The renowned Final Fantasy composer, Nobuo Uematsu, has raised a concerning issue in the video game industry. According to Uematsu, developers’ inclination towards imitating Hollywood blockbusters in their video game soundtracks is hindering the advancement of video game music. He expressed his views during an interview with the Japanese outlet NewsPicks, where he highlighted how the industry has become complacent with movie soundtrack-like music in games. This trend, as Uematsu pointed out, poses a threat to the development of game music, potentially leading to a point where it cannot progress any further.
Uematsu reflected on the early days of his career, emphasizing how hardware limitations served as a source of inspiration for creativity. He mentioned the constraints imposed by devices like the NES and SNES, where composers had to work within limited memory capacities. Even the loading time of CD-ROMs on the original PlayStation played a role in shaping his approach to composing tracks. These challenges forced Uematsu to find innovative ways to create music that would not impact gameplay, such as using compressed samples to reduce loading times during crucial moments in games.
The composer highlighted the shift from hardware-restricted platforms to more advanced systems like the PlayStation 2, which opened up endless possibilities for composers. While this newfound freedom allowed for experimentation with different genres and styles, Uematsu argued that it also contributed to a stagnation in video game music. He suggested that composers need to go beyond imitation and explore their unique creative potential to produce truly innovative and engaging soundtracks.
Uematsu emphasized the importance of creativity and individual expression in video game music production. He discouraged the use of AI-generated music, stating that creating music that resonates with players requires a personal touch and emotional depth. Drawing from his own experiences, Uematsu advocated for composers to delve deep within themselves to find unique aspects that can be reflected in their music. This personal connection, he believed, is what ultimately elevates video game soundtracks and makes them memorable for players.
As a testament to the power of human-made music, Uematsu praised the era of 8-bit games where music played a crucial role in conveying emotion and atmosphere. He recalled how music in games like the original Final Fantasy served as a vital component in capturing the essence of virtual worlds. Uematsu’s own contributions to the Final Fantasy series, spanning from its debut in 1987 to the present day, showcase the transformative impact of music in shaping players’ gaming experiences.
Uematsu’s insights shed light on the evolution and challenges facing video game music. While advancements in technology have granted composers unprecedented freedom, there is a pressing need for innovation and originality in creating soundtracks that resonate with players. By encouraging composers to tap into their unique artistic abilities and push the boundaries of traditional music composition, Uematsu advocates for a revitalization of video game music that transcends imitation and sets new standards for creativity in the industry.
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