Max, an Autistic Journey

Max, an Autistic Journey

Released Aug 2016

Max, an Autistic Journey is a retro style top-down turn-based RPG filled with mini games, monsters and most of all, heart. Developed by a devoted dad who made a game with his son about his son's autism.

80% positive · 114 reviews
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence

Where to buy

Steam $4.99
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Evaluation

Max, an Autistic Journey launched on August 19, 2016 — the developer chose this date specifically because it is Max's birthday. Following launch, the developer issued a series of bug-fix and optimization patches through early 2017. On April 3, 2017, the game's only DLC — Max's Birthday — was released, adding new content inspired by ideas Max himself contributed. The developer's April 2017 post noted that "a few ideas for DLC" had been in mind since launch, and this DLC was the result. That post contained no mention of additional DLC or future content plans beyond what had just shipped. There have been no developer communications of any kind since April 2017. With one DLC now fully released, no unreleased DLC on the store, no announced roadmap, and nearly nine years of developer silence, the game appears to have shipped as a complete, self-contained personal project with no further content development intended.
Evidence
Max's Birthday DLC released on April 3, 2017 — the game's only DLC, now fully shipped.
dlc listing · Apr 3, 2017 source content shipped
high
Developer announced the Birthday DLC, noting it was inspired by Max's own ideas. Mentioned 'a few ideas for DLC' that had been considered — this DLC was the result. No further content plans mentioned.
news post · Apr 2, 2017 source content shipped
high

Content

1 of 1 released · no outstanding content

Media

Details

Publisher
GPAC
Achievements
27
Platform
Windows
Controller
full support
Steam Deck
Not rated
Players
Single-player

About this game


Max, an Autistic Journey is a retro style top-down turn-based RPG filled with mini games, monsters and most of all, heart. Developed by Stéphane Cantin, who is just a devoted dad who made a game with his son about his son’s autism.

During the game player’s step into the shoes of Max, a ten year old boy who must find ways to deal with everyday life while being diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Many players will discover a world familiar but alien to them. Some may relate to Max's story all too well. Regardless where you fall in the spectrum of life, Max, an Autistic Journey delivers an entertaining, imaginative and informative trip worth taking.

This retro-inspired RPG gives players not only a unique gaming experience, but an insight into a world many people have never seen. While the visualization of the beasts may be fantasy, the emotions and frustrations they represent are very real for a lot of people.


There are few greater inspirations in life than one's love of their child. Max, an Autistic Journey is Stéphane’s inspired interactive love letter about his son Max who was born with autism that he worked hand in hand with throughout the development of the title. While there is a wide spectrum of autism, this game focuses on Max, where he falls in that spectrum and how he experiences and deals with daily life.


  • Classic turn-based battle system featuring clever weapons and special abilities to confront monstrous manifestations of emotions and anxieties
  • Gain experience points through imaginary toy battles and by confronting your fears and anxieties to level up
  • Core retro RPG mechanics infused with multiple Mini Games such as picture puzzles, race cars and making music
  • Endearing tale of trials and tribulations from a unique perspective that inspires, educates and entertains as the story unfolds
  • Mouse & Keyboard and Full Controller Support
  • Steam Achievements, Cloud Saves & Steam Trading Cards

The developer will be donating a portion of proceeds from game sales to the Miriam Foundation, a charitable organization that helps people with autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disabilities lead fulfilling lives.
Last evaluated Jun 27, 2026
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