Navigating Mental Health in the Gaming Industry: Breaking the Stigma With Kate Edwards

The Here's Waldo Podcast

Kate Edwards is the CEO of Geogrify, a niche consultancy providing geocultural and geopolitical content strategy to help clients reach a global audience. She is also the Co-founder and Chief Experience Officer of SetJetters, which aims to revolutionize the film tourism experience with its location-based app. An award-winning gaming industry veteran, Kate’s career spans over 30 years working with premier companies, such as Microsoft, the International Game Developers Association, and Global Game Jam.

In addition to serving on several boards and advisory roles, Kate is a geographer, corporate strategist, and writer. She’s been inducted into the Women in Games Hall of Fame, and in 2021, Forbes named her one of the 50 over 50 in the Vision category.

In this episode…

In the fast-paced and immersive world of the gaming industry, where creativity and innovation thrive, there's an often-overlooked aspect that deserves attention: mental health. Why is it crucial to acknowledge the prevalence of mental health challenges within the gaming community?

Individuals in the gaming industry face unique challenges that can impact their well-being. Seasoned industry veteran Kate Edwards reveals that addressing mental health is one of the first steps in the process. Open conversations about mental health help normalize discussions, making it easier for individuals to seek support without fear of judgment. However, creating supportive work environments involves implementing policies that prioritize mental health. This can include flexible work hours, mental health days, and access to counseling services. The gaming community itself can be a powerful source of support. Initiatives that promote mental health awareness, such as support groups like Take This, can provide a sense of community for individuals facing similar challenges. By sharing experiences and coping strategies, gaming community members can strengthen their collective well-being.

In this episode of the Here’s Waldo Podcast, Lizzie Mintus welcomes Kate Edwards, CEO of Geogrify, to explore mental health challenges in the gaming industry. Kate talks about Take This and its resources, the importance of addressing mental health issues, and how she survived imposter syndrome.