From Cyan Worlds, Uru Live is the next chapter of the Myst franchise and the most immersive and ambitious Myst experience ever created. The game is bigger, better, and more innovative than any of the previous Myst adventures. Players can move at their own pace, spending hours discovering visually stunning real-time 3D worlds, solving a large variety of mind-challenging puzzles, enjoying the company of other explorers, and following an epic storyline.

Recently, I had an interview with Ricardo Sanchez, VP of Content for GameTap.

MMOsite.com: For the players who are new to the Myst series, can give us some background on Myst Online?

Ricardo Sanchez: Myst is an adventure game developed by Cyan Worlds in 1991 which focused on puzzle-solving and exploration which players click on books that transport them to various "Ages" Myst Online: Uru Live takes those same elements and adds a collaborative online component that results in a unique multiplayer experience.  

MMOsite.com: It is great if a game can attract new players while retaining old ones. What will you do to make new players embrace Myst Online?

Ricardo Sanchez: Because Myst Online is included in the low monthly fee for GameTap, there s no extra expense in trying it out. In addition, GameTap subscribers have access to previous versions of Myst, so it is very easy for them to get familiar with the legendary franchise. We also provide a series of in-game tips to help new players get started.

MMOsite.com: Apart from solving mystery, what else can players enjoy in Myst Online?

Ricardo Sanchez: While puzzle-solving is a big part of the premise of the game, players will enjoy in-game interaction with other Myst fans for the first time, especially since the game requires a certain amount of collaboration. There is also a lot of customization in the Myst Online universe, which ranges from the Avatars players use for their characters to their living spaces.

MMOsite.com: The development of Myst Online has experienced twists and turns. The development process even stopped once. Can you describe your feeling at that time? Is the current Myst Online different from your original intention in any way?

Ricardo Sanchez: When Uru Live was cancelled prior to launching, it was incredibly difficult for everyone at Cyan Worlds. Fortunately, the fan support for Uru kept things going and ultimately lead to GameTap embracing the title. The game is much better than we previously envisioned it since this time around we were able to add more content, while improving some of the previous elements. It also helps that we are part of the GameTap network since there is already a built in subscriber base that has nothing to lose when trying our game out.

MMOsite.com: How will you keep it fresh to the gamers? How often will you release a new world?

Ricardo Sanchez: Unlike most MMOs currently on the market, the game is always evolving without fans having to wait for and purchase expansion packs. The addition of new Ages launching throughout the year inside the game, as well as the players themselves having a direct impact on how the world changes, will ensure that Myst Online will keep fans engaged.
 
MMOsite.com: In your own words, how will you describe the new world that will debut?

Ricardo Sanchez: Each new Age has a very distinct look and feel, so there s no single answer to that question, but this is definitely the best the Myst universe has ever looked. For those who have never taken part in a Myst adventure, the world is populated with beautiful lush nature settings interspersed with artifacts and abodes from a mysterious civilization.

MMOsite.com: Can you tell us something about the future plans for the game?

Ricardo Sanchez: Fans can look forward to the launch of many new Ages, challenging puzzles and adventures in Myst Online: Uru Live. After launch it will soon become the ultimate Myst Community.