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Cyan releases teaser for the first new Myst game in 20 years, then breaks the news that it’s not actually being made
Cyan, the studio behind the acclaimed adventure series Myst, released a teaser trailer suggesting a new entry in the franchise was in development for the first time in two decades, generating excitement among long-time fans. Shortly afterwards, the studio revealed that the teaser was not, in fact, a genuine announcement of a new Myst game, disappointing those who had hoped for a fresh instalment.
The unusual reveal-then-retraction left many fans confused about Cyan's intentions, given the studio's history with the beloved puzzle-adventure series that began with the original Myst in 1993. The full article text needed to explain the specific details behind the teaser, the studio's stated reasons, and what (if anything) is actually being worked on was not available from the source page, so further specifics cannot be confirmed here.
In short
- Cyan teased a new Myst game after 20 years
- Studio then said the game isn't real
- Fans left confused by the reveal-then-retraction
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Someone defending Cyan's decision might argue that the teaser served a legitimate creative and marketing purpose—generating authentic engagement with fans and testing enthusiasm for the franchise without committing significant development resources. They could contend that this form of playful interaction is consistent with gaming culture, and that the excitement generated had inherent value in keeping the beloved franchise in public consciousness.
The case against
Critics would argue that releasing material presented as an announcement, only to reveal it as hypothetical, was fundamentally deceptive and disrespectful to fans who invested genuine emotional energy based on a false premise. They maintain that integrity in communication with loyal communities is essential, and that prioritising engagement metrics over honest interaction damages trust whilst treating fans' goodwill as expendable.
Explained simply
Myst is a puzzle-adventure video game series that first appeared in 1993, prized for its intricate environmental puzzles and atmospheric worlds that rewarded curiosity and logical thinking. It became a landmark title in gaming history and cultivated a devoted fanbase that has remained active and engaged across the decades.
Cyan, the independent studio behind Myst, became famous for creating the series but has not released a new mainline Myst game since 2005, meaning fans have waited more than two decades for a fresh instalment. The franchise holds significant cultural status in the gaming world, with its long absence making any official news about it noteworthy within fan communities.
A new announcement concerning a dormant but beloved series naturally attracts attention because devoted players have spent years hoping for a sequel. This context is important for understanding why any official statement from Cyan regarding Myst would generate excitement and anticipation among the game's fanbase.