search
  • Blog
  • Expert Content
  • Mental Health Resources
  • Industry
  • About
  • Programs
  • Events
  • Get Involved
  • Donate
  • Contact
Take This Logo
  • About
  • Programs
  • Events
  • Get Involved
  • Donate
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Expert Content
  • Mental Health Resources
  • Industry
Open Search
Close Search
Menu

The First Tree Tells a Lovely Story of Loss Through Dreams of Foxes

By Nissa Campbell · September 18th, 2017 · Video Games

Games about loss, grief or letting go are part of a growing genre with remarkable entries like Dear Esther, What Remains of Edith Finch and That Dragon Cancer to recommend it. The First Tree joined that company last week.

On the surface, it’s a game about a fox looking for her missing kits. You explore gorgeous environments while listening to beautiful, relaxing music on that search. But while that’s going on, The First Tree also tells the story of a man who plans to reunite with his estranged father. Through narration, creator David Wehle ties those two narrative threads together into a brief, lovely experience.

Source: The First Tree

According to Whele, the game has been a creative outlet for dealing with the stresses and wonders of fatherhood as well as the recent loss of his own father. As for why that story is best told through an allegory of a mother fox, he explains, “I love seeing intimate, domestic stories juxtaposed next to epic, origin-of-life stories, because in my mind they’re not that dissimilar. Microcosms next to macrocosms allow us to gain perspective in a way that was hidden before. Basically, The First Tree is a story about families.”

Wehle also created Home is Where One Starts, which also explores a narrator’s childhood and tragedy through relaxed wandering.

The First Tree is available now on PC and Mac through Steam.

Share This:

View related posts: loss, The First Tree, video games
  • Blog
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Entertainment
    • Featured
    • Friend
    • Helping Friends
    • Helping Yourself
    • News
    • Other Issues
    • PTSD
    • Research
    • Self Care
    • Social Skills
    • Stigma
    • Stories
    • Suicide
    • Take This
    • Therapy
    • Video Games
Take This Logo

9805 NE 116th St
Suite 7411
Kirkland, WA 98034

Take This, Inc. 2019
EIN: 46-3882735

TwitterFacebook

Take This is a mental health nonprofit decreasing stigma and increasing support for mental health in games.

We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit mental health organization providing comprehensive resources and support that is tailored for the unique needs of the game development community and embraces the diverse cultures and issues of the game community. We combine clinical best practice with a love of all things gamer, providing a safe, accepting space for gamers and developers. We work in a spirit of partnership with other organizations addressing these issues among game enthusiasts, streamers, and creators.

Seek Help Donate
  • Press and Media
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
©2019 Take This