Have you ever played a game that made you stop and think about the world differently? In 2017, a small game called "We Become What We Behold" came out and did just that for many people. It wasn't a big budget release, but its simple message and unique style made it stick around in people's minds.

This game is a short, almost poetic experience. It doesn't have complex controls or a long story. Instead, it uses its gameplay to show us something important about how we see others, and how they see us. It's the kind of experience that proves games can be more than just entertainment. They can be art, and they can make us feel things.

A World Seen

Through a Lens

"We Become What We Behold" puts you in control of a character who carries a camera. This camera isn't just for taking pictures. It's the way you interact with the world and the people in it. When you point your camera at someone or something, you change it. This is the core idea of the game, and it's explored in a really clever way.

The game shows a small town, full of different people doing everyday things. You can walk around and point your camera at anyone. When you do, they react. They might freeze, they might get scared, or they might start doing something new. It's like your gaze itself has power.

*Your perspective literally shapes reality

• within the game. If you focus on someone, they become aware of you and change their behavior. This simple mechanic leads to some fascinating observations about how we are all influenced by being watched.

The

Power of Observation

What happens when you point your camera at a group of people? They might all stop what they're doing and look at you. Or, they might start interacting with each other differently, perhaps becoming more aware of their surroundings because you're watching.

The game plays with the idea that being observed changes behavior. Think about it. When you know someone is watching, you might act differently than if you were alone. This game makes that feeling very clear. It’s a constant reminder that our actions are not always our own, but are shaped by the eyes upon us.

Seeing the Same Thing Differently

One of the most interesting parts is how different players might see the same scene and react in unique ways. Because the game is so open-ended, there's no single right way to play. You can choose to be a passive observer, just watching the town go by.

Or, you can be an active participant, using your camera to stir things up. You might cause people to run away, or you might cause them to gather together. The game doesn't judge your choices. It simply shows you the results of your actions.

Creating Connections (or Disconnections)

As you continue to use the camera, you start to see patterns. People who are photographed together might start to stick together. People who are photographed away from others might become isolated. The game shows how our interactions, even simple ones, can lead to forming bonds or creating distance.

It's a powerful visual metaphor for how we build relationships in real life. We connect with people based on shared experiences, proximity, and how we perceive each other. The camera in the game acts as a tool that directly influences these connections.

*The game subtly teaches us about social dynamics.

• It shows how easy it is to influence a group, and how quickly individuals can change their behavior when they feel seen.

The

Cycle of Influence

"We Become What We Behold" doesn't just show how you influence others. It also shows how the town's reactions can influence you, the player. As you cause people to change, the environment around you might also shift. This creates a loop where actions have consequences that ripple outwards.

"We become what we behold. We are shaped by the people and things we focus on."

This quote, central to the game's theme, highlights the idea that our focus matters. What we pay attention to, what we choose to see, and what we choose to interact with, all have a profound effect on us and our surroundings.

It’s a simple concept, but the game presents it in a way that makes you feel it. You see the town change based on your camera's gaze, and you understand that this is a reflection of a deeper truth about how we all influence each other.

Why It Still Matters

Years after its release, "We Become What We Behold" remains a thought-provoking piece. In a world that is increasingly connected yet often feels more divided, the game's message about perception and influence is more relevant than ever.

It reminds us that how we look at the world impacts the world itself. It encourages us to be mindful of our own perspectives and how they might be shaping our reality and the reality of those around us. It's a short game, but its ideas are big.

The game is a beautiful example of how simple mechanics can convey complex emotions and ideas. It doesn't need words to tell its story. It shows it to you, making you an active part of the narrative. It’s a small game that leaves a lasting impression.

It prompts us to consider: Are we truly seeing things as they are, or are we seeing them as we are? And how does that change everything?