"Bizarre New Desktop Mobile Release Mimics Phone Experience"

If you're familiar with the underground video game scene, you've probably heard of the prolific solo developer Pippin Barr. Known for crafting dozens of thought-provoking, unique, and downright bizarre games, Barr's latest release, *It's As If You Were On Your Phone* (IAIYWOYP), might just be the most peculiar yet.

So, what's IAIYWOYP about? It's a curious concept where you're playing on your phone while pretending not to be on it. Set in a near future where societal pressure to conform is overwhelming, the game challenges you to complete prompts and mimic phone usage without actually using it. It's an odd and surreal premise, especially for a mobile game, highlighting the contradictions and pressures of modern life.

As a gameplay experience, IAIYWOYP might not offer much beyond following prompts. However, as an artistic statement, it raises intriguing questions about our relationship with technology and the societal expectations surrounding it. It's more than just a commentary on the "phone bad" narrative; it's a deeper exploration of conformity and individuality.

**It's aaaart!!!**

Would I recommend playing IAIYWOYP? It depends on your openness to experimental games. If you're willing to engage with its message and reflect on what it says about you and society, there's a lot to unpack. However, if you're after more traditional gameplay, you might find it lacking.

That said, this is Pippin Barr we're talking about, whose previous works are often worth experiencing for their unique perspective alone. So, why not give IAIYWOYP a try and see what insights you can glean from it?

If you're seeking something more conventional, you can explore our list of the top five new mobile games to try this week.