"Bizarre New Desktop Mobile Release Mimics Phone Experience"

Pippin Barr, the underground video game celebrity known for his thought-provoking and unconventional creations, has released a new game titled "It's As If You Were On Your Phone" (IAIYWOYP). This latest addition to his catalog is as bizarre and intriguing as one might expect from the prolific solo developer. Set in a near-future where societal pressure to be on your phone without actually using it is intense, IAIYWOYP challenges players to engage in a peculiar act: pretending to be on their phones by completing in-game prompts and gestures.

The game's premise is both strange and surreal, fitting perfectly into the mobile platform it inhabits. While IAIYWOYP may not offer traditional gameplay depth, its strength lies in its artistic statement. It goes beyond the common narrative of "phones are bad" to delve into deeper themes about conformity and societal expectations in the digital age.

A gray game screen with a prompt at the top to Stretch Your Neck Quickly, while a pink ball says to drag it to a small cutout **It's aaaart!!!**

Whether I recommend playing IAIYWOYP depends on your openness to experimental gaming. If you're willing to explore its message and reflect on its commentary about our relationship with technology, there's much to appreciate. However, as the game primarily consists of following prompts, its replay value might be limited for those seeking traditional gaming experiences.

Yet, given Pippin Barr's reputation for crafting unique experiences, IAIYWOYP is worth trying, if only to ponder its implications and what it might reveal about yourself. For those preferring more conventional mobile games, consider checking out our list of the top five new mobile games to try this week.