Bizarre New Desktop Mobile Release Mimics Phone Experience

Pippin Barr, a well-known name in the underground video game scene, has once again pushed the boundaries with their latest release, *It's As If You Were On Your Phone* (IAIYWOYP). Known for their thought-provoking and unconventional games, Barr's new project delves into the surreal world of pretending to use your phone in a future where societal pressure to conform is overwhelming.

IAIYWOYP presents players with a unique premise: you're on your phone, but you're supposed to act as if you're not. Set in a near future where the expectation to be on your phone without actually being engaged with it is intense, the game challenges players to follow prompts and mimic phone usage behaviors. This setup is both strange and thought-provoking, making a statement about our relationship with technology beyond the typical "phones are bad" narrative.

**It's aaaart!!!** As an artistic piece, IAIYWOYP offers a lot to unpack. While the gameplay itself might not be the most engaging, the game's commentary on societal norms and technology use is compelling. Whether or not you should play it depends on your openness to experimental and conceptual games. If you're willing to explore what Barr is trying to convey, you might find the experience rewarding and reflective of your own habits.

Given Barr's history of creating intriguing games, IAIYWOYP is worth a try, if only for the experience and the questions it raises about you and your relationship with your device. However, if you're seeking a more conventional gaming experience, you might want to check out our list of the top five new mobile games to try this week.