If there's anyone who could be called an underground video game celebrity, it's the prolific solo developer Pippin Barr. With dozens of releases under his belt, Barr has consistently offered thought-provoking, unique, and downright weird gaming experiences. His latest creation, "It's As If You Were On Your Phone" (IAIYWOYP), might just take the cake for the strangest yet.
So, what is IAIYWOYP all about? In a bizarre twist, it's about playing on your phone while pretending you're not actually using it. Set in a near future where the pressure to conform and appear disconnected from your device is intense, the game involves completing prompts and making gestures to simulate phone use. It's a surreal setup, especially for a mobile game, and while the gameplay itself might not be groundbreaking, the artistic statement it makes is compelling and goes beyond the typical "phones are bad" narrative.
**It's aaaart!!!**
Would I recommend playing IAIYWOYP? That depends on your openness to unconventional experiences. If you're willing to delve into its message and appreciate the commentary it offers on societal pressures, there's much to be gained. However, given that the gameplay largely revolves around following prompts, its appeal might be limited to those interested in the artistic statement rather than traditional gameplay.
Yet, this is Pippin Barr we're discussing, and his previous works have been worth experiencing for their uniqueness alone. So, give IAIYWOYP a try and ponder what it's trying to convey—and what it might reveal about yourself.
If you're in the mood for something more conventional, you can always explore our list of the top five new mobile games to try this week.