerful Age book – an artifact capable of both creation and imprisonment. This concept aligns with the core themes and mechanics that defined the original Myst experience.
Developed using Unreal Engine, the same technology employed in recent remakes of Myst and Riven, the prototype showcases impressive visuals, particularly in its character animations. "For a variety of reasons, this project couldn't move forward at the time," Cyan Worlds stated in a post accompanying the trailer, "BUT we're still proud of the work the team did – so we're sharing the teaser for the prototype with you all now."
Project Anglerfish would have marked the first new entry in the Myst franchise since 2005's Myst V: End of Ages. While the 2024 remake of Riven was a critical and commercial success, it did not prevent Cyan Worlds from facing layoffs. The extent to which these financial pressures influenced the cancellation of Anglerfish remains undisclosed, though the studio has hinted at future experiences within the Myst universe.
Myst's original release in 1993 was a landmark title for PC gaming, popularizing the CD-ROM format and offering a richly rendered, atmospheric world that captivated players. It held the title of best-selling computer game for a considerable period, surpassed only by The Sims. Despite its enduring legacy, the series has remained dormant for two decades, making the reveal of Project Anglerfish a poignant reminder of what might have been.