Object Impermanence is a puzzle game where the moment you look away from something, it stops existing
Object Impermanence is a puzzle game built around a distinctive mechanic inspired by the psychological concept of object permanence—the understanding that objects continue to exist even when not visible. In this game, nothing exists unless directly observed, creating a core gameplay mechanic where objects cease to exist the moment the player looks away from them.
The game’s design philosophy draws inspiration from Portal, suggesting puzzle-solving mechanics involving object manipulation and placement. Players must hold and position objects in specific locations to progress, with the added twist that their attention directly affects the game world’s existence. This creates an unusual puzzle dynamic where managing visibility becomes a puzzle-solving tool in itself.
The concept plays with the psychological principle that young children experience as they develop—the idea that covered or hidden objects have disappeared entirely. By translating this into a video game mechanic, Object Impermanence offers a novel take on physics-based puzzle design, where the player’s perspective isn’t merely cosmetic but fundamentally alters gameplay and level design.