'Beings' is a video game that challenges human-centric viewpoints by immersing players in speculative narratives, allowing them to experience life from non-human perspectives. The game through embodied interaction fosters empathy, admiration, and reflection on anthropocentric thinking.
Game Storyline: The Mystery of Wu-Vo
'Beings' is set on the fictional planet Wu-Vo, a meticulously designed artificial planet created as a secondary habitat for humanity.
Wu-Vo replicates Earth's diverse ecosystems and even revives extinct species, but it was abandoned after a series of mysterious disappearances among those working on the planet. A hypothesis emerged that those who vanished may have transformed into new life forms on Wu-Vo. Despite the mystery, no one has dared to come—until the ‘you', the player, decides to uncover the truth.
In 'Beings', players explore Wu-Vo, a planet ecologically similar to Earth, yet uniquely strange. The game’s core mechanic involves unexpected transformations, where players shift from one species to another at random moments. These changes are not just cosmetic; they require players to adapt to new abilities and perspectives that belong to each creature.
Gameplay Mechanics and Immersion
As players complete tasks, they gather fragments of memory related to Wu-Vo’s lost inhabitants, gradually uncovering the planet’s secrets. The game’s body-tracking feature enhances this experience, allowing players to use their physical movements to control the characters, making the transformations more immersive and engaging.
"Beings" is a speculative narrative that challenges players to reconsider their relationship with nonhuman life. By navigating the world through various species’ perspectives, the game dismantles the human-centred worldview and fosters empathy for all forms of life. Its unpredictable transformations and rich narrative create a unique, thought-provoking experience that prompts reflection on the interconnectedness of all beings.
Ultimately, "Beings" is not just a game but a commentary on the limitations of human perception. It invites players to step beyond their own experiences and engage with the world profoundly differently, making it a powerful tool for challenging anthropocentric thinking.
