2025 was a year of recalibration at Take This. We began the year with a commitment to slow down and strengthen our organization from the inside out. In a time when so much is uncertain and in flux, having a solid home base was essential for us to sustainably advance our mission of improving the mental well-being of gaming spaces through mental health awareness, education, and support.
Throughout the year, we stayed true to our core values and ensured all the information and experiences we delivered were closely aligned with our purpose. Looking back on 2025, this intentional approach to growth allowed us to build a stronger foundation for meaningful, lasting impact within the gaming community.
Some of our major accomplishments from 2025 included:
- Started a partnership with Pokemon to bring the AFK Quiet Rooms to three of their four international competitions. Pokemon reached out to Take This in early 2025 about bringing our AFK Quiet Room program to their major events. As Pokemon expanded on the role their events would play in the competitive card game community, they wanted to ensure they were caring for the mental health needs of their community as well. One of our volunteers who worked the event in New Orleans said “This has been such a wonderful experience…all I’ve seen is kindness and graciousness from staff and attendees…it has truly been healing and special.”
- Delivered AFK Rooms to six different events across the country, serving over 8,000 people between our AFK Quiet Room and the Hope Booth. Our overhaul of the Hope Booth brought record-breaking foot traffic to the table and the organization. We’ve been slowly developing a collection of handouts specifically for parents looking to bring the joy of gaming to their children in a safe, healthy way.
- Completed the first season of Accelerate with all 10 fellows successfully delivering their capstone projects. The first season of the mentorship program was so impactful on both mentors and mentees that most of them have stuck around to act as peer mentors to the season 2 fellows. A group of current and past fellows are currently working together on a game jam, completely separate from the work they are doing with Accelerate.
- Successfully launched season 2 of Accelerate after securing the funding required from our generous supporters at Riot Games and Unlikely Collaborators. Our staff worked hard compiling the data needed to show the impact that season 1 of Accelerate had on both mentors and mentees, and the potential the program has to shape the future of mental health and games. Season 2 is well underway, and with the feedback and support of the season 1 fellows, it is proving to be a vehicle of change.
- Collaborated with community partners to support fundraising efforts. We worked with over 20 companies, individuals, and streamers through livestreams, portion of proceeds relationships, and direct sponsorships to advance our mission.
- Launched Pixel Patrons, Take This’s monthly giving program. Pixel Patrons had 40 supporters this year who collectively donated thousands of dollars to support Take This programs.
We’re excited to carry this momentum forward into 2026. We’re looking forward to serving our community through more AFK Quiet Rooms, streaming events, and community gatherings, bringing the season 2 Accelerate fellows to GDC, and continuing to educate and advocate for better mental health conditions and considerations in the gaming industry through our workshop and outreach programming.
Kelli Dunlap, PsyD
Take This Executive Director