TAKE THIS INC

Our mission is to decrease the stigma, and increase the support for, mental health in the game enthusiast community and inside the game industry. Our vision is a game community that welcomes and supports people experiencing mental health challenges, and that recognizes the humanity and mental health of game creators.

We are a 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 to normalize mental health challenges, change industry practices, and empower individuals to take the steps they need to heal.

Take This is actively expanding its footprint and visibility within the industry, helping game enthusiasts, publishers, platforms, and developers create a healthier, more supportive culture that promotes mental health. We also serve game enthusiasts broadly with our resources, panel appearances, awareness campaigns, and work with streamers. Our programs and projects support these efforts in the following ways.

- AFK rooms: Safe, calm and supportive spaces where gamers can get away from convention and expo craziness.
Industry Research & Partnership: Research, action plans, and game industry-wide standards regarding mental wellness.
- Consulting: Customized mental health consultation & support for developers.
- Game Consulting: Advising on the portrayal of mental illness in games & strong community management. The Dr. Mark Award recognizes excellence in this area on an ongoing basis.
- Ambassador Program: Frontline, grassroots innovators and motivators in Take This’ campaign against the stigma of mental health issues in the game community.
- Information: Expert information and resources for those seeking help.
- Advocacy: First-person accounts and celebrations of how games and the game community support mental health.
- Evangelism: expert appearances on podcasts, streams and other media, and panels at conventions and events.

Take This is led by an eight-member board with deep game industry experience. Our three-person management structure features experts in the fields of nonprofit fundraising and management as well as psychology. These core staff are supported by part-time field experts, including many clinicians, in both paid and volunteer roles, leading to a robust network of individuals supporting the mission. The budget has grown by 100% from 2018 to 2019, representing a significant increase in support from game developers, publishers, and platforms.

We also partner with other organizations in the game industry and mental health fields to increase our reach, ensure relevancy, and bring best practice to our work. Partners include the Fair Play Alliance, International Game Developers Association, American Association of Suicidology, Crisis Text Line, and others. Finally, through our Streaming Ambassador Program, we work with streamers to amplify our message and demonstrate best practices for supportive, positive online interaction about mental health.

Since our founding in 2013, Take This has created its AFK Room Program and Dr. Mark Award, released its white paper on crunch practices (long hours of work enforced over long periods of time), Crunch Hurts, launched its inaugural class of streaming ambassadors and engaged in a number of partnerships.

In 2019, Take This will be releasing a follow-up white paper on the state of the game industry relative to mental health, with planned partnerships to develop policy and practice recommendations applicable industry-wide. We will also be expanding our AFK Room and Ambassador programs to spread our message of acceptance and support, and announcing the next winner of the Dr. Mark Award for games.