Looking back and looking ahead

What a year 2024 was! Vanessa and Michael experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. You may already know that we started BetterPlay in 2022 with a vision to radically change the way we approach video games. We did this because we believe the medium can provide healing for millions of individuals struggling with mental health. Although, the way we've approached this vision has evolved, we continue to have fidelity to this vision and to our community.

Now, with 2024 in the books and 2025 emerging from the horizon, we're poised more than ever to make a difference.

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Let's look back at 2024:

• In March, we launched our prototype at KOZEE.games, signing deals with numerous talented and “mental health conscious” indie developers, creating a robust web app with a small but mighty team.

• At the same time, both Michael and Vanessa lost their day jobs and, to be honest, had to figure out life for ourselves and our families. (It all worked out for the best though.)

• Vanessa Lane went fulltime at BetterPlay starting this summer. We also brought several others into the fold, including our Coordinator, Olivia Farrell, Dev Nair in Business Development, and Jourdyn Murry in Marketing.

• We continued to benefit from our terrific team of advisors, including Bob Welch, Kelly Zmak, and especially John Sutyak - who stepped up in a big way during crucial times for BetterPlay. A sincere thank you to all of our mentors for their generosity of time and attention.

• We have been working with Dr. Nick Bowman from Syracuse University to refine the theoretical and scientific basis for our app. Including running tests with several universities (announcements coming soon).

• The bulk of 2024 was focused on fundraising as we look to move forward with a more advanced and refined product centered on mobile. We are currently in the diligence process with a few funds and continue to field interest from investors, even in a challenged venture environment.

• Other highlights include: Winning Eastern Michigan University's ECE Pitch Challenge, Supporting the Charles E. Kubly Foundation at their annual Beyond the Blues event, Vanessa flying a plane while being interviewed about BetterPlay, and Michael speaking at a lively panel (and hanging with many devs with games on KOZEE) at MDEV

• Finally - check out Michael's list of his top 10 games this year. It's an annual tradition now!

Haven't connected with us in a while? Let's change that in 2025!

A sincere thank you to our community for your continued support.

Michael and Vanessa, Co-Founders, BetterPlay Studios