Myst Online is dead. Long live Myst Online.

The discontinuation of an MMORPG, even an alternate form "experiment" like Myst Online, is a crushing blow to the entire massively multiplayer online community. So it's with great sadness that I now write this little announcement concerning the discontinuation of Myst Online. Here's part of the official statement from Ricardo Sanchez, VP of Content and Creative Director for GameTap:

I have some news that some of you have probably not been looking forward to. GameTap has decided to discontinue the operation of Myst Online: Uru Live. The decision was a very difficult one and was made for business reasons rather than due to any issues regarding the design and vision of the amazing world that Cyan Worlds and Rand Miller have brought to us. Despite the great Myst Online experience coming to a close, Cyan is still a very valued partner of GameTap, we are on excellent terms, and we look forward to continuing our relationship in the future.

Read the rest of the letter by clicking here. After you've finished up, make sure you discuss this announcement in the forums.