The renowned studio behind the iconic titles Myst and Riven, Cyan Worlds, has recently made the difficult decision to reduce its workforce by half. In a candid communication shared via Twitter, the leadership team disclosed that 12 positions were eliminated as a direct response to challenging industry conditions. This move, while undoubtedly painful, was not unexpected for those affected, as management had maintained an open dialogue regarding the studio’s situation over the past year.
Transparency Amidst Challenges
The management articulated the precarious position the studio finds itself in, stating, “Industry conditions have forced us into a tricky spot where we are having to weigh the future health of our studio against the month-to-month realities of game development in 2025.” This acknowledgment of the turbulent landscape of the gaming industry reflects a broader trend that many developers are currently navigating.
Despite the somber nature of the layoffs, the leadership emphasized their commitment to transparency, ensuring that the team was well-informed about the potential challenges ahead. “While the news of a layoff was not a surprise to the team, it was (and is) still deeply saddening for all of us,” they noted, underscoring the emotional weight of such decisions.
In an effort to support those impacted, Cyan Worlds has offered severance packages to cushion the transition for affected employees. The studio’s leadership also extended an invitation to other developers seeking top-tier talent, highlighting the caliber of professionals now available in the job market.
Looking ahead, the primary focus for Cyan Worlds is to secure financing for their next project and to stabilize the studio’s operations. With a legacy that spans decades, the team remains hopeful about weathering this storm. “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 to provide the types of experiences that only Cyan can deliver,” they concluded, reflecting a resilient spirit amidst adversity.
