Cyan Games, Creator of Myst, Lays Off Staff in Latest Cuts
▼ Summary
– Cyan Worlds laid off an undisclosed number of staff this week, following a previous round in March that cut roughly half its team.
– The studio shared a public Google document with affected employees’ contact and expertise details to help them find new jobs, now listing 14 staffers.
– Cyan cited financial struggles in 2025, stating its priority is securing funding for its next project and stabilizing the studio.
– The layoffs occurred shortly after the anniversary of Cyan’s 3D remake of *Riven*, a reimagining of its 1997 puzzle game with new elements and VR support.
– Cyan, known for the influential *Myst* series, has operated independently for 37 years, with *Myst* (1993) becoming a cultural phenomenon.
Cyan Worlds, the renowned studio behind the legendary Myst and Riven games, has implemented another round of staff reductions this week, marking the second wave of layoffs since March. The exact number of affected employees remains undisclosed, though the company has continued its practice of maintaining a public document to assist departing team members in finding new opportunities.
The studio shared the news on Bluesky, directing attention to an updated Google Doc listing 14 former employees, a figure that suggests at least two additional developers were let go in this latest cut. Since participation in the document is voluntary, the actual impact could be broader. Cyan has yet to provide further details on the scope of these layoffs or the current state of its remaining workforce.
Back in March, the studio openly addressed its financial struggles, citing challenging industry conditions as the primary driver behind its decision to reduce staffing by roughly half. In a statement posted on Bluesky, Cyan explained, “We’re facing difficult choices to ensure the studio’s long-term survival while navigating the unpredictable realities of game development in 2025.” The team emphasized its commitment to securing funding for upcoming projects and stabilizing operations, drawing on its decades of experience weathering industry ups and downs.
These latest cuts arrive just days after the anniversary of Riven: The Sequel to Myst’s modern 3D remake, which revitalized the 1997 classic with updated puzzles, mechanics, and VR compatibility. The reimagined title followed Cyan’s 2021 remake of Myst, both of which are currently discounted as part of Steam’s Summer Sale. Despite these releases, the studio continues to grapple with financial pressures, underscoring the volatility of the gaming market even for established developers.
With a legacy spanning 37 years, Cyan Worlds holds a unique place in gaming history. Myst, originally launched in 1993, became a cultural phenomenon, capitalizing on the rising popularity of home PCs and inspiring multiple sequels, novels, and spin-offs. The studio’s ability to endure past hardships offers some hope, but the latest layoffs highlight the ongoing challenges facing independent developers in an increasingly competitive landscape.
(Source: GAMESPOT)
