The renowned composer of the Final Fantasy saga, Nobuo Uematsu, has expressed his strong opinion on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in music creation during a recent interview with JASRAC Magazine. Although technology has allowed for the emerging appearance of “musicians” generated by AI, such as The Velvet Sundown, Uematsu claims that he has never used this tool and probably never will.
A complete disinterest in it
Uematsu argues that music produced by humans has instabilities and peculiarities that make it unique. “What makes it sound so satisfying are precisely those fluctuations and imperfections,” commented the composer. This perspective is part of a broader critique of the evolution of music in video games, where he points out a concerning trend towards more “Hollywood” styles and the lack of originality in current compositions. According to him, the use of AI tools can inhibit composers by preventing them from delving into their personal experiences and expressing unique aspects of their creativity.
Although Uematsu acknowledges that AI could be useful in certain technical aspects of music creation, such as the smooth transition between sounds, he emphasizes that the creative process remains more rewarding when musicians are allowed to face their own challenges. “When you listen to music, you also enjoy discovering the background of the person who created it. AI doesn’t have that kind of story,” he stated.
Regarding technological innovations in audio production, Uematsu mentioned achievements such as studio recording and binaural audio, which has already been implemented in Final Fantasy X. However, there are questions about how players will react to these innovations in the future, raising a debate about the future of music in video games.
