That Dragon, Cancer STORY & ENDING EXPLAINED 

This game is painful to watch and play, the helplessness of the father is something some of us will face one day.

my mother deals with stage 4 bone cancer and Joel's wails of pain and him hurting reminds me of my mother when she has her surgery's and her radiation treatment and the pain she feels whenever she tries to walk or eat this game broke me everyone please cherish your loved ones no matter what.

Jacksepticeye's playthrough of this game was the first time I'd heard of it, and it made me sob. I'm glad you took the time to do a video on it, as it is beyond beautiful and bittersweet.

This game broke my heart. As somebody who has several younger siblings I closely took care of since they were babies, I wouldn't imagine what I would do if something like this happens. And I'm not even the parent. Such a hard story. 💔

I remember this game from the game awards

Hello, medical student here. The hearing loss isn't due to the cancer itself, but a side effect of platinum-based drugs such as cisplatin (Platinol) and carboplatin (Paraplatin). Chemo is cytotoxic and damages healthy cells along with the diseased cells. The aforementioned medications can damage the cells in the inner ear, hence the hearing loss. I got my patient contact hours as a CNA/HHA at a hospice/LTCU. I never had any children under my care, so I can't say anything about the unique issues that surround a child with a terminal illness. But I've been around children dealing severe, acute illnesses or injuries. Joel's cries were pretty spot on . My heart goes out to anyone, patient or caregiver, dealing with a similar situation. Please, don't hesitate to ask a hospitalist or case manager about resources that are available. Don't neglect yourself. Caregivers need a strong support system just like the individual who is sick needs a support and care.

This game will always hold a special place in my heart. I always refer to cancer as the dragon simply because of this game

I am 19 years old, and less than a year ago, I was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer… It’s hard for me to watch stuff about cancer nowadays because I’m going through it. Thankfully there are options such as radiation and Immunotherapy that I’m thankfully qualified for, once my chemo treatment stops working (I tried it initially but the cancer was too advanced that it didn’t work initially. There are cases where there are people who did Immunotherapy, switching to chemo when it didn’t work, and switching back once chemo stopped working, only for it to finally work.) Despite what I’ve been through, I keep on living, because I still have tomorrow. Even if I died suddenly, at least I could say that I lived. I pray for those struggling with cancer. I know how it feels.

God I was not ready for this video. When it deals with loss like that I cannot handle that pain.

As a person that haven't understood what pain really feels like, makes it hit and struck my heart with a sharp object, but to no avail i can't see it...

I've never once in my entire 24 years cried to a video game, but I can't stop the tears no matter how hard I try right now. I lost 2 loved ones to cancer so it feels like my unhealed child inside feels the pain that their parents burden. It took years to get past it and even then some I can't help but remember them.

This game is honestly a piece of art and its beauty

I watched it all. I couldn’t stop crying for the entire video. Truly a beautiful game. I wouldn’t have been able to get through it myself

Your storytelling along with your voice and editing is such a credit to you. You've managed to get a game that's played for a few hours and take us on the same journey and make it just as powerful. A huge credit to you and I love your other videos and the mature feeling you have towards these games

I remember when markiplier played this a few years ago and I cried watching the whole thing…it’s worse now having a child of my own…even worse this poor little guy died the day I turned 24 😞😢 I’d never be able to narrate this video I’d be too emotional

Sorry I couldn't watch this. Hits so close to my life I just kept crying .

That was one of the games that made me cry, is really painful, but i can't deny that it hits right in the feels.

this made me realize 2 types of humans, one believing, and has a lot of faith and hope even when they know there's no way, hiding their emotions, while the other one accepts what's gonna happen, even if they don't want it to, showing what they feel this is just what I thought watching this video

This gutted me to watch as a mom but I'm glad this exists and that you covered it, if it helps others not feel alone in their pain it's worth the tears

Wow, so incredibly sad. It breaks my heart that there are so many people who are living this🖤

I knew this game would make me cry, so I never watched any videos about it in the past Didn't take long for me to start crying after I started this video

Kissing my own child's little face and hugging them tight and crying at such a sad experience. Please love and cherish your loved ones, you just never know what beast will rise up to claim them.

Ohhh god this game is way too sad and hard to play knowing what it is rip joel a very lovely boy that has been taking away from his lovely and caring family at a young age

Most of my family members died because of the cancer... It's very scary and painful to see how many people are dying everyday because of this... The game is simple yet it's very emotional and sad

A sad game is a good change in pace. What a brilliant depiction of humanity's struggle

hearing the child cried made my hear break

As a two-time childhood cancer survivor, I've struggled to watch playthroughs of this game, especially the scene where they read the cards. I think I watched playthroughs three times before I was able to make it past that point. It all hits so close to home. But this story explained is so well done. It's done respectfully and with so much meaning. I'll cry everytime I visit this game but you've done such a wonderful job explaining it. Thank you.

