Discussing
That Dragon, Cancer and finding grace in grief

In tracing a family's painful journey, the video game That Dragon, Cancer offers Gospel mercy to anyone who has lost someone dear to them.

Excellent review, Drew. It *is* a hard game to play, emotionally speaking. But it's wonderful. You've really captured some of the theological depth of the experience.

Drew, this is such an emotionally charged subject to tackle. I’m glad you did it so well. As someone who has lost two family members to cancer in the past two years my first instinct is to say “why would I want to play a game that is going to make me cry even more”? But there is a difference in crying tears of grief and crying tears in empathy and hope. I then wondered who would I share this game with? Family members, friends and neighbors who experienced the same loss? Those who haven’t felt the sting of cancer in their lives? Those who know Christ to keep hearts centered in Him? Those who don’t as a tool to help reach them with the love of Christ? While I could say I’ll have to play the game to decide, I think I know the answer to be all of the above. Appreciate your wisdom and perspective.

Wow, what a game! I'm tearing up just watching the trailer. Thanks for sharing the journey.

In Reply to Ann Zacek (comment #27777)
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Thanks for taking the time to read the article. So sorry to hear about your loss.

I think you are right, it could be helpful for all of the above. I have heard Ryan say that he fully understands that this game isn't for everyone, some people will find it too difficult to play emotionally and I think he totally gets that. That said, I think this game highlights, in a really poignant way, the value of grief. Particularly the value of grief for those who hope in Christ. Its not something to be avoided but embraced as a mercy, as a reminder that this world is broken and will be renewed, but maybe even more importantly, as a reminder to love, serve, suffer, and greive with our neighbors out of love for them.

I barely got through half of this article before I broke down, literally, since my dad's death on 4/2/15 from Lung Cancer. I am going to try to play the game because I truly believe that I will receive healing through my tears. I am a four time Cancer Survivor of Breast, Colin, Right and Left Lung Cancers. I have been completely healed, Praise God! My mom died first on 3/15/13 and even though I miss her dearly because we were very close, it's so different how I miss my dad, and I know that it's because I moved back home to care for him. My dad became so special to me because he shared with me so much that I never might have known, hadn't he fell, subsequently finding out about the cancer. Thus article touched something deep within me that I, quite obviously, have/had yet to deal with. And I know that to be true because I have yet to grieve either of my parents deaths. I pray that I am healed through the concept that the game stresses - hope.

In Reply to Kevin Schut (comment #27773)
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Thanks Kevin, I am looking forward to reading your thoughts on the game soon!

There was also an excellent recent episode of the podcast Reply All about this game and its creators. I highly recommend it: https://gimletmedia.com/episode/50-the-cathedral/

In Reply to Michael Geertsma (comment #27784)
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Yeah! I listened to that as well, it was fantastic.

Also just FYI, I recorded a podcast recently with Ryan Green and Josh Larson. Its probably the most compelling interview I have ever done on the GameChurch Podcast: http://gamechurch.com/that-dragon-cancer-christian-art/

In Reply to Veroncua (comment #27780)
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Thanks for sharing. Its a difficult game, but it is certainly hope-filled. I hope you are blessed by it should you choose to play it.