Pippin Barr, a prolific solo developer and underground video game celebrity, has released his latest creation: It's As If You Were On Your Phone. This new title challenges players to simulate phone use—making gestures and completing prompts—within a near-future setting where conformity to this behavior is absolute.
It's As If You Were On Your Phone (IAIYWOYP) presents a strangely surreal premise: pretending to be on your phone while simultaneously avoiding the appearance of actually being on your phone. This reflects a future where the pressure to conform to this paradoxical behavior is immense. The gameplay itself involves completing prompts, acting as if engaged with a phone, even though the game is about *not* being on one.
While the gameplay mechanics might be minimal, IAIYWOYP's value lies in its artistic merit and thought-provoking commentary. It transcends a simple "phones are bad" message, offering a deeper exploration of societal pressures and conformity.
It's art!
Should you play IAIYWOYP? That depends on your willingness to engage with its unconventional approach. If you're open to exploring its underlying message and self-reflection, it offers a rewarding, albeit unusual, experience. However, if you seek traditional gameplay, its limited mechanics might not fully satisfy.
Given Pippin Barr's track record of producing unique and thought-provoking games, IAIYWOYP is worth considering for the sheer experience alone. Play it, ponder its meaning, and consider what it reveals about you and our relationship with technology.
Looking for something more traditional? Check out our list of the top five new mobile games this week!
