That Dragon, Cancer

Definition

That Dragon, Cancer is an independent video game developed by Ryan and Amy Green that serves as a deeply personal narrative experience exploring themes of grief, faith, and the emotional struggles faced during their son Joel's battle with cancer. The game uniquely combines interactive storytelling with emotional engagement, illustrating how video games can serve as powerful forms of artistic expression that address serious topics, thereby connecting players with profound human experiences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. That Dragon, Cancer was released in 2016 and was inspired by the real-life experiences of the Green family as they navigated their son’s illness and eventual passing.
2. The game utilizes various artistic styles and mechanics to convey its emotional depth, employing visuals and sound to immerse players in the narrative experience.
3. It received critical acclaim for its poignant storytelling and unique approach to discussing the realities of terminal illness and loss, contributing to conversations about video games as a valid art form.
4. Through its gameplay, players encounter different emotional moments and scenarios that reflect the family's journey, emphasizing empathy and connection over traditional gaming objectives.
5. The success of That Dragon, Cancer has influenced the indie game scene, inspiring other developers to create narrative-driven games that tackle serious themes and personal stories.

Review Questions

• How does That Dragon, Cancer exemplify the principles of interactive narrative in its storytelling?
  • That Dragon, Cancer exemplifies interactive narrative by allowing players to engage with the story through various gameplay mechanics that reflect emotional experiences. Players navigate through scenes that depict moments from the Green family's life, where each interaction fosters a deeper understanding of their struggles. The game’s design emphasizes choice and emotional resonance, demonstrating how player agency can enhance the storytelling process.
• In what ways does That Dragon, Cancer contribute to the discourse on serious games as a medium for artistic expression?
  • That Dragon, Cancer contributes to the discourse on serious games by showcasing how video games can effectively communicate complex emotional narratives that resonate with players on a personal level. By tackling sensitive subjects such as illness and grief, it challenges traditional perceptions of gaming as merely entertainment. The game's impact encourages further exploration of serious games as tools for empathy and understanding, positioning them alongside other art forms.
• Evaluate the significance of That Dragon, Cancer within the broader context of indie game development and its impact on future narrative-driven projects.
  • That Dragon, Cancer holds significant importance in indie game development as it highlights how independent creators can use personal experiences to craft meaningful narratives that challenge conventional gaming norms. Its success has paved the way for future narrative-driven projects within the indie scene, encouraging developers to explore themes that reflect genuine human experiences. This shift towards more emotionally resonant storytelling has inspired a new wave of indie games that prioritize artistic expression over commercial viability.

Related terms

Interactive Narrative: A form of storytelling in which the player actively participates in shaping the story through their choices and interactions within the game.

Serious Games: Games designed for a primary purpose other than pure entertainment, often used for education, training, or to raise awareness about important social issues.

Indie Game Development: The process of creating video games independently from major publishers, often characterized by creative freedom and innovative gameplay.