Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas (MOBAs) are notorious for high-speed action, complex team synergies, and intense map control—traits that are notoriously tricky to translate onto a physical game board. Designer Zain Memon and Department of Lore have officially taken on that challenge with Trials of Maya, an ambitious card-driven arena combat game currently seeking funding on Gamefound. Set within the sprawling MAYA Narrative Universe, this tactical tabletop title combines deck-building, positioning, and resource management to deliver a genuine video game arena experience directly to your gaming table.

High-Stakes Champions and Tactical Energy Action

Supporting one to four players across five distinct game modes, Trials of Maya puts players in control of unique champions battling across hexagonal map arenas. The game’s most innovative engine centers around a dynamic action slot system on each player's mat. Action cards slide across the board each turn, determining initiative order, providing immediate action options, and eventually converting into spendable energy as they exit the mat. Players must balance immediate tactical strikes against long-term energy reserves, making every played card a crucial strategic decision.

Expansions, Solo Modes, and Deep Deck Construction

Beyond the core box's nine baseline champions and 340-plus cards, the campaign offers a robust ecosystem of optional add-ons and expansions. Players looking for cooperative or solo challenges can dive into Depths of Kaav, a roguelike game mode that pits adventurers against shifting dungeon threats. Meanwhile, competitive deck builders can pick up additional Champion Sets or the Master Deck Constructor's Kit, allowing players to fully customise character decks with specialized trait symbols and high-risk finisher cards.

Campaign Details and Pledges

The Gamefound crowdfunding campaign features base game tiers alongside all-in gameplay pledges packed with expansion sets, high-detail miniatures, and exclusive lore items. With reduced international shipping rates and unlocked stretch goals adding dozens of new cards to the box, backer enthusiasm remains high as the project pushes toward its completion. Tabletop strategists craving deep tactical combat and rich world-building have plenty of reasons to keep a close eye on this ambitious project.

Transmedia Universe Origins: Trials of Maya serves as the inaugural tabletop entry in the MAYA Narrative Universe, an interconnected sci-fi world created alongside acclaimed filmmaker Anand Gandhi that spans board games, novels, graphic novels, and digital media!