SHI — The Game of Touch
A two-player touch game, played in physical presence on one device. A way of seeing through presence, touch, and the awareness of mortality.
The practice
SHI stands on four supports — love, death, time, presence. In Japanese, one sound holds two meanings: four (四) and death (死). The game is a practice of these four, together, in silence, by touch.
How it is played
- 1Two people sit facing one screen and each place two fingers on the glass.
- 2A quiet round begins: the screen answers touch with light, sound, and slowly shifting marks.
- 3Hands must stay in contact. If a hand lifts, the round breaks and starts again.
- 4A round lasts a few minutes and ends by itself. Nothing is scored, nothing is saved.
SHI cannot be played alone, and it does not work with a mouse.
It needs a phone or tablet that registers at least four simultaneous touches. Sound on, if you can.
Play
The game is playable now, in the browser, on a touchscreen. Two people, one device.
From game to book
The practice grew into a book — SHI · A Way of Seeing.
Status
This is an early playable version: the core round works, the rest is being built slowly.
Partners
Publishers, investors, and collaborators — write a personal letter.