School Days (video game)

School Days is a Japanese visual novel developed by 0verflow and released in 2005 for Windows. It is known for its branching narrative, multiple endings (many of which are considered "bad" endings), and its depiction of complex and often disturbing relationships between its characters. The game follows the protagonist, Makoto Ito, as he navigates high school life and romantic relationships with several female characters, most notably Kotonoha Katsura and Sekai Saionji.

Gameplay in School Days primarily involves reading text and making choices at key points in the story, which determine the direction of the plot and ultimately, the ending that is reached. The game features a system where the player's decisions influence Makoto's relationships and the overall narrative trajectory.

School Days is notable for its controversial content, including depictions of violence and sexual situations. Its popularity led to the creation of an anime adaptation, which itself faced controversy due to its violent ending, leading to temporary broadcast cancellations in Japan. The anime adaptation is largely faithful to the game's storyline and explores the same themes of jealousy, betrayal, and the consequences of infidelity. The game has also spawned manga adaptations and related merchandise.