Pippin Barr, a well-known figure in the underground video game scene, has just released a new game that's as intriguing as it is bizarre. Titled "It's As If You Were On Your Phone" (IAIYWOYP), this latest creation from the prolific solo developer invites players into a surreal experience that challenges our relationship with technology.
In IAIYWOYP, players find themselves in a near-future setting where the pressure to conform to societal norms around smartphone usage is overwhelming. The game's premise is uniquely strange: you must pretend to be on your phone by completing various prompts and gestures, all while actually not using it. This concept, set within a mobile game itself, offers a thought-provoking commentary on the pervasive influence of technology and the social expectations surrounding it.
As a gameplay experience, IAIYWOYP might not offer much beyond following the prompts, but its value lies in its artistic statement. It goes beyond the typical narrative of "phones are bad" to explore deeper themes about conformity and personal freedom in a digital age. The game challenges players to reflect on their own behaviors and the societal pressures they face.
**It's aaaart!!!** Whether or not you should play IAIYWOYP depends on your openness to experimental and conceptual games. If you're willing to engage with its message and reflect on what it says about you and society, it's certainly worth a try. Pippin Barr's previous works have always been about the experience, and IAIYWOYP continues this tradition.
However, if you're seeking a more conventional gaming experience, you might want to explore our list of the top five new mobile games to try this week.