Pointers
• MAYA launches as a multi-platform narrative universe on August 19, 2025.
• Created by Anand Gandhi and Zain Memon, it blends sci-fi, fantasy, and philosophy.
• The first novel, Maya: Seed Takes Root, explores sentient trees and digital control.
• MAYA spans films, games, novels, and immersive experiences for global audiences.
• It challenges modern issues like data manipulation and societal nudging.
• MAYA launches as a multi-platform narrative universe on August 19, 2025.
• Created by Anand Gandhi and Zain Memon, it blends sci-fi, fantasy, and philosophy.
• The first novel, Maya: Seed Takes Root, explores sentient trees and digital control.
• MAYA spans films, games, novels, and immersive experiences for global audiences.
• It challenges modern issues like data manipulation and societal nudging.
Anand Gandhi, known for thought-provoking films like Ship of Theseus, and Zain Memon, a pioneer in game design with SHASN, have launched MAYA, a revolutionary sci-fi fantasy universe.
Unveiled on July 31, 2025, by their studio, Department of Lore Inc., MAYA redefines storytelling. It spans films, novels, games, and immersive experiences, with the first novel, Maya: Seed Takes Root, set for a global release on August 19, 2025. Unlike traditional narratives, MAYA explores how stories shape human desires and futures.
It tackles modern dilemmas—data tracking, subconscious nudging, and invisible control. “MAYA is a mirror to our digital age,” says Gandhi. The universe invites audiences to question reality through interconnected stories. Collaborators, including biologists and philosophers, enrich its depth. MAYA’s world, planet Neh, feels alive, with sentient trees forming a biological internet. This bold project promises to spark global conversations about technology and freedom.
Crafting a New Mythology for the Digital Era
MAYA introduces a fresh mythology, weaving science fiction with philosophical inquiry. On planet Neh, citizens connect to a sentient network called Maya, a living internet of trees. This network creates shared dreamscapes for work, learning, and desire.
The immortal Divyas use this data to predict futures, subtly shaping choices. “Control desires, and you control everything,” Memon explains. The narrative follows diverse species, each with unique perspectives, avoiding simple hero-villain tropes. Instead, it explores truth versus dogma and freedom versus control.
Developed over four years, MAYA’s lore is meticulously crafted, with speculative architecture reflecting each species’ biology. This universe isn’t just entertainment—it’s a cultural tool.
By exposing digital manipulation, MAYA empowers audiences to resist invisible influences. Its multi-platform approach ensures accessibility, making it a landmark in storytelling. “MAYA is our response to narrative control,” Gandhi adds, positioning it as a guide for navigating the future.
