Square Enix staff talk Black History Month

Three members of the Square Enix team share their experiences of working in the games industry, Black History Month and the games that matter to them.
Por Square Enix

Black History Month is an important reminder of the strength, importance and contribution of people of color across all walks of life, including the games industry.

To celebrate this, three Square Enix staffers talk about their careers, what this month means to them and what they’d say to people of color who want to work in the industry.


Rich Briggs, Executive Director, Publishing Strategy Team

What does BHM represent for you?

To me, Black History Month is primarily about three things: Celebrating the accomplishments and progress that have been made so far; highlighting under-represented voices to showcase their unique talents and point of view; and acknowledging that there is still more work to be done as we strive toward equality and equity.

How did you get into the games industry?

I’ve been a gamer since I was 5 years old, and always knew that I wanted to work in the industry.

After graduating college with a Marketing degree, I began writing freelance game reviews to build up my credibility and experience. I cold-called Sega about six months after they launched the Dreamcast, and my timing was fortunate, in that they were planning to post a job opportunity for a Junior Product Manager.

I landed the role, and my first day in the industry was attending E3!

What’s your favorite game and why?

Up until November of last year, it was the original FINAL FANTASY VII. I’ve always been an RPG fan, and the game felt like a watershed moment for both the genre and gaming in general. From the moment the camera panned out to show me Midgar, I wanted to exist in that world, and I played for 37 hours straight before finally falling asleep on the floor.

However, two-and-a-half decades later, God of War Ragnarok has claimed the title. As a parent, the story brought me to tears, and more importantly I can’t think of a single wasted button press. I’ve logged over 50 hours in the game, and every minute felt like a masterclass in game design.

How are you planning to celebrate Black History Month this year?

Every year I try to learn a little more from both established and new voices of color. It’s also important to share this practice of learning with my kids. Fortunately, their school is incredibly active during and supportive of Black History Month, so these days I end up learning more from my kids than they do from me!

What historical figures or events do you celebrate during Black History Month?

Other than Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., there isn’t a specific figure or event that I focus on. Instead, Black History Month acts as a reminder of how important it is to celebrate Black culture, Black voices, and Black history, both the darker and the brighter times.

What are some ways people that aren’t Black can help support Black History Month?

I think one of the most powerful things that people can do is educate themselves. No matter what form that education takes, it makes it much easier to be an advocate and a supporter. When the awareness and recognition that’s normally associated with Black History Month becomes part of a person’s mentality and persists year-round, that’s when real change is made.

What advice would you give people of color that want to be part of the games industry?

The first step is to understand yourself: What are your natural skills? What kind of work brings you joy? Once you understand what you want to do, and what you can bring to an organization, it’s much easier to find a role that will be a good fit, and that you have a better chance of landing.

The second step is to differentiate yourself, usually by creating something (whether artistic, written, technical, etc.), so in an interview you can point to tangible proof of your expertise and passion.

Our industry has become so mainstream, people can contribute in countless ways. Find the way that suits your personality and skillset, and then find a unique way to communicate that to others.


Capri Johnson, HR Talent Acquisition Specialist

What does Black History Month mean to you?

To me, Black History Month, is an opportunity to further reflect, appreciate and celebrate the richness of black culture.

How did you get into the games industry?

I found the gaming industry by chance. Almost a year ago now, I found myself searching for jobs, that align with my experience. I was lucky enough to find Square Enix as an introduction to the gaming sector. It’s been a joy!

What’s your favorite game and why?

In all honesty, I haven’t been the biggest gamer in the past. However, since I’ve joined Square Enix, I figured it’d be wise to take a look at why people go crazy for our games. My cousin is a huge fan of the FINAL FANTASY series, so I’ve started there, but still need more time to decide which game I enjoy the most!

How are you planning to celebrate Black History Month this year?

This year, a friend and headed to a Black History Festival event on the 19th.

What historical figures or events do you celebrate during Black History Month?

To me, the Civil Rights Movement is an incredible period to reflect on and appreciate. However, black museums, music, and movies; truly anything uplifting, are things I make time to appreciate a bit more in February.

What are some ways people that aren’t Black can help support Black History Month?

Initiate discussions surrounding the black experience. Support Black-owned businesses. These are two of my favorites.

What advice would you give people of color that want to be part of the games industry?

I would encourage the idea of going for whatever you’re after within this industry. The important thing is preparation. Preparation can be joining internship programs, attending job fairs and any type of networking or educational event to better understand the gaming landscape.

But in simpler terms, connecting with as many people who are currently situated in the industry is also extremely helpful.


Osa Odiase, Product Marketing Manager

What does Black History Month mean to you?

It’s a time to look back and see how far the world has come.

How did you get into the games industry?

I’ve been a gamer my whole life. With a bit of luck, I landed a rotational position on Xbox. The rest is history.

What’s your favorite game and why?

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. After dying 2,764 times every run, you start to understand ways to reduce that number by one each time. You start to understand when to dodge, when to parry, and when to run for your life. After a while, you start to feel like the main boss.

How are you planning to celebrate Black History Month this year?

I’ve never really treated it like a celebratory period, but more of an acknowledgement of the past. I’m more interested in where the world will go from here.

What historical figures or events do you celebrate during Black History Month?

I don’t want to narrow it down to a few, because then it may come off that I’m disregarding the others. It takes a village and I’m grateful to all the people, regardless of race, that helped create the America that I grew up in.

It’s not perfect, but I love the idea that everyone is on this same journey to make it better.

What are some ways people that aren’t Black can help support Black History Month?

I don’t think I can answer that question, given that Black History Month has many different meanings for many different people.

From my perspective, I’d say we should use the data we have at our fingertips to learn from our past and create a better tomorrow. A bit cliché, but it’s always possible for our tomorrow to be better than our today.

What advice would you give people of color that want to be part of the games industry?

Luck = Preparation + Opportunity. Keep growing and improving in your craft.


Many thanks to Rich, Capri and Osa for sharing their insight, experience and advice. If you’d like to come work with us too, be sure to check our career site for current opportunities:

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