Game Information

Developer: SZ Games

Rating:

4.7/5

Released: April 2024

Last Updated: June 2025

Technology: HTML5 (Unity WebGL)

Platform: Browser

Size: ~15 MB

Plays: 25,670

Mobile Support: Yes

About Maia

Step into a world where emotions and storytelling take center stage with Maia, an original indie adventure kinetic novel now available to play for free online. Crafted with love and a compelling narrative, Maia whisks players away on a brief but unforgettable digital journey that touches the heart.

In Maia, you’ll join Ruby as she musters the courage to reconnect with her girlfriend, Maia, via an emotional video call. The narrative glows with authenticity, capturing the nervous excitement and vulnerability that comes with rekindling a cherished relationship. Perfectly tuned for the Yuri Game Jam, this 1000-word experience pulls you into its world from the first message, making every second count.

Maia shatters expectations for browser-based adventure games. The hand-crafted character sprite by Teanao brings Ruby to life with evocative expressions, while the single, beautifully illustrated CG by mrsgoldenweek punctuates an already poignant story moment. Atmospheric backgrounds by Minikle and an emotive original soundtrack by Tim Beek layer in depth, enhancing every line of dialogue. The creative combination of visuals, writing, and score immerses you, forging a genuine emotional connection rarely found in such a short game.

Navigating Maia is effortless thanks to its intuitive HTML5 design, making it fully compatible with both desktop and mobile devices. Lose yourself in Ruby’s world directly from your browser—no downloads, no barriers, just pure storytelling. Whether you’re a long-time fan of visual novels or new to the genre, Maia offers a safe, inclusive space to enjoy heartfelt LGBTQ romance.

Behind Maia is a talented indie team who poured their passion into every detail, bringing players an experience that resonates beyond its playtime. Every design choice, from the delicate font work to nuanced writing, invites you to feel, reflect, and appreciate the small, significant moments.

Don’t miss this brief but beautiful story. Dive in now and let Maia remind you of the joy of connection, the importance of reaching out, and the enduring appeal of indie adventure gaming. Play Maia free online and experience a modern visual novel gem you’ll carry in your heart.

How to Play

Starting your journey in Maia is refreshingly simple. Upon launching the game on your preferred browser—whether on your phone, tablet, or desktop—you’re greeted with a sleek but inviting interface. Maia is a kinetic novel, so traditional choices are set aside in favor of an uninterrupted, story-driven experience. Click 'Start' to dive into Ruby’s world as she reaches out to Maia over a video call, expressing genuine emotion and vulnerability.

Text automatically progresses, but attentive readers can use simple clicks or taps (spacebar or mouse click on desktop; screen tap on mobile) to move at their own pace. Relax and let the carefully crafted narrative unfold; there are no branching paths to stress over, ensuring pure immersion in the story’s ebb and flow.

The game’s visually appealing UI keeps distractions minimal while elegant fonts and expressive art elevate every scene. Beginners needn’t worry—there are no timers, quick-time events, or complicated controls. Take your time to soak in the art, appreciate the music, and engage with the heartfelt dialogue. To replay or revisit favorite moments, simply refresh or restart the session—Maia’s compact design ensures each playthrough is rewarding and manageable.

Pro tip: Use headphones for the full audio experience! Let the music and voice inflections carry the full weight of Ruby and Maia’s interaction. Perfect for quick sessions or a peaceful storytelling break, Maia is an ideal indie adventure for players of all experience levels.

Controls

mouse

keyboard

Tips & Tricks

Play in a quiet, distraction-free environment for maximum emotional absorption.
Use headphones or quality speakers to fully appreciate Tim Beek’s evocative soundtrack.
Take your time reading each line—Maia is about savoring the little moments.
If you miss a detail, replay the novel; the short runtime makes replays easy and rewarding.
Watch for subtle visual cues in character expressions for greater immersion.
Share the game with friends to start conversations about its themes and indie development.
Keep an eye on new titles from the creators—indie gems like Maia often become fan favorites!

Game Features

A moving, LGBTQ-positive love story told through a unique, kinetic novel format.
Gorgeous sprite and CG art from renowned indie artists, creating a memorable visual impact.
Seamless, no-install browser play—enjoyable on any device, anytime.
Emotional original soundtrack by Tim Beek enhances storytelling immersion.
Accessible, straightforward gameplay perfect for both visual novel newcomers and veterans.
Lovingly crafted by a passionate indie team for the Yuri Game Jam.
One-sitting experience designed for replayability and reflection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Maia really free to play online?

Yes! Maia is 100% free to play directly in your browser via itch.io. No registration, downloads, or hidden costs—just click and enjoy the story instantly.

Can I play Maia on my phone or tablet?

Absolutely. Maia's HTML5 design ensures it's fully compatible with all modern mobile devices, so you can experience the story anywhere, anytime.

How long does it take to complete Maia?

Maia is designed as a short, impactful experience. Most players finish in about 10-15 minutes, perfect for a single sitting or quick emotional escape.

Are there multiple endings or choices?

No—Maia is a kinetic novel, meaning the story follows a single, beautifully crafted path for maximum narrative impact and emotional resonance.

What makes Maia stand out from other indie visual novels?

Maia’s heartfelt, inclusive storytelling, combined with stunning art and music, delivers a uniquely powerful experience in a compact, accessible format.