Everything

Everything (2017) is a simulation where you traverse the world by becoming anything in the universe. Play involves shifting seamlessly to inhabit forms (plants, animals, clouds, mountains, atoms, and galaxies) each tumbling and moving through a shared world where time and scale bend to your perspective. It stands out for its philosophical framing and meditative tone, transforming control into contemplation in a world that continues even without your input.

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In Everything, created by artist and filmmaker David O'Reilly, you inhabit an open universe where every object can be controlled. You begin as a simple creature and quickly discover that every object you see can be inhabited, whether that’s a seed, a tree, a streetlight or a continent. Movement is deliberately awkward as objects roll rather than walk.

As you progress, you learn to move between scales - from microscopic to cosmic - and can lead groups of similar objects, creating spontaneous ecosystems and patterns. Time flows differently depending on your size, so the pace of play mirrors your form: slow as an atom, swift as a galaxy. Along the way, you trigger recordings of philosopher Alan Watts, reflecting on selfhood and connection, giving meaning to the act of becoming.

The result is a game that transforms the concept of play into a meditative reflection on being and interconnection. Its lack of goals or conflict invites curiosity instead of mastery, and its scale-shifting mechanic ties physical experience to philosophical inquiry. Everything becomes less about winning or progress, and more about the wonder of existing as part of a continuous, living universe.

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Our examiner, Ellen Robertson, first checked Everything 5 years ago. It was re-examined by Andy Robertson and updated 7 weeks ago.