It was one of the first PC titles ever to enjoy that sort of traction with non-gamers. I know a couple of people who actually bought a home PC just to play it on.

Whatever your opinions of the game, it definitely played an important role in opening up gaming to a wider audience. Myst is an important artifact in the history of gaming.

Now... were I not more restrained, I'd hope here that you step on the sourest of your grapes.