Myst developer Cyan Worlds has announced the decision to lay off half of its team.

In a statement shared on social media, the Spokane-based developer said the news “was not a surprise to the team,” with 12 employees being made redundant as a result of current industry conditions.

“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,” the studio said.

“Throughout the past year, we have been ultra-transparent with the entire Cyan team about the choppy waters we find ourselves in, as well as the dangers ahead. While the news of a layoff was not a surprise to the team, it was (and still is) deeply saddening for all of us.”

It added: “For now, our number one priority is to secure funding for our next project, and to restabalise the studio. We’ve been around for a very long time, and have been through tough times before.”

Cyan Worlds has provided a list of impacted employees, who have consented to have their contact details shared for new opportunities which can be found here.

The developer clarified that the layoffs will “not affect or change the timing or delivery of any remaining rewards” relating to its ongoing Kickstarter campaign, which is supporting development of its upcoming title Firmament.