I'm 21 years old with no father and my mother died last year of Corona. So while its not the same, I understand the grief they went through to a degree. Thankfully I have other family and close friends of my mother. I only hope Joel's parents had the same support.

Very touching 8 myself suffered from a type of blood cancer called Malt lymphoma currently in remsson as it has gone due to radiotherapy treatment two lots

This is such an inspiring and emotional work of art ❤️ I can only hope that one day I'll be able to portray something as beautiful in my own game someday 🥺❤️

This by far is the most emotional games i have ever played and I played it 2 times and also watched Pewdiepie finished 2 times too,yet, i cried like a baby everytime

I remember watching playthroughs or this game watching the RU-vidrs and myself breaking down over the game. Thank you for reminding me of this game. I might play it soon on my own time.

I can connect with this game is someone in my family has stage four cancer it’s very sad for us but they’ve managed to pull through for the last two years and it’s very sad for me as they’ve been a really good person in my life

This hits home with me... my dad, grandma, and aunt have cancer. My bestfriend lost his battle with cancer he was only 25 and his death was really hard for me to deal with.

This game deserves so much more praise for being able to show the emotions of what this is like

My mother had breast cancer a year ago. It was really scary to watch her in pain. I remember seeing her in tears when she got the news. She’s better now, but it’s still a scary memory. It shows how anyone can get cancer at any time and any age.

I may be an asshole but this....broke me. I'm not so hard and dense as to not cry at this.

There is a peace in hopelessness and powerless😩

Good video. Can you try to do more connected universes please!

Goddamn..... I am not crying, just got sand in my eyes....

Sad I mean there's a person in my family my brother died due to drugs night I heard it I was balling I still have break downs thinking why I wish he came back

This game gives me goosebumps like the holy spirt touch me dude I am crying for the whole video

Not gonna watch the vid itself, I don't really like such topics but I'm sure it's great man!

Can you explain The Macabre Experiment series? Its so good

The first time I've watched anything about this game was Jacksepticeye and I cried my eyes out

18 mins a new record

been loving your videos some of my favorites on youtube!i would love to see you do a story explained in a recent game i found called C.H.A.I.N on Itch!its a indie game but has a really interesting concept.20 devs each making their own game with the same story in mind so u get to try out 20 different ps1 like horror games with a interconnecting story.Its really cool and ive played threw most of them now but would love to see you do a video explaining the story!

I am very sorry for there lost and I hope that there son is happy now in heaven or re born as a other person with a heather and happy life? I hope that one day they can all be happy again and at least they have one heathy kid? So that's something right? May be if they want they can foster more kids or do something else that makes them happy in the future? All I know is these that poor boy didn't deserve to die like that at all. Its just a shame that the world that we live in isn't far at all. Also How much does these game cost them to make?

You should review the amazing spider dad next

I have leukaemia and this made me cry thanks for posting! I have had since I was a child a late adult diagnosis in final stage and ten years later I am still not in remision

This literally made burst into tears. 😥

This game still manages to make me tear up everytime I can handle death but when comes to children dying can't handle it at all

Ohhhh boy I need to hear this story

I started crying 2 minutes in

I was calm till I heard that poor baby cry, then I just cracked. He suffered so much for long while, but at least he was able to finally Rest In Peace with no harm ever to come to him.

Just listening to this makes me feel deflated and depressed. If that's how I feel just to listen to this I can't even begin to imagine what it must have felt like

where are u dude we are waiting new videos its on my daily routine to watch your videos everyday

This is the fear that any future parent has when their wife is pregnant

Those screams AND WAILS my goodness I can feel every inch of that babies pain My stepfather passed who made sure I was in health and I saw him now sick and how cancer aged him. He was in so much pain I miss him so much.. Rip little buddy RIP STEPDAD YOUR SWEET PEA MISSES YOU 💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔

I only know about this game because Markiplier played it years ago

I've lost too many people to this kind of scenario. Like many others I watched Jack's original playthrough and at one point in the hospital I began crying uncontrollably as I saw Joel in the hospital. This is genuinely one of the saddest games ever and my heart always and forever goes out to anyone who has to deal with this - you're not alone.

