Watch Thank You for Playing

Thank You for Playing is a heartwarming and emotional documentary film that follows a family's journey as they navigate the challenges of creating a video game while dealing with their young son's terminal illness. The film is directed by David Osit and Malika Zouhali-Worrall and stars Amy Green, Ryan Green, and Josh Larson. The film follows Ryan Green, a video game developer, and his wife Amy, as they care for their son Joel who was diagnosed with terminal cancer at a young age. Ryan and his team at the indie game studio, That Dragon, Cancer, set out to create a video game that would help players understand and relate to the experience of living with a terminal illness.

The documentary offers an intimate look into the family's life as they face the reality of Joel's diagnosis and the challenges of creating the game. Through interviews with the family members, colleagues, and experts in the gaming industry, the film explores the themes of grief, love, and the power of art to help us cope with difficult situations.

One of the remarkable features of the documentary is the incorporation of scenes from the game itself, which offers viewers a window into the family's experiences and emotions in a unique way. The game is designed to be a meditative experience that allows players to explore Joel's journey through a combination of real-life experiences and metaphors.

The film delves into the complex process of game development, from the early ideation stages to the final release. It highlights the challenges of designing and coding a game that is emotionally charged but still engaging and entertaining for players. It also offers a fascinating insight into the indie video game community and the challenges that small studios face in an industry dominated by big-budget franchises.

Throughout the film, Amy and Ryan are remarkably open and vulnerable about their experiences, sharing their innermost thoughts and fears with the viewers. They also offer a candid look into their relationship and how they support each other through difficult times. Their story is a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of art to help us heal.

Thank You for Playing is a unique documentary that offers a glimpse into the life of a family dealing with a terminal illness while creating a work of art that serves as an emotional tribute to their son. It is a powerful and moving film that is sure to leave a lasting impact on viewers.

Thank You for Playing is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 61.