One of the founding members of the software company Key. Original creator and main composer of most of Key's visual novels.

Notable works:
- Kanon (Mai & Makoto routes)
- Air
- Clannad + After Story
- Angel Beats!
- Tomoyo After
- Little Busters! + Refrain!
- Charlotte

Before forming Key, Maeda worked for the company Tactics where he had a hand in the creation of two games for that company
- Moon.
- One: Kagayaku Kisetsu e