In a digital world oversaturated with clicks, likes, and viral content, the indie game We Become What We Behold delivers a deceptively simple yet deeply haunting narrative. It’s not just a game—it's a mirror reflecting society, a commentary on modern media, and an invitation to question how information manipulation shapes our perceptions and behavior. While it only takes five minutes to complete, its emotional and intellectual impact lingers long after the screen goes black.
🧠📺 Created by Nicky Case: A Voice for Interactive Empathy
We Become What We Behold was created by Nicky Case, a developer known for crafting interactive experiences that explore complex societal and emotional themes. Nicky’s projects often blend education, storytelling, and personal reflection, making this game another example of how interactivity can foster deeper understanding of human behavior.
Case has previously worked on thought-provoking projects like The Evolution of Trust and Coming Out Simulator, and their style consistently merges minimalist visuals with maximum emotional impact. In We Become What We Behold, that philosophy comes alive with stark imagery, subtle music, and a haunting loop of cause-and-effect that’s all too familiar in the real world.
⚠️🔥 The Cycle of Fear and Division
What makes the game unforgettable is its cyclical storytelling. One image of aggression or panic spirals into a larger conflict, with one side fearing the other, mistrusting their neighbors, and eventually turning violent. This is a disturbingly accurate metaphor for how clickbait culture and partisan news thrive in real life.
The phrase "We become what we behold" is not just a title—it’s a central thesis. It reveals how audiences unconsciously absorb and replicate the tone, bias, and energy of the media they engage with. Fear sells. Outrage spreads. Division dominates. And without realizing it, we become the characters we’re shown, and play the roles we’re told exist.
📱🗞️ A Reflection of Modern Echo Chambers
What sets this game apart in the world of indie storytelling is its timeless relevance. In the age of algorithm-driven newsfeeds and digital echo chambers, the game shows how subtle media cues snowball into massive sociopolitical effects. It teaches players—without ever preaching—about confirmation bias, groupthink, and how narratives are weaponized.
The ending is intentionally abrupt and unsettling. Just like in real life, there’s no neat resolution, no hero to save the day. Instead, you're left with a heavy realization: you were part of the problem.
🎮🔍 Where to Play It
You can play We Become What We Behold for free directly in your browser on various platforms. The most official and widely used one is itch.io, where the game was originally uploaded by Nicky Case. It runs on both desktop and mobile browsers with no installation needed.
For players who prefer PC versions or downloadable files, the game is also available for download on the same page. Just visit:
This accessibility makes it a great tool for classrooms, workshops, or simply curious minds looking to explore media influence through play.
🧠📸 Final Thoughts: Choose What You Behold
We Become What We Behold is not just an indie gem—it's a cultural critique wrapped in a browser-based mini-game. It asks uncomfortable questions, forces uncomfortable realizations, and does all of it through simple, relatable visuals and mechanics. The next time you scroll, click, or share, remember: you are shaping the world you live in—and the world that others will inherit.