Cyan Worlds Faces Staff Reductions Amid Ongoing Development Initiatives
- Cyan Worlds has enacted layoffs affecting 12 employees, spanning various roles including audio, quality assurance, art, and community management.
- The renowned game Myst has retained its popularity since its initial launch in 1993, with modern adaptations such as a 2020 VR remake and subsequent ports to Steam and Xbox in 2021.
- Despite these workforce reductions, Cyan Worlds remains dedicated to launching its upcoming project, Firmament, set for release on PlayStation in April.
Cyan Worlds, the creative force behind the iconic adventure games Myst and Riven, has announced a substantial workforce reduction, laying off approximately 12 employees, which constitutes nearly half of its team. The decision, described as unavoidable by the studio’s leadership, follows extensive efforts to prevent such measures due to the challenging landscape of the gaming industry. The layoffs will be effective at the end of March, and other studios have been encouraged to consider hiring the affected individuals.
Originally launched in September 1993 for Macintosh, Myst made its way to Windows 3.1 in March 1994. Designed by brothers Rand and Robyn Miller, Myst quickly became a classic, allowing players to explore a richly crafted narrative by solving puzzles that gradually unfold the island’s enigmatic history. The game, distinguished by its non-violent playstyle and absence of time constraints, invites players to explore several unique ‘Ages’ such as the Mechanical Age and the Stoneship Age.
Significant Layoffs at Cyan Worlds
Cyan friends and family, we have some difficult news to share today. (More details in-thread below.) pic.twitter.com/1MdAq10VvH — Cyan Worlds (@cyanworlds) March 28, 2025
This recent news is part of a broader trend in the gaming industry, with several prominent studios, including Ubisoft and Crystal Dynamics, also announcing significant layoffs. In light of this, Cyan Worlds has made available a Google Spreadsheet where affected staff can share their contact details and LinkedIn profiles, fostering potential employment opportunities.
In the midst of these challenges, the developers have expressed their unwavering commitment to securing financing for future projects. They continue to draw support from the community, with fans of Myst and Riven voicing their goodwill and concern for those impacted by the layoffs.
Furthermore, in spite of the workforce changes, Cyan Worlds reaffirmed that the highly anticipated release of Firmament, powered by Unreal Engine 5, is still on track for its April debut on PlayStation. The community remains hopeful for the studio’s recovery from these difficulties and looks forward to future developments.