Take This, a mental health nonprofit serving the game industry and community, has announced 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, Warren 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, part of Aonic, 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.
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.”
Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of OtherSide Entertainment, Warren Spector
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.
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 well-being of those who create and play games.”
Tanya DePass, Board Chair of Take This
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.
