We Become What We Behold – A Short Game With a Lasting Message

Introduction

We Become What We Behold is not a typical action or strategy game. Instead, it is a five-minute point-and-click experience that leaves players reflecting on how the media shapes society. Created by indie developer Nicky Case, this experimental title turns a simple camera mechanic into a thought-provoking social commentary.

Gameplay Overview

The gameplay is minimalistic yet powerful. Players use the mouse to take photos of “peeps” — quirky square- and round-headed characters moving about in a small digital world. Each snapshot instantly appears on a central news screen, influencing how the rest of the characters behave.

At first, you may photograph harmless or even charming scenes, but every image shifts the community’s mood. Capture something fashionable, and suddenly everyone imitates it. Focus on conflict, and hostility spreads quickly. In just a few clicks, you can see a peaceful world spiral into chaos.

Key Moments and Player Choices

• Trends and Fads: Snap a stylish character with a hat, and hats become the latest craze.
• Love and Rejection: Photograph a couple in love, and the media distorts the moment, leading others to shun them.
• Anger and Violence: Highlight a confrontation, and negative emotions ripple across the entire society.

Each choice reflects how media prioritizes attention-grabbing headlines over ordinary positive stories.

The Social Message Behind the Pixels

The game illustrates how media does more than report events — it actively shapes perceptions and behaviors. Negative coverage spreads faster than positive news, reinforcing fear and division. As the player, you act as both a witness and a catalyst, demonstrating the responsibility that comes with choosing what to amplify.

Why It Resonates With Players

Despite lasting only a few minutes, We Become What We Behold sparks deeper questions:

• How much does the news cycle influence public opinion?
• Why does negativity attract more attention than positivity?
• Are we, as consumers and sharers of media, reinforcing harmful cycles?

This is what makes the game memorable. It’s less about winning and more about leaving with new perspectives.

FAQ

Q: What is We Become What We Behold about?
A: It is a short point-and-click game where players use a camera to capture moments. Each photo influences society, showing how media shapes behavior.

Q: Who created We Become What We Behold?
A: The game was developed by indie creator Nicky Case, known for experimental titles that combine simple mechanics with deeper messages.

Q: How long does it take to play?
A: The entire experience lasts about five minutes, but the social message it delivers often stays with players much longer.

Q: What is the main message of the game?
A: It highlights the power of media and how negative news spreads faster than positive stories, ultimately shaping collective behavior.

Q: Can I play We Become What We Behold on mobile?
A: The game is designed for desktop browsers, but it can also run on most mobile browsers with touch controls.

Conclusion

We Become What We Behold proves that a game doesn’t need flashy graphics or long campaigns to make an impact. By turning photography into a metaphor for media control, it highlights how easily collective behavior can be manipulated. Whether you play it once or revisit it later, the game serves as a reminder: what we choose to focus on has the power to shape the world around us.