A Composer’s Conviction in the Age of Automation
Nobuo Uematsu, the legendary composer behind Final Fantasy’s iconic soundtracks, has made his position on generative AI unequivocally clear. In a recent interview with JASRAC Magazine, Uematsu stated he has “never used AI and probably never will,” emphasizing the intrinsic value of human creativity and the rewarding nature of artistic struggle. This declaration comes at a time when AI integration in creative fields is accelerating across multiple sectors.
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The Philosophy Behind the Music
Uematsu’s perspective extends beyond mere preference, touching on fundamental questions about art and authenticity. “I think it still feels more rewarding to go through the hardships of creating something myself,” he explained. “When you listen to music, the fun is also in discovering the background of the person who created it, right? AI does not have that kind of background though.” This human element—the story behind the creation—remains central to his artistic philosophy.
The composer further elaborated on the beauty of human imperfection in musical performance: “Even when it comes to live performances, 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 celebration of variability stands in stark contrast to AI’s consistent but potentially soulless output.
Industry Context: Square Enix’s Aggressive AI Stance
Uematsu’s position becomes particularly significant when contrasted with his own publisher’s direction. Square Enix CEO Takashi Kiryu recently stated the company will be “aggressive in applying AI” and other cutting-edge technologies. This corporate strategy has already manifested in projects like Foamstars, whose producer Kosuke Okatani admitted the development team “dabbled” with AI implementation.
The gaming industry’s broader technological transformation reflects similar patterns seen across other sectors. According to a report from Japan’s Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association, over half of Japanese game companies are now using AI in development, indicating a significant industry shift that makes Uematsu’s stance particularly noteworthy.
Broader Technological Implications
Uematsu’s comments arrive during a period of rapid technological advancement across multiple industries. While he remains skeptical about AI’s role in core composition, he did acknowledge potential applications in technical aspects of game music, suggesting composers could work on “smoothly transitioning between different pieces” and that “perhaps AI will be able to handle something like that well in the future.”
This nuanced view recognizes that while AI might assist with technical challenges, the creative soul of music should remain human. The composer’s perspective aligns with ongoing discussions about balancing innovation with authenticity in creative industries.
The Future of Game Music
Uematsu has become increasingly vocal about musical direction 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. His commitment to innovation within human creativity remains unwavering, as evidenced by his confirmed return to the Final Fantasy 7 Remake series for a new theme song for the trilogy’s final installment.
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The gaming industry’s evolution continues to be shaped by both operational improvements and creative debates. Meanwhile, developments in resource management and global positioning demonstrate how various industries are navigating technological transformation while maintaining their core values.
A Human Legacy in a Digital World
Uematsu’s stance represents more than just personal preference—it’s a defense of artistic humanity in an increasingly automated landscape. His position challenges the industry to consider what might be lost in the pursuit of efficiency and technological advancement. As AI continues to transform creative fields, Uematsu’s commitment to human craftsmanship serves as a reminder that the most resonant art often emerges from struggle, imperfection, and the unique perspective only human experience can provide.
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