Does Square Enix Actually Own the Names of White and Black Mage in Final Fantasy?
It’s well-known that the roles White Mage and Black Mage are deeply connected to the Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) universe, a fact often pointed out by Final Fantasy fans. One insightful commentator mentioned that “Mage” is a general term, suggesting that specific color-coded magical identities like “Black” or “White” aren’t exclusive to any one source. The origins of these characters can be traced back to the fantasy themes developed in the 1970s by D&D, which implies that Square Enix may not have full rights to these terms. Players have noticed that the shift from D&D to series like Final Fantasy isn’t merely a tribute but an advancement of an existing storyline structure. In essence, this argument suggests that using these names in games or writings could be socially acceptable—if not legally protected—due to their broader cultural significance.