FAQ
Common questions about GOKIs on macOS.
What macOS version do I need?
macOS 15.0 (Sequoia) or later.
Does it run on Intel Macs?
No. GOKIs requires Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, or M4). The simulation relies on Metal compute features that target Apple Silicon GPUs.
Is it free?
Yes. Free on the Mac App Store. No subscription, no in-app purchase, no account.
Do I need to grant any permissions?
No. GOKIs runs as an accessory menu bar app with a transparent overlay window. It does not need Accessibility, Screen Recording, or any other macOS privacy permission. It only reads the public mouse cursor position.
Will the critters get in my way?
No. The overlay sits below every normal window, so critters appear behind the apps you are using. Mouse events pass straight through the overlay, so other apps stay fully clickable.
Is it actually cockroaches?
It can be. On first launch GOKIs asks “Do you know GOKI?” — pick I don’t know for the friendly Keseran Pasaran mascot, or Yes, show me GOKI for the realistic cockroach sprite. You can switch any time from the menu bar.
Does it collect any data?
No. There is no analytics, no telemetry, no account. The app runs entirely on your Mac.
Can I run 100,000 of them?
Yes — that is the maximum count. The simulation runs on a Metal compute shader with triple-buffered command submission, so even at the top of the scale Apple Silicon stays comfortable. Performance will vary by Mac model.
Where does the name “GOKIs” come from?
GOKIs is short for gokiburi — Japanese for cockroach. The internal project codename is Scuttle (from “scuttle away”, a nod to how the critters move), but the public app name on the Mac App Store and across the web is always GOKIs.