Cyan Worlds, the developer known for the iconic Myst series, has announced the layoff of 12 employees, constituting nearly half its workforce. The company revealed on social media that the layoffs resulted from struggling to navigate the challenging conditions of the gaming industry in 2025. Industry conditions have forced us into a tricky spot where we have to weigh our studio’s future against the month-to-month realities of game development,” the studio stated.
They added that the team was aware of the potential layoffs, making the actual news, while saddening, not unexpected. Cyan Worlds expressed its efforts to cushion the impact on its outgoing employees by offering severance packages and appealed to other studios with vacancies to consider hiring those affected. The studio is now concentrating on securing funding for its next project.
“We’ve been around for a very long time and have been through tough times before. Our sincere hope is to continue to be around and provide the experiences that only Cyan can deliver,” the statement concluded.
Cyan Worlds faces financial struggles
The layoffs followed less than a year after the release of their acclaimed remake. Cyan Worlds indicated their immediate priority is to “restabilize the studio,” emphasizing their “sincere hope to continue being around.
Lead visual designer at Cyan Worlds, Claire Hummel, expressed her dismay on social media, stating, “God, this industry sucks right now. I’m not affected by this layoff, but many amazing people were.
I’ve worked with this team for a year and a half now, and I’d write any one of them a glowing recommendation at the drop of a hat.”
Despite the studio’s historical significance and the positive reception of their recent projects, including the crowdfunded game Firmament and a well-reviewed remake of Riven, the financial realities have hit hard. The remake of their iconic game Myst continues to receive long-term support, reflecting Cyan Worlds’ commitment to their legacy despite ongoing struggles. The broader industry context has seen numerous similar layoffs, with high-profile studios and developers across the board facing tough decisions.
Cyan Worlds’ future remains uncertain, but the commitment to their work and hope for survival remains steadfast. It’s unsure what project Cyan Worlds will undertake next, but there is hope they will navigate these troubled times and continue to contribute to the indie gaming landscape.
Image Credits: Photo by Christina Morillo on Pexels
Rashan is a seasoned technology journalist and visionary leader serving as the Editor-in-Chief of DevX.com, a leading online publication focused on software development, programming languages, and emerging technologies. With his deep expertise in the tech industry and her passion for empowering developers, Rashan has transformed DevX.com into a vibrant hub of knowledge and innovation. Reach out to Rashan at [email protected]
