We Become What We Behold

We Become What We Behold is a short narrative-driven experience that explores how media shapes perception, behavior, and collective emotion. Presented through simple yet expressive visuals, the game demonstrates how small interactions can escalate into larger societal reactions when magnified through cameras and screens. At its heart, the game examines how drama, fear, and sensationalism often overshadow everyday life. By placing players behind the lens of a news camera, it allows them to observe how capturing certain moments influences the world around them.

Observing the Chain Reaction of Small Moments

The gameplay centers on photographing different characters as they interact in a small public square. Depending on what the camera captures, the environment reacts—people become more cautious, more excited, or increasingly aggressive based on the images broadcast to the crowd. The game’s minimalistic design makes each scene feel symbolic, showing how a single snapshot can distort reality. This mechanic encourages players to think critically about what they choose to focus on.

• Capture interactions that shape the mood of the entire environment.
• See how ordinary scenes change based on media exposure.
• Experiment with which characters and events to photograph.
• Observe how crowds mimic the tone of the images shown to them.
• Understand how bias forms through selective coverage.

Symbolism and Emotion Packed Into Minimalist Visuals

Though the artwork is simple, every character carries symbolic weight. Colors, shapes, and expressions indicate how different groups respond to what they perceive. The visual simplicity keeps focus on broader themes rather than individual details. As the emotional tone shifts from peaceful interactions to rising tension, players witness how quickly a community can change when exposed to repeated negativity.

• Simplified character designs emphasize emotional shifts.
• Crowd reactions escalate visibly as tensions rise.
• Symbolic elements reflect real-world social patterns.
• A clean layout keeps attention on core messages.
• Contrast between calm and chaotic scenes highlights media impact.

A Commentary on Desensitization and Sensationalism

We Become What We Behold presents a compact narrative that mirrors real-world media cycles. Players see how drama becomes amplified because it attracts attention, while calm moments fade into obscurity. The game builds toward a powerful conclusion that reflects how easily societies can be influenced when negative events dominate the spotlight. Through a short but meaningful progression, it reveals how repeated exposure to fear or hostility can reshape behavior.

• Focus on extreme events increases emotional volatility.
• Positive moments often go unnoticed unless deliberately captured.
• The crowd gradually adopts behaviors emphasized by the camera.
• Hostility grows when conflict becomes the main narrative.
• Final outcomes highlight the consequences of sensational coverage.

A Brief but Impactful Interactive Reflection

We Become What We Behold may be short, but its themes resonate long after the final scene. The game offers a meaningful look at how media framing affects social dynamics, encouraging players to consider the real-world parallels. With its concise storytelling, expressive symbolism, and thought-provoking mechanics, it stands as a powerful reminder of how easily perception can be shaped—and how quickly societies can change when influenced by what they repeatedly see.