Tech

This gorgeous video game is one father's tribute to his 5-year-old son who died of cancer

Dave Smith

2016-01-12T15:00:00Z

Everyone deals with tragedies in different ways.

Ryan Green, a programmer and game developer who lost his 5-year-old son Joel to an aggressive brain tumor in March 2014, has dealt with his loss by inviting others to share in his experience.

Green has created a video game unlike anything else you've seen or played. "That Dragon, Cancer," released Tuesday on various platforms, isn't about jumping on platforms or beating bad guys; it's an exploration of what it's like for a family to lose a child to cancer.

You might be thinking: "Wow, that's terribly sad. I don't think I'd ever want to experience what it's like to lose a child." In that case, it might help to know that the game isn't only about loss. It's also about love and the ideas of hope and faith.

"That Dragon, Cancer" features 14 episodes that each play out over five to 10 minutes.

You're introduced to Joel as a baby and witness various stages of his life — fun things like riding the swings on the playground, or spending a precious moment with his mom or dad.

You can't see many details in the characters' polygonal faces, but this abstract quality helps players empathize with the situation.

The idea is that you'll grow attached to Joel, whose voice is supplied by real-life recordings of Joel, as he experiences both highs and lows.

That includes doctor visits and bouts of radiation therapy.

The story at the heart of the game is deeply sad, but the game itself is beautiful, poetic, and unique.

It's not just about loss; it's about celebrating life and understanding the emotional roller coaster of seeing a loved one battle cancer.

Watch the full trailer for "That Dragon, Cancer" below.

You can also buy “That Dragon, Cancer,” right here.

Gaming Cancer