Creative Director / Toy & Game Inventor
Role: Game Mechanic, Design, & Manufacturing Consultant
Client: 22Squared / The No Pause™ Project
Created in collaboration with 22Squared, No Pause™ The Game was part of a pro bono campaign challenging toxic masculinity and the emotional damage caused by “pause culture.” The agency had a strong creative vision, and we were brought in to consult on game mechanics, design, and manufacturing — helping turn the idea into a fully realized, conversation-starting experience.
Through humor and reflection, players earn “confidence” points by calling out the absurd social rules men impose on themselves — from how they eat a hotdog to the way they express emotion. It’s playful on the surface, but rooted in reshaping the conversation around masculinity and mental health.
Launched on Men’s Mental Health Day 2024, the game has been used by community orgs across the country to spark open dialogue — and was honored with Gold at the MUSE Design Awards for its bold message and innovative format.