If there's anyone who could be considered a bonafide underground video game celebrity, it's developer Pippin Barr. With a prolific career spanning dozens of releases, Barr has consistently aimed to deliver thought-provoking, unique, and downright *weird* gaming experiences. His latest release, "It's As If You Were On Your Phone" (IAIYWOYP), might just be his most bizarre yet.
So, what is IAIYWOYP about? It's a game where you play on your phone while pretending *not* to be on it. Set in the not-too-distant future, the game explores a world where the pressure to appear disconnected from your phone is constant. The workaround? You complete prompts and simulate phone use. It's a strange and surreal setup, especially for a mobile game.
As an actual gameplay experience, IAIYWOYP may not offer much in traditional terms, but as an artistic statement, it makes a compelling point beyond the usual "phones are bad" narrative. The game prompts players to engage in actions like stretching their necks quickly or dragging a pink ball to a specific spot, all while maintaining the facade of not being on their phone.
**It's aaaart!!!**
Would I recommend playing IAIYWOYP? It depends on your openness to experimental gaming. If you're willing to dive in and ponder its message, there's much to be gained from the experience. However, given its focus on following prompts, there may not be much beyond that to explore.
Yet, this is Pippin Barr we're talking about, and their previous works have been worth trying for the experience alone. So, consider giving IAIYWOYP a shot and reflect on what it's trying to say—and what it might reveal about *you*.
If you're seeking something more traditional, you can always check out our list of the top five new mobile games to try this week.
