Gris: The Seven Stages of Grief Gamified

Gris isn’t just a game—it’s an experience. A quiet, melancholic journey that strips away traditional gaming mechanics and instead immerses players in an emotional landscape that mirrors the process of grief. Developed by Nomada Studio and published by Devolver Digital, Gris is a stunning example of how video games can be more than just entertainment—they can be art, therapy, and storytelling at its finest.

But what makes Gris truly special is the way it gamifies the seven stages of grief, transforming emotional struggle into an interactive odyssey. From the absence of color in the beginning to the gradual restoration of the world, every step of Gris aligns with the emotional turmoil of loss.

Denial – A World Stripped of Color

The game begins with Gris, a young woman, falling into an empty, colorless world. She tries to sing, but her voice is gone—an immediate metaphor for loss. She stumbles forward in silence, as if unwilling to accept what’s happened.

Denial in grief is often marked by shock, numbness, and the inability to process reality. In Gris, this is visually represented by the monochrome landscape and the protagonist’s fragile state. Players feel the weight of isolation, mirroring the experience of denial in real life.

Anger – The Red Storms of Frustration

As Gris pushes forward, the world begins to introduce the color red, accompanied by violent storms and unstable terrain. This section of the game forces players to struggle against strong winds, unstable footing, and an overwhelming sense of frustration.

This perfectly aligns with the anger stage of grief, where emotions surge uncontrollably. Whether it’s anger at the universe, at oneself, or at the situation, this phase is tumultuous. Gris captures this intensity without a single spoken word—just raw environmental storytelling and emotional music.

Bargaining – The Fleeting Hope of Escape

In the next phase, Gris gains new abilities, such as the double jump, symbolizing her attempt to regain control. The world shifts to yellow, with floating platforms that feel like they could collapse at any moment. The feeling of uncertainty is strong—much like the bargaining stage of grief, where the mind clings to ‘what-ifs’ and desperate attempts to rewrite reality.

In this phase, players might feel a false sense of progress, only to encounter setbacks, mirroring how bargaining can bring fleeting hope but no real resolution.

Depression – The Weight of Loss

Blue seeps into the world, and the music becomes heavy and sorrowful. The environment slows down, and Gris moves through vast, empty spaces filled with water. Swimming mechanics are introduced, creating a sensation of being submerged—a direct metaphor for the drowning feeling of depression.

This stage is hauntingly beautiful yet overwhelmingly lonely. The game doesn’t shy away from portraying the deep sorrow and exhaustion that comes with grief, making it one of the most emotionally striking sections of Gris.

Testing – Learning to Move Forward

As Gris moves through her journey, she gains new abilities, signifying small steps toward acceptance. This phase of the game introduces the color green, lush growth, and more stable platforms. The gameplay shifts from struggle to curiosity, encouraging exploration rather than mere survival.

In grief, testing is the stage where one begins to experiment with new ways of living, finding small glimpses of hope. Gris illustrates this with softer music, more inviting environments, and less resistance from the world around her.

Acceptance – Reclaiming the Voice

The world is now rich with color, and Gris finally regains her voice. This moment is powerful—her song rebuilds the environment, strengthens platforms, and lifts her into the sky. The overwhelming sense of peace in this stage is a stark contrast to the struggle that came before it.

Acceptance in grief doesn’t mean forgetting or moving on—it means learning to live with loss. Gris conveys this beautifully, showing that healing is not about erasing pain but embracing it as part of the journey.

More Than Just a Game

Gris is a masterclass in emotional storytelling. Without a single line of dialogue, it speaks volumes about grief, resilience, and the beauty of healing. It resonates with anyone who has experienced loss, offering a quiet, introspective space to process emotions in a way that words often fail to do.

For gamers who appreciate artistry in their interactive experiences, Gris is essential. It’s not about winning or losing—it’s about feeling. And in a world that often moves too fast, sometimes a game like Gris reminds us to slow down, breathe, and embrace the emotions that make us human.

Gaming and Life—A Seamless Connection

Gaming isn’t just something you do—it’s part of who you are.

A game like Gris lingers long after the credits roll, just like your favorite stories, characters, and moments stay with you. At No Time to Win, we celebrate that connection with apparel that’s as effortless and expressive as the games you love. Explore our collection and find something that feels just right, whether you’re unwinding after a long session or heading out into the real world with a bit of that magic still with you.