Every Story Needs a Conflict So...

We Become What We Behold puts the player in the shoes of the media, masterfully using the embedded approach to drive home its message about the way media affects people and vice versa. The ending of the game further invites the player to think about the experience when it zooms out to reveal a laptop like the one they might be using.

This much is apparent, but the game also has a few more subtle points. In order to progress the player must focus on events that are scandalous and able to influence masses, but what about events that fail to do that?

Throughout the game you notice what you capture affecting the citizens who view it. When you published that hats are cool, everyone puts on hats for example. However, there is a notable deviation from this: The red circle/square couple.

It is impossible not to notice them. They are drawn in red and must be photographed to progress in the game. The headline to go with their picture is “ew, get a room”. They are bashful, but they do not let the headline ultimately affect them. They return onscreen together, changing nothing about themselves. Later when the screaming man attempts to attack them, even after the headline about him being dangerous, they treat him with kindness and share the red “love hat” with him. He becomes happy and kind, never terrorizing anyone again. Positive change was attainable. Unfortunately, he becomes a victim of the gray-hat-man, who acts as the actual catalyst for violence.

Uh-oh Crickey I don't think this ends well...

Nope, I was right.

This is a narrative of the opposite side of things, only visible if the player also looks beyond what the game mechanics encourage. Beyond the sudden dark turn, there is still a message of hope. The story outside the camera lens is of people who, despite clearly seeing what the media says about them, continue to be themselves and advocate for love. At the end of the “media-induced massacre” only the original couple survives to mourn all the lost figures. They were the only ones who rose above the violence, not allowing themselves to become what they beheld.

None of these actions made the news, but they still made the difference.

Thank goodness Crickey is safe <3