Myst Online: Uru Live

I've been pretty busy working on the non-fiction work and the book manuscript. But this post has been on my mind for a long time. I've been mulling over how to write it and post it here - because it does stay on topic for writing, since I'm thinking about it as a writer.

Gametap decided to not publish Myst Online Uru Live again this year. A huge mistake. But understandable. I don't have the knowledge of how the gaming business works and contracts and such, so please bear that in mind as you read this. I do have a rudimentary understanding of the circumstances.

Years ago, Rand Miller wrote three novels. He then took those novels and built the Myst games through his gaming company, now called Cyan Worlds, Inc. His games became forerunners in the gaming industry. It grew to five games on disc for the pc. Great storylines. Non-violent. And they promoted learning about a new culture, new language, etc.

Eventually Ubisoft decided to help publish the game online for multi-player format. The players were huge fans of the game. But in the end, there weren't enough players to make the dollars add up and they cancelled it. With Cyan's help, the players created an environment to hold online and stay in contact. Those were the most die-hard players.

Then last year, Gametap agreed to publish it as Myst Online Uru Live. And it really grew. This is where I got involved. My first experience with online gaming. And perfect. It was storyline driven, although slow due to the time consumed by actual game development. They updated the game regularly, adding more stuff for us to do and find and learn. You're able to play at your own pace, by yourself or with others, as you see fit. It's suitable for all ages and whole families did join the game.

It promoted togetherness, belief in one's self and hope that not all in this world is built upon violence.

But, sadly, this world is so warped, that it's violence that sells. And Gametap had to pull it from their listings. I’m not mad at Gametap for having to go by the numbers, but I'm disappointed and unwilling to believe in them as a gaming port for me. I would have loved to find out that they worked out a way to keep such a valuable game online. The other family games out there are just cheezy.

Cyan keeps the game on their own servers. But word is that Gametap evidently still holds the rights to the game, denying Cyan the ability to keep the game online for the passionate fans. They are in negotiations to try to allow Cyan to see if they can keep the game going - it depends on Gametap's willingness to release those rights and Cyan's employee status. My feelings about Gametap will be on hold until the decision is made. If they act like a corporate giant intent on destroying all competition by withholding rights, then my view towards them will be extremely negative.

But my feelings on this as a writer is for Rand Miller. This must be bittersweet for him because the Myst story is his baby and it still has so much potential for growth. To have your novel expand to the online universe and develop such a devoted, fierce fan base must be very energizing. And then to have the opportunity to keep it going yanked from you, when it's your creation, no matter what contracts say, must be frustrating. I know the last few months have been very stressful for many with Cyan Worlds, Inc., and I hope something is resolved soon.

The players have not given up - not the ones devoted to the game, rather than just getting a service from someone. The non-devoted ones have pretty much left. The game is up until April 4th, and many of us are hanging on, hoping that Rand figures something out before then.

But many of us are also prepared for if things are out of his control. The one group I started with about six months ago on a player created storyline are continuing our work. We're building the story and the game components on our own. Many others are doing so with their groups. For a peek at what they are doing, go to http://www.mystonline.com and look at the forum. There are number who are talented in codework, as well as the creation, and are looking at holding the servers themselves if they need to until something permanent can be achieved.

For us passionate fans of Rand Miller's world, we will hold on and further the work on our own, if need be. I can only dream of creating such a loved storyline with my own novels.