We Become What We Behold


“We Become What We Behold” is a thought-provoking game that immerses players in the impact of media polarization on society. Through taking pictures in a crowd, the game challenges players to understand how media can manipulate and divide people by playing on differences.

One of the major challenges of media polarization is that it can lead to a skewed or one-sided understanding of issues, events and political positions. This can result in the formation of strong opinions without having access to complete or accurate information, leading to conflicts and division within society. Polarized media also contributes to mistrust of media and journalism, which can have detrimental effects on democracy.

The game is best played in context, such as discussing respect and tolerance across social classes or cultures. It is a short game, taking only five minutes to complete, making it a valuable tool in classroom discussions on the topic of media and its effects on society. As the game progresses, it becomes clear that the crowd becomes violent, providing a powerful reminder of the consequences of media polarization.

Link to the game: https://ncase.itch.io/wbwwb

Possible tasks:
Before playing:

  • Reflect on the factors that shape your thoughts and beliefs.
  • Share examples of how media has influenced your understanding of an issue or event.

After playing:

  • Discuss the choices and actions that led to more people wearing hats.
  • Analyze how the game portrayed the fear of “the other” and its potential real-world implications.
  • Explore the implications of the game’s decision to not progress when taking pictures of happy situations.
  • Examine the media’s tendency to highlight negative events over positive ones and its impact on society.
  • Consider the message or themes the game is trying to convey about media polarization and its effects on society.

It is important to note that the game “We Become What We Behold” includes a violent and bloody turn. Before using it in the classroom, it is essential to review and comply with your school’s policies and guidelines regarding appropriate content.