Myst

Myst, graphical puzzle-adventure electronic game that debuted in 1993 and was designed by brothers Rand and Robyn Miller for American game manufacturers Cyan Worlds and Brøderbund Software. Advanced graphics and an engrossing story line helped Myst sell fans on what was essentially a very pretty series of puzzles, which showed the industry that grenades and machine guns were not always needed to sell games. Myst was the best-selling computer game of all time until the gaming company Electronic Arts released The Sims in 2002.

In Myst players assume the role of the Stranger. Using magical books to travel through the island of Myst, players obtain items and complete puzzles to open up new levels, or Ages. The majority of scenarios consist of players getting clues and finding items or switches throughout the island and then using them to complete an objective. As a commercially successful software game without death, violence, hoards of enemies, or a visual barrage of noise and action, Myst helped pave the way for other popular titles in the same genre.

Myst spawned four direct sequels, Riven (1997), Myst III: Exile (2001), Myst IV: Revelation (2004), and Myst V: End of Ages (2005). Although the series went on to sell more than 12 million copies, the original title made up more than half the total sales, with the sequels unable to match the success of the original. The series achieved a broad cultural appeal, with English rock musician Peter Gabriel contributing his voice to Revelation.