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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Myst

Myst is a 1993 adventure video game developed by Cyan and published by Broderbund for the Macintosh.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Myst is a 1993 adventure video game developed by Cyan and published by Broderbund for the Macintosh. Players explore the island of Myst and related worlds, solving environmental puzzles through a series of linking books. The game became one of the best-selling computer games of its era and launched a long-running franchise.

Gameplay

Myst is a first-person adventure and puzzle game focused on exploration, observation, and environmental problem-solving. Players travel between locations using special linking books and uncover the story through clues and interaction with the world.

Development and release

The game was designed by brothers Rand and Robyn Miller and developed by Cyan, with publication by Broderbund. It was released in 1993 for the Macintosh and later appeared on other platforms.

Reception and legacy

Myst was a landmark commercial success and helped popularize CD-ROM-based computer games because of its audiovisual presentation. It also established a franchise that continued with several sequels.

Series

The original Myst was followed by direct sequels including Riven, Myst III: Exile, Myst IV: Revelation, and Myst V: End of Ages. The series expanded the setting and story introduced in the first game.

Key facts

  • Myst is the first game in the Myst franchise.
  • It was originally released in 1993 for Mac OS.
  • The game centres on exploration of Myst Island and other worlds accessed through books.
  • Myst became a major commercial success and was long regarded as the best-selling computer game.
  • Its success led to multiple direct sequels, including Riven and Myst III: Exile.
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Canadian context

Myst has no specific Canada-only association in the provided sources, but it is widely known to Canadian players as a landmark PC adventure game.

Frequently asked questions

What is Myst?
Myst is a 1993 adventure and puzzle video game about exploring an island and other linked worlds through books.
Who developed Myst?
Myst was developed by Cyan and designed by Rand Miller and Robyn Miller.
When was Myst released?
Myst was released in 1993, with the original Macintosh release dated September 24, 1993 in several sources.
What is Myst about?
Players explore Myst Island and other Ages, solving puzzles and uncovering the backstory of the setting.
Did Myst have sequels?
Yes. Direct sequels include Riven, Myst III: Exile, Myst IV: Revelation, and Myst V: End of Ages.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myst
    Supports: Original 1993 release, developer and publisher, basic gameplay premise.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myst_(series)
    Supports: Myst as the first game in the series and sequel list.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Myst
    Supports: 1993 debut, creators, commercial success, sequels.
  4. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myst
    Supports: Release date, gameplay description, popularity, CD-ROM impact.
  5. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0158814/
    Supports: September 24, 1993 release date.
  6. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myst_V:_End_of_Ages
    Supports: Myst V as the fifth and final installment in the series.