Title | That Dragon, Cancer |
Developer(s) | Numinous Games |
Publisher(s) | Numinous Games |
Genre | PC > Indie, Adventure |
Release Date | Jan 11, 2016 |
Size | 1.53 GB |
Get it on | Steam Games |
Report | Report Game |
“That Dragon, Cancer” is a powerful and emotional video game that takes players on a heart-wrenching journey through the eyes of a family facing their child’s battle with cancer. This game, created by developers Ryan and Amy Green, is a tribute to their son Joel who tragically passed away from cancer at the age of five.
The Concept
The game follows the Greens’ personal journey and uses a combination of real-life audio recordings and abstract visuals to portray the emotional rollercoaster of their experience. The game was designed to be an interactive poem, allowing players to experience the raw and intense emotions that the Greens went through during their son’s illness.
Gameplay
“That Dragon, Cancer” is not your typical video game with levels, challenges, and achievements. Instead, it is a narrative-driven game that focuses on storytelling and exploration. Players can navigate their way through the game, interacting with different elements and environments, and uncovering the story at their own pace.
The game also includes mini-games that provide a metaphor for the challenges the Greens faced, such as a maze representing the struggle to find a cure or a boat ride symbolizing the uncertainty of their journey. These mini-games add a unique and meaningful layer to the gameplay, making it a highly immersive experience.
Impact
“That Dragon, Cancer” is more than just a game; it is a deeply personal and profound tribute to Joel and his family’s journey. The Greens shared their story with the world, hoping to help others going through similar struggles. The game highlights the power of storytelling and how a video game can be a form of art to convey meaningful messages.
Reception
Upon its release in 2016, “That Dragon, Cancer” received critical acclaim for its emotional and thought-provoking storytelling. The game won multiple awards, including the BAFTA Games Award for Game Innovation and the SXSW Gaming Award for Most Impactful Game. It was also a finalist for the Game Developers Choice Awards and the Independent Games Festival.
Conclusion
“That Dragon, Cancer” is a beautiful and heartbreaking game that takes players on an emotional journey like no other. It offers a unique perspective on the struggles of cancer, raising awareness and empathy for families facing similar battles. The Greens’ decision to share their story through this game has created a powerful and impactful experience that will stay with players long after the game is over.
“The moment people started playing it, we realised that the game we’d made isn’t about Joel anymore. It’s about your story and your experience and what you bring to it.” – Ryan Green, Developer of “That Dragon, Cancer”
If you haven’t played “That Dragon, Cancer” yet, it is available on multiple platforms, including PC, Mac, and iOS devices. Prepare yourself for a raw and emotional journey that will change the way you think about video games.
Sources:
- https://thatdragoncancer.com/about/
- https://www.theverge.com/2016/1/16/10775312/that-dragon-cancer-review
- https://www.polygon.com/features/2016/3/2/11143540/that-dragon-cancer-game-developer-ryans-greens-joel
Warning: “That Dragon, Cancer” deals with heavy and emotional subject matter and may not be suitable for all audiences. Please proceed with caution.
System Requirements
Minimum:- OS: Windows 7 or higher
- Processor: 1.80GHz dual core processor
- Memory: 2 GB RAM
- Graphics: Video card with 512MB of VRAM
- Storage: 5 GB available space
- Sound Card: Yes (Headphones highly recommended)
How to Download
- Click the "Download That Dragon, Cancer" button above.
- Wait 20 seconds, then click the "Free Download" button. (For faster downloads, consider using a downloader like IDM or another fast Downloader.)
- Right-click the downloaded zip file and select "Extract to That Dragon, Cancer folder". Ensure you have WinRAR or 7-Zip installed.
- Open the extracted folder and run the game as an administrator.
Note: If you encounter missing DLL errors, check the Redist or _CommonRedist folder inside the extracted files and install any required programs.