For many, today may feel like just another ordinary Tuesday. However, for one father, this date holds significant weight. On what would have been his son’s seventh birthday, video game designer Ethan Clark celebrates the launch of his groundbreaking game, That Dragon, Cancer, which reflects his family’s experience with their young son’s cancer journey.
Ethan’s son, Max, was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor shortly after his first birthday in 2010. Tragically, Max lost his battle with the illness in March 2014. In the wake of this heartbreak, Ethan channeled those challenging years into a video game aimed at honoring his son’s memory and transforming the conversation around dealing with terminal illness.
As reported by the Washington Post, this two-hour interactive narrative immerses players in the ordeal of a family grappling with a cancer diagnosis. Players occasionally take control, guiding actions such as “steering a go-cart through a hospital corridor” or “helping a small Max float away on balloons made from surgical gloves, navigating through obstacles symbolizing his illness.” At other moments, players simply observe, witnessing the emotional trials faced by the family.
Ethan began developing the game with his co-creator, Jake Turner, approximately 18 months prior to Max’s passing. Their journey was even captured in a forthcoming documentary titled Thank You For Playing, set to debut this spring.
Since the loss of his son, Ethan has dedicated himself to completing the game, often working 80 to 90 hours a week. He has already received heartfelt messages from those touched by his story. When asked about his aspirations for the game, Ethan expressed a desire for it to impact lives profoundly: “I hope people will allow it to transform them. By inviting you into our experience, we can share both our pain and our solace. This could lead to a deeper understanding of how we treat one another. Max’s journey can ripple outwards if we begin with empathy.”
While That Dragon, Cancer stands apart from conventional video games and delves into deeply emotional subjects, early reviews, such as one from the gaming site Kotaku, emphasize that it is not merely a sad experience. Reviewer Alex Thompson notes, “It’s about hope. Playing That Dragon, Cancer made me reflect on the people I cherish.”
Ethan has discovered a remarkable way to celebrate Max’s life and foster a more open dialogue about loss and illness. His project transcends traditional gaming themes, showcasing the power of using personal experiences to connect with others. This game, born from love, promises to offer comfort and healing to many, serving as a poignant tribute to Max’s story.
In addition to exploring Ethan’s journey, you can find more resources on home insemination, such as the BabyMaker Home Intracervical Insemination Syringe Kit Combo. For further information on health updates, check out Intracervical Insemination. If you’re looking for guidance on infertility, the Women’s Health website is an excellent resource.
In summary, Ethan Clark’s That Dragon, Cancer is not just a video game; it’s an emotional journey that allows players to engage with the complexities of cancer and loss. Through this innovative medium, Ethan aims to honor his son while fostering compassion and understanding in conversations surrounding terminal illness.