Mainichi

June 19, 2017
Jessica Zammit

Released: A house with a bathroom, couch, t v and benches. Dialogue reads 'It's only coffee with a friend, but I probably should put on my face before leaving.'. Choices read 'Pretty up' and 'Skip it this time'.
Played: November 2016

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Mainichi is a short game, but a pretty effective one. It takes you through an overview of the day in the life of its trans developer, and gives an idea of some of the things trans people (especially trans women and trans feminine people) have to worry about that cis people take for granted.

It made me aware of some of my privileges as a ciswoman, and even though it’s pretty repetitive, I played through the whole game a couple of times to see what would change. It turns out the choices you make effect the way people react to you during your day, and it was absolutely interesting to see.

You should play this if…

You are a person who likes games and has a little bit of time to spare. Mainichi is really short, and I firmly believe that everyone can get something out of it. Just make sure you play through a couple of times and make different decisions to see what changes – and that you go in ready to be reminded that sometimes, people are jerks. This game needs a trigger warning for transphobia – some of the comments made by characters (including friends of your character) may be upsetting to some.