About we become what we behold
What Is We Become What We Behold?
we become what we behold is a short but powerful interactive game created by Nicky Case. It explores how media shapes society by putting you in the role of a photographer on a busy street. As you frame and capture moments between two groups — squares and circles — your choices subtly influence the narrative. Small tensions escalate, misunderstandings grow, and before long, a tiny disagreement becomes something much bigger.
The Game's Core Message
At its heart, we become what we behold is about media responsibility. Every photo you take is a choice: what to include, what to exclude, what to amplify. The game demonstrates how selective framing can turn peaceful neighbors into enemies. In just five minutes of play, you experience how the stories we tell — through photos, headlines, or tweets — can either bridge divides or tear communities apart.
Who Is Nicky Case?
Nicky Case is an independent game designer and visual essayist known for creating interactive experiences that make complex social and political ideas accessible. Their work often explores themes of trust, cooperation, polarization, and systems thinking. we become what we behold is one of Case's most well-known projects, praised for its elegance and emotional impact despite its minimal pixel-art style.
Why We Built This Site
We created this website to give we become what we behold a permanent, easy-to-access home online. The game deserves to be played by as many people as possible — students, journalists, educators, and curious minds alike. Our site hosts the game in a clean, fast-loading environment with no ads, no sign-ups, and no downloads. Just open the page and start reflecting.
The Photography Mechanic
The gameplay is deceptively simple: you click to take photos. But each photo you publish influences what happens next. Capture an angry moment, and anger spreads. Frame two characters fighting, and the crowd takes sides. The game does not tell you what to photograph — it simply shows you the consequences of your choices. By the end, you realize that what you chose to behold is what the world became.
Education and Reflection
Many teachers and workshop facilitators use we become what we behold as a conversation starter about media literacy. The game is short enough for a classroom activity but deep enough to spark meaningful discussion about journalism, social media, echo chambers, and the responsibility that comes with sharing content. We encourage educators to use this site as a teaching tool.
Our Philosophy
We believe games can be more than entertainment — they can be mirrors. we become what we behold holds up a mirror to our media consumption habits and asks: what are we choosing to see? What are we choosing to share? And how do those choices shape the world we live in? We keep this site simple, fast, and free because the message matters more than the packaging.
Get in Touch
Have feedback, a story to share, or want to use this game in your classroom? Reach us at admin@webecomewhatwebehold.cn. We read every message and love hearing how people use the game to spark conversations.