This is really sad, I intently started crying after watching the rest of the video...😢

I was starting to cry just listening to the baby sobbing.

As I've lost one my closest friends very recently, I can imagine n relate most of the lines of the dialogues.

Half way through the crying i really wished he would be put to rest already, he was in pain for so long... I really hated to hear joel cry...

Damn I can't believe I wait five days to watch it after it came out I'm sorry for being late

This game is so painful and heartbreaking it burns my heart so bad no child has to bear suffer this fate i cant just express how miserable im feeling right now for this child im crying so hard but im happy this game was created for us of all the pain they went im congratulating them for their game and i wish them a truthfull joyful ending

I had a friend of my mom who died of cancer. When she died me and my family found out that she died my mom started to feel depressed. We're better now but we still feel depressed sometimes, I hope no one else even children have to experience this. Rest In Peace Amanda (That was the friends name)

I cried multiple times watching this

Watching this game broke me. I was crying so much

Can u pls explain Asura's wrath game story?

ah yes rivers of tears my old friend

When I first saw this game it hit me hard, though I never had anyone with this. My sister was born with alot of her organs having issues. When you know that you can lose somone at anytime you feel scared. Knowing there is nothing you can do for them. Though my sister has beat the odds, and still lives till this day. It is still a scary thought to know. One day you could wake up and they wont be there.

May Joel's family find solace and peace, and may their surviving children live with Joel's memory in their hearts.

I didn’t play the game but this was so painful

Wow

This game is had a very hurtful story, if loss. I have tried playing the game, but I always break down. Living through the loss is hard. this game depicts the emotions that my family and I went through.

I'm conflicted,I love and hate this game at the same time,the art and story is just beautiful,but at the same time shows the brutality of a 5 year old,yes,he was only five when he died,so much pain and anguish a child especially so young should NEVER have to deal with,around the time of his second diagnosis of the cancer coming back,I just start crying,R.I.P Joel,you're in peace,no more pain ;.; :)

This game is really tough, no no no no no, this life situation real life situation is hard and very emotional that it shows how people cope with these events and it is different. I understand the hopelessness of the father but his wife is right, it is better to float with hope than drown with dispare. It is okay to feel hopeless but it is the best to cope with better ways but again this has been done and no one can control someone"s emotion. All we can do is say and try to apply it in our lives.

This game always hurts me I lost my aunt to cancer

Dude I am drunk af and u made me cry 😑

You prooobably shouldn’t have used a bloodstain for the thumbnail.

I started crying at the end 😭

This game is sad 😭

please make hotline miami 2 i really want to know what happens.

