Educational Media Reviews Online

When video game designer, Ryan Green, and his wife learn that their son has terminal cancer, he begins crafting a video game, “That Dragon, Cancer,” not only to deal with his own grief but also to help others who may be in a similar situation. Thank You for Playing documents two years in the life of the family as they struggle with real-world trauma and as they try to figure out the best way to express a serious situation in a virtual realm.

Thank You for Playing is effective in a couple of ways. On the one hand, it follows the Green family as they deal with the grief surrounding the diagnosis. They have other young children and must also help them understand the eventual demise of their young brother.

But Thank You for Playing also explores the possibilities of game design and challenges the notion that video games are primarily for entertainment and escapism. At one point, Ryan brings “That Dragon, Cancer” to a video game conference to demonstrate it, and the reactions of the average game player reveal the emotional impact a game can have.

Thank You for Playing covers a lot of ground in its 80 minute run time without feeling overwhelming and can spark plenty of discussion about the possibility of video games being an art form and a source of healing.