In what is an ordinary Tuesday for many, it marks a significant occasion for one father. Today, on what would have been his son’s seventh birthday, game developer Michael Adams is launching a groundbreaking video game titled “That Dragon, Cancer.” This game details the emotional journey his family faced following their young son’s cancer diagnosis.
Michael’s son, Noah, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain tumor shortly after his first birthday in 2011. After battling the disease for three years, Noah passed away in 2014. In honor of his son, Michael transformed the profound challenge of those years into a video game designed to reshape conversations around terminal illness and grief.
As reported by the New York Times, “That Dragon, Cancer” is an interactive narrative experience lasting approximately two hours. Players engage in various activities, such as maneuvering a go-cart down hospital corridors or guiding a small Noah, depicted floating with balloon-like surgical gloves, through obstacles that symbolize his illness. Other moments in the game allow players to observe the family’s emotional responses to their trials.
Michael began developing the game with co-creator Sarah Mills about a year and a half before Noah’s passing. Their journey was chronicled in a documentary titled “Thank You For Playing,” which will premiere this spring. Since Noah’s death, Michael has dedicated himself to this project, often working 80 to 90 hours a week to ensure its completion. He has received messages from numerous individuals expressing how profoundly the game has impacted them. When asked about his aspirations for the project, Michael stated, “I hope this game will encourage people to reflect on their own experiences and foster empathy. Our aim is to share both our pain and our comfort with others.”
While “That Dragon, Cancer” addresses heavy and heart-wrenching themes, early reviews, such as one on gaming platform GameSpot, emphasize its underlying message of hope. Reviewer Jenna Smith noted, “This game is not merely about sadness; it reminds us to cherish our loved ones.”
Michael Adams has crafted a unique tribute to Noah’s life and has opened the door to more authentic discussions surrounding loss and illness than ever before. The game transcends traditional gaming narratives, serving as a powerful testament to how personal experiences can be transformed into art that provides solace and healing. This heartfelt endeavor is a fitting way to preserve Noah’s legacy.
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In summary, Michael Adams’ creation of “That Dragon, Cancer” provides a transformative way for families to engage with the realities of cancer, encouraging empathy and understanding through interactive storytelling.
Keyphrase: Innovative cancer game for families
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