Cyan Worlds has revealed "Project Anglerfish," an unrealized sequel that would have marked the first new entry in the Myst franchise in two decades. The studio shared concept art and development details for the cancelled project, offering a glimpse into what could have been the next chapter of the legendary puzzle-adventure series.
Myst last received a major new installment in 2005 with "End of Ages," making Anglerfish a long-overdue return to the franchise. The project apparently progressed far enough to generate substantial concept work before cancellation, though Cyan Worlds did not detail the specific reasons for shuttering development. The studio has maintained the franchise through remasters and the 2021 VR reimagining of the original Myst, but a traditional sequel remained elusive.
Cyan Worlds' decision to showcase the abandoned project signals the studio's continued investment in the IP's legacy. The reveal suggests the developer still views Myst as valuable property, even if Anglerfish failed to reach completion. For fans who have waited two decades for new content in the classic puzzle-adventure space, the announcement confirms that Cyan Worlds at least attempted to deliver more of what made the original games captivating.
The cancellation reflects ongoing challenges in puzzle game development and franchise continuity. The adventure genre has shrunk considerably since Myst's 1993 debut revolutionized the medium. Successful modern puzzle experiences like Portal and The Witness operate within tighter, more defined scopes than ambitious open-ended exploration games. Funding and publishing support for experimental adventure titles remains limited compared to action franchises.
Cyan Worlds continues developing for Myst Online, the studio's long-running live service that launched in 2003. That persistent world still retains an active community, suggesting there's sufficient audience interest to justify future investment. Whether Angler