Veteran Composer Takes Stand Against AI in Music Production
Nobuo Uematsu, the legendary composer behind the iconic Final Fantasy series, has publicly rejected the use of generative artificial intelligence in music creation, stating he hasn’t used the technology “and probably never will.” According to reports from JASRAC Magazine, Uematsu’s position comes as AI becomes increasingly integrated into game development, even within his own publisher Square Enix.
The Human Element in Creative Expression
When discussing his perspective on AI in music composition, Uematsu emphasized the intrinsic value of human creativity. “I think it still feels more rewarding to go through the hardships of creating something myself,” the renowned composer stated. He further explained that part of the enjoyment of music comes from “discovering the background of the person who created it,” something he believes AI fundamentally lacks.
Uematsu elaborated on the distinctive qualities of human-produced music, noting that “music produced by people is unstable, and everyone does it in their own unique way. And what makes it sound so satisfying are precisely those fluctuations and imperfections.” This perspective highlights the artistic value he places on human variability versus algorithmic precision.
Industry Context and Square Enix’s AI Direction
Sources indicate that Uematsu’s stance contrasts with the direction of his publisher, Square Enix. Last year, company CEO Takashi Kiryu stated Square Enix would be “aggressive in applying AI” and other cutting-edge technologies. This commitment was reportedly demonstrated when Foamstars producer Kosuke Okatani admitted the development team had “dabbled” with using AI.
The broader gaming industry appears to be embracing AI integration, with analysts suggesting significant adoption rates. According to a report from Japan’s Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association, which organizes the Tokyo Game Show, over half of Japanese game companies are now using AI in development. This trend reflects broader market trends toward technological integration across creative fields.
Uematsu’s Evolving Perspective on Game Music
The interview, covered by Automaton, reveals that Uematsu has become increasingly vocal about the direction of game music in recent years. In a 2024 interview, he expressed concern that game music has become too similar to film scores and “cannot develop further” if continuing in this direction.
Despite his criticism of certain industry trends, Uematsu confirmed he has no plans to retire from video game composition. He has already committed to returning to the Final Fantasy 7 Remake series to create a new theme song for the final installment of the trilogy, ensuring his distinctive human touch will continue to shape the franchise’s musical identity.
Balancing Tradition and Technological Advancement
While firmly rejecting AI for his personal creative process, Uematsu did acknowledge potential applications for the technology in gaming. When discussing advancements in game music, he suggested that AI might eventually handle technical aspects like “smoothly transitioning between different pieces” of music during gameplay.
This nuanced perspective comes amid rapid industry developments in artificial intelligence capabilities. As related innovations continue to emerge across sectors, Uematsu’s stance highlights the ongoing tension between technological efficiency and artistic authenticity in creative fields.
The full interview with the celebrated composer is available through Automaton Media, with additional context provided by JASRAC Magazine.
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