When "Myst" was released, it became very popular. Critics loved "Myst" because it felt like a real world. "Myst" was the best-selling computer game until The Sims was released in 2002. "Myst" helped the CD-ROM get more popular when the CD-ROM was new. Because "Myst" was so popular, four sequels were made, and three "Myst" novels were written.