If you’re a gamer, you know the story of Myst. The simple but curiosity-propelling video game was a staple of the 1990s. But do you really know the story of Myst? That’s the question filmmaker Philip Shane is asking with his new project, The Myst Documentary, which is currently running a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds to finish and produce the film.
The Myst Documentary will focus on famous brothers Rand and Robyn Miller, who conceived the groundbreaking game from their home in Spokane, Washington in 1993. Kickstarter explains that
“through extensive interviews with Rand and Robyn, along with several other gaming and computing luminaries, THE MYST DOCUMENTARY will tell the unlikely story of two brothers with disparate talents and interests, who were able to form a partnership that would revolutionize the way video games are consumed by the public.”
The documentary will explore two “timelines,” acting as an origin story that relives the history of Myst and shining a spotlight on current games and technology as a result of the game’s influence.
The Myst Documentary
All funds the Kickstarter raises will go to completing the documentary. Shane plans to capture the Miller brothers at work. He also plans to acquire archived materials such as videos, early computer programs, and radio interviews. Those will help bolster the overall narrative of the film, giving the game’s history the depth and detail that it deserves. Shane also plans to interview additional heavy hitters in the gaming and computer world. According to the Kickstarter, “the finished product will be more in the spirit of the MYST game itself, shown in very-high-resolution to thrill not only those familiar with the game but newcomers as well. The goal is to recreate what it feels like to wander the different island worlds in an epic journey, using a visual language to convey complicated, abstract concepts.”
Backer rewards, named after iconic spots in Myst, start at $10. They range from access to a private Discord channel to digital copies of the documentary to a chance to share your own Myst story with the team. Backers lucky enough to consider donating at the highest tier of $5,000 (known as “The Spaceship”) have the opportunity to attend an on-location shoot. In addition, you’ll be named in the film’s special credits, attend a private group dinner with the filmmakers and “special guests,” and attend the documentary’s big premiere.
The Myst Documentary
The documentary is currently in the pre-production phase. With 10 days to go and already 60% towards a goal of $200,000, funds are still climbing. Shane estimates a final cut of the film will be ready by the end of 2022.
After so many delays and cancellations in 2020, we could all use something to look forward to. An in-depth documentary about one of the most famous video games? That’s definitely something we want to put on our calendar.
Featured Image: The Myst Documentary