We Become What We Behold: Meaning, Game Analysis, and Life Lessons

We Become What We Behold: Meaning, Game Analysis, and Life Lessons

We Become What We Behold is more than just a game; it is a powerful commentary on media, influence, and society. Created by Nicky Case, this minimalist yet thought-provoking game has resonated with players worldwide. With its simple mechanics and deep narrative, We Become What We Behold explores how mass media shapes our perceptions, emotions, and collective behaviors.

In this comprehensive article, we’ll delve into the game’s core concept, meaning, gameplay mechanics, and life lessons it delivers. Whether you’re a gamer, student, or someone interested in social commentary, this game offers a powerful reflection on the world around us.

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What is We Become What We Behold?

We Become What We Behold is an indie browser-based game released in 2016 by Nicky Case, a developer known for creating games that combine entertainment with education and social messages. The game’s title is derived from the phrase:

“We become what we behold. We shape our tools, and thereafter our tools shape us.”
– Marshall McLuhan, media theorist

This phrase captures the essence of the game: how our focus and attention on certain events or emotions can shape who we are, individually and collectively.

The game uses a five-minute interactive experience to highlight how the media amplifies conflict and negativity, leading to a cycle of fear, hatred, and division.

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Gameplay Mechanics: How We Become What We Behold Works

The gameplay in We Become What We Behold is deceptively simple yet impactful.

How to Play

1. The Camera: Players control a camera that captures snapshots of a crowd of people and their interactions.
2. Choosing the Narrative: You decide which events or individuals to focus on. Events that are shocking, negative, or unusual tend to get attention and spread through the crowd.
3. Media Influence: Once you photograph an event, the game “broadcasts” it on a large screen, influencing the characters’ behaviors and attitudes.
4. Escalating Conflict: As the game progresses, seemingly harmless moments escalate into chaos, anger, and division.

The game ends in a shocking and tragic way, emphasizing the consequences of focusing on negativity.

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The Meaning Behind We Become What We Behold

The core theme of We Become What We Behold is how media influences our thoughts, perceptions, and actions. Here are the key messages of the game:

1. Media’s Role in Shaping Society

The game highlights how media focuses disproportionately on controversial, divisive, or shocking content. People are drawn to negativity, which leads to a snowball effect. When we only pay attention to anger and conflict, we allow these emotions to dominate society.

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2. Amplification of Fear and Hate

Each snapshot in the game represents how small, isolated moments—like an argument or an angry interaction—are amplified through media. Instead of capturing peaceful, positive events, the focus remains on conflict. This mirrors how social media and news platforms often prioritize engagement-driven content, even if it fuels division.

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3. The Cyclical Nature of Conflict

The game portrays a vicious cycle:

• Media broadcasts negativity → People imitate the behavior → More negativity occurs → Media amplifies it again.
• This cycle continues until it reaches a tipping point, leading to widespread chaos.

This reflects real-world issues like media sensationalism, fake news, and social polarization.

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4. Individual Responsibility

While the game critiques the media, it also highlights the role of individuals in perpetuating negativity. Players choose what to photograph, symbolizing how people decide what to amplify and share in real life. The game subtly asks:

• Are we focusing on the wrong things?
• How do our choices contribute to conflict and negativity?

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Life Lessons From We Become What We Behold

The game’s simple but powerful narrative teaches valuable lessons that apply to modern life:

1. Be Mindful of What You Consume

• The content we engage with—on social media, news outlets, or entertainment—shapes our thoughts and behaviors.
• Focus on positivity and solutions instead of amplifying anger, fear, or hate.

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2. Media Literacy is Crucial

• Learn to identify sensationalism and bias in the media.
• Not everything you see or read represents the full truth. Question narratives that promote division and conflict.

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3. Your Actions Influence Others

• Like the snapshots in the game, the things we share and focus on can influence those around us.
• Be intentional about spreading kindness, understanding, and constructive ideas.

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4. Break the Cycle of Negativity

• The game’s chaotic ending is a warning of what happens when negativity escalates unchecked.
• Choose to amplify positive moments, solutions, and unity instead of feeding into division.

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Why is We Become What We Behold So Popular?

Despite its simplicity, We Become What We Behold has resonated with players worldwide for several reasons:

1. Thought-Provoking Gameplay

• The game delivers a powerful message in just five minutes, leaving a lasting impact.
• It forces players to reflect on their role in shaping society’s narrative.

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2. Simple Yet Effective Design

• The minimalist art style, quirky animations, and sound effects make the game visually appealing and accessible.
• Its simplicity allows the message to take center stage.

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3. Commentary on Modern Society

• In an age dominated by social media, clickbait, and sensationalism, the game feels timely and relevant.
• It highlights how negativity spreads rapidly in today’s hyper-connected world.

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4. Easy Accessibility

• The game is free to play and available online, making it accessible to a global audience.
• Its short duration makes it easy for anyone to experience, regardless of their gaming background.

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How to Play We Become What We Behold

You can play We Become What We Behold for free on any browser:

Steps to Play:

1. Visit itch.io or any website hosting the game.
2. Click “Start” to launch the game.
3. Use your mouse to control the camera and capture moments.
4. Watch how each snapshot influences the crowd and progresses the story.

The game works seamlessly on desktops, laptops, and mobile browsers, making it accessible to everyone.

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Impact of We Become What We Behold on Society

The game has sparked discussions about media ethics, human behavior, and the responsibility of both creators and consumers. Educators, students, and social commentators have used the game as a tool to explore topics like:

• How media shapes perceptions of reality
• The effects of negativity and sensationalism
• The role of individuals in fostering empathy and understanding

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Similar Games to We Become What We Behold

If you enjoyed We Become What We Behold, here are a few similar thought-provoking games:

1. Papers, Please by Lucas Pope
   • A game about ethical dilemmas and the human cost of bureaucracy.
2. The Republia Times by Lucas Pope
   • A media simulation game where you control what news gets published.
3. This War of Mine by 11 Bit Studios
   • A survival game highlighting the realities of war from a civilian’s perspective.
4. The Evolution of Trust by Nicky Case
   • A game exploring trust, cooperation, and betrayal in society.

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Conclusion: Why We Become What We Behold Matters

We Become What We Behold is a masterpiece of simplicity and meaning. It serves as a mirror, reflecting how our focus on negativity, fear, and conflict can shape society for the worse. In just five minutes, the game delivers a powerful critique of media sensationalism, while subtly reminding us of our responsibility to break the cycle of negativity.

By choosing to amplify kindness, positivity, and constructive narratives, we can become what we choose to behold. So, the next time you scroll through your feed or share content, ask yourself: Are you contributing to unity or division?

Play We Become What We Behold today, and experience its profound message firsthand. It’s more than a game—it’s a lesson we all need to learn.

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