Game Name: one night, hot springs
Creator: npckc, a Japanese video game developer
Platform: Available on Microsoft Windows, Linux, Android, and Mac; can be played on Steam
Target Audience: Intended for all ages, both for members of the LGBTQ+ community to feel seen and for others to gain understanding
Initially, I went into the game one night, hot springs with very minimal expectations and only a baseline level of understanding of what it means to play like a feminist. Now, I feel like I have a much clearer understanding of the purpose of feminist games, which is to foster acceptance, empathy, and help people feel seen. Feminist play, as described in the readings, invites players to engage with identity, power and representation in a thoughtful manner. One night, hot springs beautifully does that through quiet storytelling and emotional connection rather than complex game mechanics, allowing space of understanding and reflection.
When playing one night, hot springs, it quickly becomes clear that the protagonist, Haru, a transgender young woman, is uncomfortable going to her best friend Manami’s hot springs birthday retreat. The game presents users with a series of choices where you can decide what Haru says, and those choices shape the narrative. Although this was not covered in the readings, upon reflection it felt that branching structure of the narrative is a key formal element that reflects personal agency through liberty in decision making rather than a single fixed path: a value that is represented in feminist theories. The drawing-like aesthetic and simple interface focus attention on Haru’s emotions and relationships, allowing players to step into her experience and understand the everyday anxieties she carries.
Image 1: Haru contemplates whether she should go to the hot springs for Manami’s birthday
From my personal experience, although I had some knowledge about the challenges that transgender individuals face, I had never truly seen those challenges from their point of view. That was an eye opening experience. Haru is a transgender woman who has not undergone gender affirming surgery and is in a constant state of internal conflict. Her physical appearance does not always match who she really is. Through the game, she experiences emotions like worry, anxiety, and shyness, and the player feels those too. This reflects what feminist theorist Sara Ahmed describes as the way emotions are shaped by and tied to structural barriers. The game does a wonderful job of focusing on those emotions instead of minimizing them.
One moment that stood out was when the trio of friends arrive at the hot springs and are asked to register. Haru pauses at the gender section of the form and feels conflicted about whether she should select male or female. She ultimately selects her legal gender, male, which causes visible confusion from the receptionist and makes her feel even more uncomfortable. This moment shows how something as small as a form can make people in Han’s shoes feel a sense of discomfort, which echoes the idea of gender performance and the limits imposed by institutional norms, as discussed in the readings.
Image 2: Haru chooses “male” as her gender but is conflicted and worried about how others will respond.
Haru’s internal conflict deepens when she has to decide whether to enter the women’s bath. She worries her presence might upset other women if they can see her body and assume she does not belong. She considers going to the private family bath instead, but even then asks herself if someone like her is allowed to do that. These are not choices with clear right or wrong answers. Instead, the player is asked to sit with Haru’s uncertainty and fear. That is what makes the game so powerful. It reflects what Adrienne Shaw describes as experiential authenticity and shows how feminist games can use mechanics to create emotional insight.
Image 3: Haru experiences internal turmoil about if she should use the family bath
As someone who identifies as and is biologically female, I have never had to hesitate before entering a space meant for only females or worry about how others might perceive me. This game helped me reflect on that privilege and reminded me of what feminist theory often emphasizes: everyone deserves to move through the world with safety, respect, and dignity.
One part of the story I did not expect but really appreciated was the development of Haru’s friendship with Erika, Manami’s high school friend. Erika is initially presented as blunt and slightly dismissive, but over time it becomes clear that she wants to learn and understand. She opens up about her own struggles, including being bullied, which creates space for connection. This reminded me of Sara Ahmed’s idea that feminism is not just about critique but also about building relationships and finding ways to move forward together. Erika’s transformation also suggests that curiosity can be valuable when expressed with care and respect.
To point out areas of criticism, I think the game does an excellent job portraying the lived emotional experience, but it does not engage much with larger structural issues. While it’s possible that other gameplay choices address this, I would have appreciated more insight into Japan’s systems of support, or lack thereof, for transgender individuals, as well as a broader view of what the wider transgender community is experiencing.
The game also follows a fairly traditional narrative structure. While there are branching options, the format remains linear and, from my perspective, neatly resolved. As some feminist theorists point out, traditional narrative arcs often reflect more patriarchal values, such as the need for resolution and clarity. I felt like a Feminist game like this might benefit from using alternative storytelling approaches, such as non linear timeline for example, that better reflect the complexity of lived experience and prevent easier closure.
In summary, one night, hot springs is a beautiful and thoughtful game that helped me better understand what it means to play like a feminist. It encouraged me to reflect, feel and see through someone else’s eyes. While there are areas for elaboration, this game skillfully represents feminist values through empathy, personal connection, and communication of emotions.
