We Become What We Behold

We Become What We Behold is a thought-provoking and engaging game that explores the impact of media on society. The game puts you in the role of an observer with a camera, capturing moments in a community where every photo you take influences the actions of those around you. What starts as simple observation quickly escalates as your choices shape the behavior of the people in the game, highlighting the power of media in shaping public perceptions and societal norms.

The Role of Observation

In We Become What We Behold, you control a camera that observes a small group of characters. Each time you take a photo, the behavior of those around you changes. The images you capture influence the community, creating a ripple effect that alters the way individuals act. This simple mechanic serves as a commentary on how media shapes our views of others, often exaggerating certain behaviors and encouraging conformity or division.

The Escalating Influence of Media

• Shaping Behavior: The more you capture certain behaviors, the more these actions begin to proliferate. As you continue taking photos, the community’s actions shift, escalating from minor changes to more extreme reactions. This mirrors how media coverage can amplify certain behaviors or trends, sometimes leading to unintended consequences.
• Media Bias: The game subtly explores the idea of media bias, showing how focusing on specific behaviors can create or reinforce stereotypes. The choices you make in terms of what you choose to capture can lead to a distorted perception of the community.
• Escalating Tensions: What begins as a relatively peaceful scene can quickly spiral out of control. The tension builds as the media (your camera) magnifies certain actions and behaviors, creating an environment where extreme views dominate and conflict escalates.

The Power of Choice

• Multiple Outcomes: The game is designed to offer various endings depending on the choices you make. Each decision influences the direction of the story, providing different conclusions that reflect the impact of media on society. The endings vary, and the choices you make shape how the community reacts.
• What You Capture Matters: The behavior you choose to focus on can have a profound effect on the community. Focusing on specific actions, like fear or aggression, will encourage those actions to become more widespread. This reflects the way media outlets often highlight specific topics, leading to a feedback loop of reinforced behavior.
• The Impact of Attention: The game emphasizes that the mere act of giving attention to certain behaviors through media can alter societal dynamics. The more attention you give to one group or action, the more it becomes amplified and entrenched in the community’s psyche.

Key Takeaways

• The Dangers of Sensationalism: The game serves as a powerful critique of sensationalist media and how it can distort public perceptions. By focusing on extreme or outlandish events, media outlets can shape public opinion in ways that are often harmful or misleading.
• Understanding Influence: We Become What We Behold encourages players to reflect on how the media shapes their views and the views of others. It asks the question: What happens when we allow certain narratives to dominate the conversation?
• Empathy and Consequences: The game teaches the importance of considering the consequences of our actions, both in the media we consume and in how we interact with others. Every decision has a ripple effect, and it’s crucial to understand the potential impact.

We Become What We Behold is more than just a game; it’s an insightful reflection on the role of media in shaping our world. With its simple mechanics and powerful message, the game challenges players to think critically about how their choices and actions contribute to the larger narrative of society. Each playthrough offers new perspectives and leaves you with thought-provoking questions about the media’s influence.