How to Improve Mental Health in the Video Game Community

Eve Crevoshay is the Executive Director at Take This, a mental health research, advocacy, and training nonprofit serving the game community. She's a 20-year veteran in the nonprofit sector with experience in education, social services, and the arts. Eve sits on the advisory boards for the Fair Play Alliance, the Game Developers Conference (GDC), and The International Game Summit on Mental Health. In 2022, she received the inaugural GamesBeat Up and Comer award, and in 2022, Eve was awarded the Games for Change Festival Vanguard Award. In this episode… A July 2023 Statista reports that the total amount of video games sold in the US was $4.19 billion. Video games play an intricate part in people's lives and help with stress relief, relaxation, and mental stimulation. Unfortunately, bullying trends in the industry affect players and game developers. So, is it possible to design mindful products that protect mental health? According to Eve Crevoshay, managing director of an organization focused on mental health in the gaming industry, technology has finally caught up with the issue of toxicity in video games and the gaming community. With this knowledge, companies' interest in safety is now a top priority. However, the creation of a toxic-free culture begins with leadership. Management can implement solutions such as setting working hours and boundaries in work contracts, designating quiet spaces, and offering resources and information on mental health. Eve also advocates for self-care in the gaming community, including adequate sleep, healthy eating, exercise, and finding your safe space.  Join Lizzie Mintus in this episode of the Here's Waldo Podcast as she interviews Eve Crevoshay, Executive Director of Take This, to discuss mental health in the gaming industry. Eve addresses the Bungie lawsuit, how gaming companies can design toxic-free video games, and building a work culture of inclusivity and positive mental health.