In honor of UK Black History Month, BEAT UK is bringing you some magic in the form of a few black creatives in gaming you NEED to know - Black History Month and beyond, we think they’re pretty magical. Together, united by their love for gaming, they offer a spread of talent and capability as they continue to make Black History and pave the way for others who come behind them. To each and every Black creative from the UK and beyond, we see you, we value you, we thank you!

Meet [Stephanie - Nnesaga]

“Being a gamer has allowed me to escape reality when life gets too much. My love for gaming has allowed me to build a platform & a community that helps continue to create a safe spaces for gamers that like me, felt like they never belonged”

Meet [Jay-Ann - Black Girl Gamers]

“I love gaming because it's my stress relief and escapism, it allows me to experience people's minds and imaginations.  It also offers me a way to connect with people all over the world where otherwise I probably wouldn't have developed such amazing friendships.”

Meet [Midas - Mr Midas]

"Being a gamer is part of my identity, a badge of honour and the best escape for me. A glimpse of greatness in a crazy world."

Meet [Justin - King Jae]

“Gaming allows me to feel included, competitive and happy. I can learn and become better at making decisions while making new friendships.”

Meet [Timi - The Nerd Council]

“For me, as a lover of RPGs and Action games, gaming is an interactive way of telling stories where the journey from beginning to end differs from player to player. It's the ultimate escape for the imagination.”

Meet [Tianna - Tianna Mercedes]

“Gaming is more than just playing video games to me, it's more like an escape from the real world. A break and fresh air from everything going on in life. When I turn my console on, I forget about the outside world and that is why it is so important to me.”

Meet [Correy - MC Fixerr]

''For as long as I can remember all I wanted to do is fit in. After playing video games online and finding communities, gaming they became a huge part of my life, without video games I wouldn't know some of my best friends and wouldn't have had some of the life changing opportunity I've had.''

Meet [Danielle - Ebonix]

“I love gaming because it has opened up a world of opportunities, relationships and a life I couldn’t have imagined. Gaming has become more than just playing a game to me. I am actually creating content for a game I love, and providing content which enables others to see themselves represented. This is something I’ve wanted to achieve for so long, and it’s so beautiful to be able to do this for myself, but be an inspiration to future gamers and game developers to come.”

Meet [Kai - Kxngviii]

"Gaming to me is more than just the game, it's the people who create the games - the communities that are built. One thing I'm very grateful for is the people that I have been able to meet throughout the years."

Meet [Mary - Shegamerxo]

"Gaming is my life. I've always had so much love and passion for it since I was a child. Gaming allows me to freely express myself and test my capabilities. Gaming gave me an escape from whatever was going on in my life growing up, and allowed me to explore different parts of myself. My taste and interest changed as I grew older and found myself, but my love and passion for gaming remained the same"

Meet [Sunim - Sunpi]

"Gaming for me is the perfect escape. I love to explore new worlds and stories with great characters and it lets me visit exciting places from the comfort of my own home "

Meet [Triona - Toxi Moxi]

“I love gaming because it's helped me become more social as I'm quite shy, both gaming and streaming have given me the confidence to talk to new people and have great conversations about our shared interests. I've met so many friends through gaming. Ever since I was young, playing video games was always my favourite thing to do because I could sit for hours and hours on an RPG and connect with the characters, their emotions & also experience amazing storytelling and even now that feeling hasn’t changed.”

Meet [Stefano - Mr Bonkz]

"I love gaming because it keeps me connected to my childhood and allows me to connect with players all over the world. Gaming means a lot to me because I've been connected to games from a very young age and when immersed in a game it becomes a different universe all together that opens up my mind to greater creativity and imagination."

Meet [Selina - SelinaSims]

“I love gaming for many reasons despite the excitement and laughter. Gaming is my safe haven when life gets tough, it has brought light to my life when my mental health was dark.  I specifically love The Sims, it allows me to become creative with storylines that I and hopefully others can relate to as a young black woman and express myself throughout. Gaming is a passion of mine and it brings so much joy knowing there are others who enjoy what I create”

Meet [Cassandra - CasCandy]

"I love gaming because it allows me to escape. It has helped me overcome so many things in life, as well as meet new people in London and around the world."

Meet [Gary - Hidden Lair]

“Gaming has given me a space to be creative, challenge my boundaries and grow friendships through adventure and teamwork. In lockdown, gaming allowed me to continue growing my relationship with friends and provided a positive beacon of fun and laughter in my life.”

Meet [Sheila - BrownSugarSaga]

Gaming means a lot to me. Aside from it being my favourite pastime, it’s a wonderful stress relief. I love the creativity behind the games itself. I really appreciate the art style and graphics. I’ve met so many great people by just playing the same games, we’re now great friends. It’s my favourite hobby, it allows me to play with my friends and face new challenges in the game. I also enjoy submerging myself in the different stories each game has to offer. I enjoy being part of a community and getting excited for the next game release.

Meet [Ash - ShogunAsh]

“I love gaming as a release. The sense of escapism, the ability to enter a new world and be who and what I want for a few hours at a time is unmatched. It brings people together, opens doors and provides spaces and opportunities that wouldn't otherwise be there. As a gamer, watching how video games drive innovation is the greatest pride and to look at how videogames and industry has shaped the world makes me incredibly proud of what I do.”

Meet [Cassie - GeekyCassie]

"For over 30 years, gaming has allowed me to shape and guide a story I can be in control of. A way to immerse myself into a world; embracing the suspension of belief. Gaming was the way that my family bonded and still keeps us together!"  

Meet [DeeDee]

"Gaming is something that allows me to really relax and enjoy myself especially after a hard day. Games really grab me with stories, the characters and overall playability and because of that it allows me to always be in another world."