It\'s As If You Were On Your Phone is a bizarre new introspective desktop mobile release

Author : Isabella Mar 29,2025

Pippin Barr, a renowned figure in the underground video game scene, has once again pushed the boundaries with his latest release, It's As If You Were On Your Phone (IAIYWOYP). Known for his thought-provoking and unconventional games, Barr's new project delves into a surreal exploration of our relationship with technology.

IAIYWOYP presents players with a unique concept: simulating phone usage in a future where societal pressures to appear disconnected from our devices are overwhelming. In this game, you'll find yourself completing prompts and mimicking phone gestures, all while pretending not to be on your phone. It's a commentary on the near future, where the need to conform to societal norms around technology use becomes absolute.

The game itself might not offer traditional gameplay elements, but as an artistic statement, it raises intriguing questions about our dependency on phones and the societal expectations surrounding them. Beyond the surface-level "phones are bad" narrative, IAIYWOYP invites players to reflect on deeper themes.

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 cutoutIt's aaaart!!!Whether you should dive into IAIYWOYP depends on your willingness to engage with its message. If you're open to exploring its artistic intent and deciphering its commentary, you might find it a rewarding experience. However, if you're seeking conventional gameplay, you might find it lacking beyond the act of following prompts.

Given Pippin Barr's track record of creating experiences worth exploring, IAIYWOYP could be worth a try, if only to ponder its implications about our own behaviors and societal norms. But for those looking for more traditional mobile gaming experiences, our list of the top five new mobile games to try this week offers plenty of options.