Press Release
August 26, 2025 — Kirkland, WA — Take This, a mental health nonprofit serving the game industry and community, is proud to announce the appointment of Warren Spector to its Board of Directors.
A renowned game designer and producer best known for his work on immersive sims like Deus Ex, System Shock, and Epic Mickey, Spector brings decades of creative leadership and a deep understanding of the game industry’s cultural and structural landscape. He is the co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of OtherSide Entertainment, where he leads ongoing innovation in the immersive sim genre. His insights will help guide Take This as it expands its impact on mental health advocacy and support across the gaming world.
The conversation around Spector joining the board began earlier this year at GamesBeat, where he participated in a fireside chat moderated by Dr. Kelli Dunlap, Executive Director of Take This. In that session, Spector shared his personal mental health journey and spoke candidly about the industry’s challenges in supporting emotional wellbeing.
“As someone who deals with my own mental health issues I know how little the game industry does to support developers and gamers who think and feel differently,” said Spector. “Take This is an organization devoted to changing that. I’m proud that they’ve asked me to join their Board of Directors and I look forward to helping them achieve their goals: helping people who need it and offering advice to companies that may not think about mental health as an issue they must deal with.”
Founded in 2012, Take This is the first nonprofit dedicated to mental health in the game industry and community. The organization supports both creators and players through a range of resources, mentorship programs, and direct services. Key initiatives include AFK Quiet Rooms at major conventions, mental health training for game studios, and the Accelerate mentorship program for early-career professionals at the intersection of mental health and games.
“Warren is a well regarded & respected leader in the games industry; and we’re honored to welcome him to our Board,” said Tanya DePass, Board Chair of Take This. “His dedication to advancing mental health in the game industry aligns perfectly with Take This’s mission, as we expand our reach and strengthen our commitment to the wellbeing of those who create and play games.”
Spector joins a board of professionals from across the games, tech, and nonprofit sectors who support Take This’s mission of decreasing stigma and increasing mental health support in games.
For media inquiries or interviews, contact:
Eugenio Vargas
Eugenio@TakeThis.org
About Take This
Take This is a mental health nonprofit serving the game community and industry. Since 2012, Take This has provided education, support, and resources to improve the mental well-being of everyone who plays and makes games.