Filmmaker Anand Gandhi, known for Ship of Theseus, and game designer Zain Memon, creator of Shasn, launched the Maya Narrative Universe on Friday, a groundbreaking science-fiction fantasy project by their studio, Department of Lore Inc. Spanning films, games, novels, toys, graphic novels, and immersive experiences, Maya is described as a “new mythology for the AI age,” with its first novel, Maya: Seed Takes Root, set for global release on August 19, 2025.

Set on the planet Neh, Maya revolves around a biological network of sentient trees, called “Maya,” functioning as a living internet. Citizens connect to shared dreamscapes for work, learning, and personal fulfillment, while the immortal “Divyas” harness data to predict billions of futures, subtly shaping desires rather than ruling by force. Blending sci-fi, fantasy, and philosophy, Maya tackles modern issues like digital manipulation and societal divides.

“Maya doesn’t just entertain; it empowers, demystifying the invisible architecture of control,” Gandhi stated, emphasizing its relevance to today’s hyperconnected world. Memon added, “It’s about truth versus dogma, innovation versus stagnation, and freedom versus control, with no simple heroes or villains.”

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Developed over four years with input from evolutionary biologists, linguists, architects, and philosophers, Maya features richly crafted species and speculative worlds. Upcoming releases include Maya Lore Neh: Its Species and Their Cultures and Built Environments of Maya. The universe also includes Yuyutsu, a card-based tactical combat game, and boasts contributions from artists like Wayne Barlowe (Avatar) and studios Wētā FX (Lord of the Rings) and MPC VFX (House of the Dragon).

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