Nobuo Uematsu emphatically stated that he has never used artificial intelligence (AI) and has no intention of doing so.

The famous Final Fantasy composer did not mince words when asked in an interview with Jasrac Magazine what he thinks about using generative AI in music composition. Experimental applications of the technology in the arts have already produced AI “musicians,” such as The Velvet Sundown, raising the question of whether a veteran like Uematsu would find generative tools appealing—or feel threatened by their ability to spin up melodies so quickly.

Uematsu said he has never used AI and probably never will. He believes music made by humans is unstable, with everyone doing it in their own unique way. It’s precisely these fluctuations and imperfections, he argues, that make sound so satisfying. He has previously voiced concerns about the changing face of video game music—warning last year about a wave of game directors content with Hollywood-style scores—and added that AI tools can prevent composers from digging deep to find and express what’s unique about themselves.

Uematsu recently lamented stagnation in game music, saying too many composers imitate John Williams. He seems to want a stranger, wilder middle ground in game scoring. By definition, generative AI cannot create anything that doesn’t reflect its training data, while human artists excel at striking, imperfect expression. In his view, the industry’s issues are creative, not technological. He feels a major milestone was reached when musicians could use studio recordings in games; another was binaural audio, implemented as early as Final Fantasy X. Whether players will demand this going forward is another question.

He acknowledged that AI tools can assist composers with certain aspects—such as smoothing transitions between timbres—but he still finds more joy in wrestling with creation himself. When we listen to music, part of the pleasure is discovering the creator’s background… something AI doesn’t have.

Source: PCGamer, Jasrac Magazine