I know my pfp and username makes me seem like some kind of joke I get it, but I just have to get this off my chest. TW: Death, Cancer, Suicidal Ideation, mentions of hospitalization for mental health, etc. Please proceed with caution. My grandma had cancer. For context I’m an asian-american living in a city and my grandparents lived in rural southern indiana. I was in fourth grade and I was crying about it to my friends. We were reading a book called Kira Kira I think, about a japanese-american family dealing with racism and their eldest having cancer. In it, there’s a myth. There’s a myth that tells of the gods being merciful, if you make 1000 paper cranes then you get a wish granted. My best friend Ava told me that we were going to get that wish granted, that we were going to save my grandma. She was one of the best friends I would have ever had and I am so grateful she’s in my life. I wish I could’ve been a better friend to her. Me, her, and one other of our friends god a bunch of post-it notes and started making a bunch of paper-cranes in class, and my teacher allowed it. We made about 416 cranes before the doctors said that my grandma was cancer free. I was overjoyed and told my friends that the gods had already granted our wish. They were happy for us and made my grandma some cards. My family enjoyed the couple months we had before the doctors said it was back, and much much worse. My grandma said she was going to get through it. I told my friends again and we started making more cranes. She died before we could give them to her. We were 624 cranes in. And the thought echos in my head, what if I didn’t slack off, what if I didn’t take a break from making the cranes because I thought it was fine, what if I made them anyway so that another wish could be that she never got cancer again. But the thing is, she fought all the way to the end. I remember playing with my little sister who was around 2-3 at the time in front of my grandma’s hospital bed. We were having a tea party. My little sister brought her a tea cup and told her that once she gets better, they can have an actual tea party. I don’t think she remembers saying that though. And my grandma, hooked up to a heart monitor and IV bag, who was struggling just to keep her eyes open and even move anymore, smiled and took the tea cup from my little sister. And then it hit me. I’ll never see her again. I’ll never be able to go to a museum with her so she can tell me all about the folklore there. I’ll never be able to make her a drawing and have her hang it up right above her desk. I’ll never be able to play with her hair or make her a cake or even hug her. I’ll never be able to do anything again with her. That night, my dad told us that she probably wasn’t going to make it to the next time we came to visit our grandparents. I was so angry. I was furious. I started yelling and screaming and crying and throwing stuff. Telling everyone that she was going to get better and how it wasn’t fair that she’s the one dying. That the doctor’s should have tried harder to save her, that she should be cured. My older sibling was crying too, but in the silent acceptance sort of way. They grabbed my shoulder and sat me down on my bed. They said that they were sorry. They said that I shouldn’t have to bear the burden of being full of so much love and that I had to accept it. I cried into their arms until I fell asleep. That was the only time my older sibling ever initiated a hug with me. Now my grandma sits above a picture frame of all the photos she ever took with her grandchildren. Right next to that collage there sits an incense burner, overfilled with ash and the nubs of the sticks that were there before sticking out like a porcupine. I burned all of the paper cranes me and my friends made. Then we dumped the ash into the lake. I didn’t cry then. After that I became as much of a delinquent as any fourth grader could be. I would start fights with kids, punch and kick people when they made the slightest move I didn’t like, and got sent to the principal’s office so many times that they were about to suspend me. One day, after I was sitting outside the principal’s office again, I broke down into tears. My favorite teacher ever, my older sibling’s science teacher came and sat with me. I cried to him about how my grandma is going to be so disappointed in me, and he paused and said “That’s the only thing you’re worried about?” And I said yes. I said that if someone was going to insult my friends then they should pay for it. I don’t care what kind of trouble I get in, but I know my grandma would be sad that I was hurting another person. The science teacher only nodded his head and gave me a hug. When I eventually was in middle school and in his class, child protective services was called on my parents. He stayed with me and let me play on a laptop while I was waiting for my mom to finish screaming at the cps officer. Ever since then, he and his wife had been taking care of me at school, whenever I was sad, I was given some space and his wife would come over to his classroom to come comfort me. I never got to be adopted by them, and I never told them I wanted to be. But they were the closest thing to parents I had and I’ll always be grateful for that. My friend Ava sat next to me one day and gave me a paper crane while I was crying again. She said that the teacher told her to go check in on me. I didn’t respond to her until she scooted ever next to me and gave me a hug. I started crying even more. I told her that I would never be able to come out to my grandma and that I would never be able to tell her that I could date someone of the same gender. I cried to her about how she could never be able to see me or Ava ever again, and that my grandma would have loved her. She simply patted me on the back as we hugged and saying “I know, I know. It’s hard. You can do this.” The truth is, I haven’t been able to get through it properly. I’ve been in and out of hospitalizations for my depression and PTSD, and I don’t really talk to Ava anymore. And this game/video stressed me out even more. It scares me that cancer runs through my family. My older sibling and dad were both told by doctors that there’s a chance they might have cancer and that they will probably have it in the future. I don’t think I’d be able to handle another one of those. And that got me thinking, this is what my parents will have to go through again if I killed myself. And I don’t want that. I want to live. I want to be happy again. Thank you for reminding me of that. I’m glad you made this video. Sorry this was so long

How many times did you cried while playing this game?

This is so sad :(

😢😢😢😢😢😭😭😭😭😭 THIS IS SO SAD!!!

this game is so heartbreaking and heartfelt. that said i struggled a little getting through the really heavy-handed Christian stuff. i totally get why the family would turn to their faith in crisis, and since this is meant to be their story, i understand why it was included in the game. i even genuinely loved the climactic scene where, amidst a cacophony of prayers and organ sounds in a dark church pulsing with cancer, Joel dies... only for the camera to swing up to reveal that even there, all along, was the dove that represents the holy spirit. damn, that was powerful. but idk why, sometimes when they were discussing their faith -- esp the mother -- their blind belief that all would be well was hard to get through.

My Mom had cancer (the good kind) in/on her thyroid gland, & her doctor accidentally discovered it

Hey sailor no satoka nightmare mode is out

;-; i started crying

Ive expierenced this dragon. And still to this day i cant play or finish watching this games playthrough.i saw what it did to my close friends mother. To think that could happen to child brings me to dark place.hence this game breaks me. The emotions and metaphors hit hard and are very accurate. Rip joel i hope the game ending is true. God i hope its true.

sad 😔

This is sad

I have a disease its ibd (inflammatory bowl disease)

I couldn't finish this video. It's too much. Sorry

where evil Joel is we hope he lays in a happy place 😭

🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺😖