Award-winning game developer Amy Green spoke at a TEDNYC Conference, February 2017. Green shared how developing That Dragon, Cancer helped her family heal after the loss of her youngest son, Joel Green, to terminal brain cancer.
Green, along with her husband and a group of committed developers, created a videogame titled That Dragon, Cancer. The game is inspired by the experiences and feelings of the Greens, and it takes players on a metaphorical journey of their doubts, fears, and hopes during their son’s battle against terminal brain cancer. This game not only shares what the Greens experienced, but also puts players in the Greens’ shoes as they attempted to fight an unwinnable battle.
“Playing the game is a mercy to anyone who has ever lost someone dear to them.” – thinkChristian
Video games are increasingly being utilized to help those who grieve. Results from a study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania in collaboration with SupperBetter Labs show that after a six-week period, participants who played the mobile game Super-Better have on averaged eliminated six symptoms of depression.
For more information about grief support services in central Florida, or how to support kids dealing with the loss of a loved one, please visit the New Hope for Kids website. New Hope For Kids’ purpose is to bring hope, healing and happiness to children and families suffering from grief.