Why Play We Become What We Behold?

We Become What We Behold is a short (5-10 minute) but powerfully thought-provoking game. It offers a strong social commentary on how media shapes public perception. Its simple mechanics allow players to focus on the impactful message, leaving them with lasting thoughts about sensationalism, polarization, and their own interaction with media. It's free, requires no download, and runs on both PC and mobile.

Gameplay & Story

The gameplay is a 5-minute simulation. You control a camera and must capture photos of characters on a street. These characters, with round or square heads, interact with each other. The moments you choose to capture and 'broadcast' via newsletters will influence the other characters' behavior. Your goal is to find 'newsworthy,' often extreme or sensational, moments. This creates a cycle where your photos cause more extreme behavior, which you then capture again, leading to an inevitable, chaotic end.

How to Play - Controls & Rules

Controls

• Mouse / Touchscreen: Move the camera frame around the screen.
• Left Click / Tap: Snap a photo of a moment when the frame highlights an event.

Rules

• Your goal is to capture 'newsworthy' moments on the street.
• Hover your camera over the characters to find an interesting event.
• Click to take a picture of the event, which will then be shown on a newsletter.
• Observe how the other characters react to the news you create.
• Keep capturing various events to see the story naturally end.
• There are no scores, no levels, and no pause buttons.

Key Features

• Impactful Social Commentary: A powerful message about media's role in shaping public perception.
• Simple Point-and-Click Gameplay: Very easy to pick up; just move the mouse and click.
• Short 5-10 Minute Experience: A concise game that delivers its message quickly and effectively.
• Thought-Provoking: Leaves the player with lasting thoughts about media, sensationalism, and ethics.
• Minimalist Art Style: Simple, attractive graphics that effectively convey emotions and reactions.
• No Download Required: Plays directly in your browser on PC or mobile devices (HTML5).

Pro Tips & Strategies

• Follow the Cues: The game guides you. Look for characters that are acting differently, angrily, or uniquely. These are the 'news' moments the game wants you to capture.
• Look for Reactions: The core loop is 'cause and effect.' After you post a photo, watch how the other characters react to it. This will often create your next photo opportunity.
• Don't Overthink It: The game is a 5-minute linear experience. There's no 'wrong' way to play. Just click what looks interesting and watch the story unfold.
• Reflect on the Message: The real 'strategy' is to understand the game's message. Notice *what* the game considers 'news' (often conflict) and how it escalates.