Industry veterans are increasingly talking about AI.
In a recent interview with JASRAC magazine, Final Fantasy series composer Nobuo Uematsu shared his thoughts on his career, the development of music in video games, and its future. He paid special attention to the topic of generative artificial intelligence in music, stating that he "has never used this technology and probably never will."
Looking back at the history of game music, of which he himself is a part, Uematsu highlighted the key stages of its development. In the NES era, music was created from simple melodies, chords, and bass lines. With the development of technology, composers were able to use samples, layer sounds, and create richer tones. However, according to Uematsu, unlike the graphics in games, which continue to develop rapidly, music in video games has already reached its peak.
Touching on the topic of generative AI, which allows you to create music with just a few commands, Uematsu expressed skepticism.
I have never used AI and probably never will. For me, the process of creating music with my own hands brings more satisfaction. When you listen to music, part of the pleasure is in discovering the story of the person who created it. AI has no such story. Even at live performances, music created by people is unstable, everyone performs it in their own way. It is these fluctuations and imperfections that make it so attractive.
