Mayak

Mayak is a linear visual novel and 2D adventure in which every frame is hand-painted. The story follows a young astronomer who begins studying a signal from a distant star, encoded in a countdown of prime numbers, and gradually uncovers its meaning. The narrative combines themes of first contact with extraterrestrial intelligence, the search for meaning, and a developing love story, set within a tone described as cozy, romantic, and mysterious, with occasional darker moments and light humour.

The game is built around a hard science fiction premise grounded in real scientific concepts, touching on how civilisations might transmit and decode interstellar signals and the plausibility of space travel. It draws influence from authors such as Stanisław Lem, Robert Heinlein, Greg Egan, and the Strugatsky brothers. The visual style uses digital oil painting techniques inspired by impressionist art and manga, with photo references taken specifically for the artwork to inform texture, brushwork, and lighting.

Mayak has no branching choices, following a single fixed storyline toward one ending. Its soundtrack features operatic vocals, strings, keys, and synths, recorded over an eight-year development period. The game was created solo by a developer who works as a scientist at a research institute, with the game’s events informed by that scientific background.