Kate Edwards joins Take This to continue mental health advocacy in the gaming industry

Earlier this month, Kate Edwards joined the board of directors at Take This, a mental health advocacy group in the games industry. In some ways, it’s an extension of her previous work as Executive Director of the International Game Developers Association, where she advocated against crunch time and championed diversity.

Take This is a non-profit that focuses on raising awareness and providing education around mental illness. In addition to commissioning white papers and studies as well as organizing panels and presentations, it also provides “safe spaces” called AFK rooms at conferences or conventions where people can take a break when they feel overwhelmed. The AFK rooms are quiet places staffed by volunteers as well as clinicians to help with people who might be, as an example, experiencing anxiety from the crowds.