That Dragon Cancer →

Mechanical sequences, like a racing minigame in a hospital corridor, serve as symbolic representations of the grueling and often repetitive nature of long-term medical treatment. 2. A Study of Faith and Doubt

That Dragon, Cancer is a point-and-click documentary game created by Ryan and Amy Green as a memorial for their son, , who was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor at age one and passed away at five. It is widely regarded as one of the most sophisticated examples of interactive storytelling, using the medium of video games to explore the raw, unescapable reality of grief and faith . 1. Subverting Player Agency That Dragon Cancer

Players engage in mundane tasks—pushing Joel on a swing or feeding ducks—but are eventually met with scenarios where their actions have no impact, such as trying to soothe a crying, inconsolable Joel in a hospital room. Mechanical sequences, like a racing minigame in a

Unlike traditional games where players seek power and mastery, That Dragon, Cancer intentionally frustrates agency. It is widely regarded as one of the

The game provides a deeply personal and candid look at religion, specifically the Greens' Christian faith. That Dragon, Cancer & Purpose